What is the California Bicycle License Plate?

The California Department of Public Health is working with partners, Friends of the CAL Bike Plate, to create a DMV special interest license plate to support cycling as a way to stay physically fit. The plate will promote cycling as a physical activity, create safe places to ride through cycling advocacy, support earn-a-bike programs for at-risk youth, conduct safety and share the road education programs for drivers and cyclists.

Who can pre-order these plates?

Anyone who has a current California-registered vehicle including automobile, truck, trailer, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle may order the California Bicycle License Plate.

How much do the plates cost?

Sequential license plates (plates with an alpha-numeric sequence generated by the CA DMV) are $50. The annual renewal fees for sequential license plates are $40 plus your normal annual registration renewal fees. Personalized license plates cost $103. Annual renewal fees for personalized license plates are $83 plus your normal annual registration renewal fees. A 3% non-refundable convenience fee will be added to this transaction

Where will the fees go?

Your purchase of the plate will generate grants to promote cycling as a way to stay physically fit, promote cycling as a physical activity, create safe places to ride through cycling advocacy, support earn-a-bike programs for at-risk youth, conduct safety and share the road education programs for drivers and cyclists.

Grants will be available to statewide coalitions, community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, county health departments and other organizations.

Are the fees tax deductible?

A portion of the Plate purchase price and renewal fee is considered a charitable contribution and is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.  For questions about your taxes, consult a tax professional.

If I already own a personalized plate, can I keep it?

Yes. Converting from another specialized license plate will cost the same as setting up a new California Bicycle License Plate, $50 for a sequential numbered plate or $103 for a personalized plate.

I currently have a different specialized license plate.  How can I switch to the California Bicycle License Plate?

If your current personalized plate has two to six characters, you can exchange it to a CA Bicycle Special License Plate for an auto, commercial vehicle, or trailer. If your current personalized plate has two to five characters, you can exchange it to a CA Bicycle Special License Plate for a motorcycle. You may not exchange a regular series license plate number, a sequential license plate number from another Special License Plate program, or a configuration with a special character, such as a star, heart, hand, or plus sign (i.e. Kids license plate).

How long will it take to get the plates?

CDPH has 12 months to collect the required 7,500 pre-paid applications. If 7,500 applications are not collected in this initial 12 months, CDPH may request a 12-month extension to continue collecting pre-paid applications. If a 12-month extension is requested, CDPH must notify applicants of the extension.

After 7,500 pre-paid applications are collected and submitted to the California DMV, the DMV will begin the new plate program implementation process which can take up to an additional 12 months.

For sequential license plate orders, when the order is processed, the license plate will be assigned to the vehicle indicated on the order and mailed out, which may take 7 to 12 business days.

For personalized license plate orders, the review and production of the personalized plates may take 10 to 12 weeks and will be distributed to the DMV or an Auto Club office indicated on the application. Once received by the designated office, a post card will be sent out notifying you that they are available for pick up.

Will I be able to give these plates as a gift?

Yes. You may give the California Bicycle License Plate as a gift. Click on the order plate now button, complete the web form, and fill it out on behalf of your gift recipient.  The person receiving the gift must have a current California registration for the vehicle they are planning to use the plates on.

What will you do with the information I provide on the order form?

The California Department of Public Health does not share your information or send you unsolicited emails/mailings or make unsolicited phone calls to you.  You will have the option to sign up for emails from friends of the California Bike Plate, Felt Bicycles, California Bicycle Coalition, Cycle California! Magazine, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Adventure Sports Journal.

What do I do if I move or have a change of vehicle before I receive my new California Bicycle Plate?
Email CABikePlate@cdph.ca.gov or phone David Bodick at (916) 324-1173 and we will assist in updating your information.