Drivers can now pimp out their rides by adding a specialty charity plate.

Specialty license plates are designed for a specific organization, and a portion of the purchase fee goes toward that organization.

The amount of money that goes back toward the organization varies depending on the organization, but is typically around $25.

“It’s also a great way to raise awareness for Girl Scouts,” said Cindy Kocol, director of communication for Girl Scouts – Sybaquay Council, about how benefits of these specialty plates are more than just receiving donations. She also said she feels it is a great way for people to find out about their Girl Scout Gold Award, the award equivalent to the Boy Scouts Eagle Scout Award.

Even though there are a variety of specialty plates to choose from, a vehicle owner cannot have two different types of plates on their vehicle – they must be matching.

“Ultimately the license plates are primarily for identification for law enforcement,” said Henry Haupt, deputy press secretary of the Illinois secretary of state’s office.

For an organization to create a specialty license plate, they must meet certain criteria. Only the General Assembly has the authority to approve a license plate, then it must pass in the chambers. If the chambers approves, the governor must also sign in order for it to pass into law, Haupt said.

Additionally, 850 people must sign up for a specialty plate through the secretary of state’s office or in some cases through the organization for it to actually go into production, Haupt said.


Other specialty license plates include: America Remembers, Education, Mammogram, Police Memorial, Pet Friendly and Prevent Violence. The entire listing can be found on the secretary of state’s Web site.

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