Oregon Zoo License Plate

Stand out from the herd with a brand-new Oregon Zoo license plate! Featuring an iconic Asian elephant and pink roses in honor of the city we call home, sales from the license plate will help us protect endangered species at home and around the world.

Get your Oregon Zoo license plate at any Oregon DMV starting Nov. 3, 2025!

About the art

Inspiration for the plate comes from the lush greenery of Oregon, Portland’s nickname of the Rose City, and the Asian elephant: an iconic species that represents the incredible conservation work happening at the zoo and around the globe.

Artist Jeremy Nichols’ stunning mural work can be seen around Oregon and beyond, often employing bold colors and realistic animals, using his platform to encourage the preservation of the natural world around us.

license plate art with Asian elephant reaching for roses

FAQs

How much does the Oregon Zoo license plate cost?

In addition to regular title, registration and plate fees, the Oregon Zoo license plate has a $40 surcharge due when first ordered and at each registration renewal. Additionally, you will need to pay a one-time plate fee and a replacement fee. For complete details, please visit the Oregon DMV website.

Approximately $35 of the surcharge goes back to the Oregon Zoo Foundation to support conservation education, species recovery and animal well-being at the Oregon Zoo.

Can I customize my Oregon Zoo license plate?

Yes! Like other Oregon license plates, the Oregon Zoo license plate may be customized for an additional DMV charge. Please contact the DMV for information on the application process.

If you choose not to customize your plate, you will be issued a number in the DMV’s local inventory when you redeem your voucher.

When will the Oregon Zoo license plate be available?

The Oregon Zoo license plate will be available at the Oregon DMV beginning Nov. 3, 2025.

If I buy a voucher, how do I get my plates?

After completing your online purchase, a paper voucher will be mailed to the address you provided.
Once the plates have been issued (Nov. 3, 2025), you’ll receive an email from the Oregon Zoo Foundation. Make an appointment online (do not purchase a plate online), and bring your original paper voucher to any Oregon DMV location to redeem. You will need to complete the appropriate DMV form(s) and pay registration and other fees due (contact the DMV for details). Vouchers can only be redeemed in person at the DMV. Important: You cannot redeem a voucher online. Please do not order a plate online if you have a voucher, as the DMV is unable to process refunds.
Your purchase of a voucher is a transaction between you and the Oregon Zoo Foundation. If your voucher is lost, stolen or damaged, contact the Foundation for a replacement.
The sale of the voucher is a fundraising activity of the Oregon Zoo Foundation. The DMV does not control the means or manner of selling and distributing vouchers.

I don’t have a voucher. How do I get the Oregon Zoo license plate?

Beginning Nov. 3, 2025, you will be able to purchase plates directly at any Oregon DMV office, by mail or online.

Can I transfer my current custom plate configuration to an Oregon Zoo license plate?

Yes, you can maintain your current custom 6-character configuration on an Oregon Zoo license plate, for an additional DMV charge. Applications for replacement custom plates are accepted at the DMV.

I do not live in or have a registered vehicle in the state of Oregon. Can I purchase a souvenir plate?

Souvenir plates are not available. Oregon Zoo license plates are only available with passenger vehicles registered in the state of Oregon.

How do I give the voucher as a gift?

To give the Oregon Zoo license plate voucher as a gift, sign as a purchaser and complete the bottom “Transfer of Voucher” section in the name of the person receiving the gift. Be sure that you also sign as the transferor in this section.

I lost my voucher, can it be replaced?

If your voucher is lost, stolen or damaged, contact the Oregon Zoo Foundation for a replacement.

The plates won’t be available until Nov. 3, 2025, but my registration expires this summer. What do I do?

No problem. Your vehicle registration and your Oregon Zoo license plate are two different things. Here are two scenarios:

Scenario 1: Getting a plate AND renewing your registration.
When replacing another type of plate with an Oregon Zoo license plate at renewal, you pay the registration fee for the vehicle type, the replacement transaction fee, submit a pre-paid voucher or pay the Oregon Zoo license plate surcharge and the plate manufacturing fee.

Scenario 2: I already have a plate and registration.
When you replace another type of plate with an Oregon Zoo license plate other than at renewal, you will pay the replacement transaction fee, submit a pre-paid voucher or pay the Oregon Zoo license plate surcharge and the plate manufacturing fee.