New Hampshire
You can soon get a new license plate in NH that celebrates America’s 250th birthday
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- On June 27, Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed HB 260, which authorizes the design, sale and distribution of a cover plate that celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, into law.
- As a cover plate, it would replace your front license plate and would not bear your unique license plate number.
- The plates will cost $25 and proceeds will go to the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) Administrative Fund.
New Hampshire residents will soon be able to buy a new license plate that celebrates the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
On June 27, Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed HB 260 into law. The bill authorizes the design, sale and distribution of a plate that recognizes America’s 250th anniversary.
It would be a cover plate, meaning it would replace your front license plate and would not bear your unique license plate number. Buyers would be able to use it for a year while the celebration takes place.
Here’s what to know about the 250 commemorative license plate.
What is America 250?
Next year on July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The federal government, as well as individual states and cities, are planning celebrations all around the country.
New Hampshire was the first colony to declare its independence from Great Britain on Jan. 5, 1776 – almost six months before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Some towns in New Hampshire are already beginning their preparations. In Portsmouth, City Councilor Andrew Bagley is pushing for $50,000 to be committed for a fireworks display and event in July 2026 to celebrate the 250th anniversary.
How to get the special 250 license plate
The American Independence plate law goes into effect 60 days after signing and will last until July 4, 2027.
The NH Department of Safety will provide the plates, which will cost $25. Proceeds will go to the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) Administrative Fund, which supports historic and natural resource preservation in New Hampshire.
What will be on the 250 license plate?
Originally, the bill called for the plate to feature the Battle of Bunker Hill. However, it was amended to celebrate the 250th birthday more generally.
The Department of Safety will be responsible for the design of the plate, but it’s unclear what that will be yet.
Specialty license plates in New Hampshire
Looking for a special license plate but not sold on the American anniversary plate?
In New Hampshire, there are three types of specialty license plates to choose from: The NH Conservation and Heritage License Plate (the “Moose Plate” featuring a moose on the left side), the NH State Parks Plate (which has the parks logo on the left side and the Old Man of the Mountain on the right) and the Conservation Parks Plate (a combination of the two plates with a moose on the left and the state parks logo on the right).
There are also “decal plates,” which have a blank square on the left side of the plate for a special decal from a legislature-authorized organization.