Malissa ShriverFrom Malissa Feruzzi Shriver
Chair, California Arts Council

It’s a crucial time for the arts in California. Our economy relies on creative minds, artistic organizations and innovative workers, yet our per capita state investment in the arts is the lowest in the nation. But there’s something each Californian can do to turn this around …


Help us reach one million plates!

One million cars with California Arts Plates would mean $40 million for the arts. That would put California near the top in arts funding rather than dead last. The Arts Plate sales and renewals are put into an account separate from the General Fund, so plate owners can be assured that their contribution goes to the California Arts Council for arts programs.

Buy an Arts Plate - help move California from last to first

Since the Arts Plate first went on sale in 1994 it has raised over $20 million for California arts through sales and renewals. Currently over 60 % of the California Arts Council’s budget comes from the Arts Plate.

Give an Arts Plate
for the Holidays

How can you support the arts this holiday season? Give the Arts Plate as a gift! You’ll need a little info from your loved ones – specifically the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of their car – but the rest of the process online through DMV is fairly straightforward.

Arts License Plate Gift CertificatePrint Gift Card 4x6



Standard plates (random number) will be mailed directly to the car owner’s residence within 4 weeks, and personalized (“vanity” plates) take 10 weeks to be manufactured and will be delivered to a nearby DMV for pick-up.

4 Steps to Order
an Arts Plate

Looking to get an Arts Plate for yourself or a loved one? Follow these simple steps.

1. Go to the DMV Specialty License Plate page.

2. Choose a sequential (random number) or personalized plate.

3. Fill out the form. Standard plate ordering requires the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

4. Purchase using a major credit card.