Here's the story behind those new black Colorado license plates
Miles BlumhardtColorado offers more than 50 special group license plates supporting different interests and organizations, and the previously retired black plate is taking the state by storm in 2023.
The standard green background with white mountain plate is by far the state's most issued, as it costs nothing beyond the regular plate fee.
But among the state's special plates, lots of Coloradans are opting to fork over an additional $25 for the black-out plate with white lettering. The added cost of each plate benefits the Colorado Disability Funding Committee.
Here's a look at the state's most popular specialty license plates, why Colorado State fans need to step it up compared to University of Colorado fans when buying their team plates and how much the new Keep Colorado Wild vehicle registration fee has generated.
What's the story behind the new Colorado black license plates?
The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles released three throwback, or retro, plates — black, blue and red — on Jan. 1. It released a historic green and white plate on July 1, 2022.
The retro black background plate is based on the 1945 Colorado license plate. The blue background plate is based on the state's 1914 plate and the red from its 1915 plate.
The retro green plate is based on the 1962-1999 plates.
Here's how many of these plates have been sold Jan. 1 through July 31, according to the department:
- Black: 65,017
- Green and white: 3,259
- Blue: 2,663
- Red: 2,438
These are Colorado's 10 most popular special license plate designs
Nearly 4 million of the standard green background with white mountain plates have been registered this year through July 31. Here are specialty plate numbers:
- Columbine: 79,286
- Retired black background: 65,017
- Wildlife sporting: 35,495
- Breast cancer (old and new styles): 32,200
- Pioneer: 32,012
- Ski Country USA: 29,548
- Adopt a Shelter Pet: 26,852
- Firefighter: 20,051
- Broncos Charities: 17,301
- Rocky Mountain National Park: 13,326
University of Colorado routing CSU in license plate sales
As of Aug. 31, there were 12,684 University of Colorado license plates registered in 2023, compared to 5,774 for CSU.
How much revenue do these plates generate for organizations?
Fees in excess of the standard plate vary depending on the organization behind the plate.
The Colorado Department of Revenue collects funds and distributes them to several different funds, which are mostly managed by other agencies, according to Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles.
When will the Born to be Wild license plate be available?
Colorado Parks and Wildlife said it is anticipating sales will begin in January 2024.
The new plate, which was authorized by law earlier this year, will raise funds for nonlethal means of mitigating wolf conflicts.
How many people have opted for the Keep Colorado Wild vehicle registration fee?
Coloradans this year were given the opportunity to buy a $29 annual state parks pass when registering their vehicle. State parks passes are normally $80.
As of Aug. 6, 943,864 of vehicles registered opted to pay the fee, generating just more than $26 million, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
More:Heads up: In 2023, your vehicle registration will include a fee for a Colorado parks pass
Up to $32.5 million in funding from the pass will be directed to the existing 43 state parks.
If available, the next $2.5 million will fund search and rescue operations, and another $1 million will fund avalanche safety and awareness.
Revenue above $36 million will be split equally between the Parks Cash Fund for projects like building new state parks and trails and the Wildlife Cash Fund to manage vulnerable species, including wolves.