In 2024, the DC Illini and the UIAA pulsed alumni in DC, Maryland and Virginia to determine interest in getting University of Illinois license plates.  Based on alumni interest and DMV requirements, Maryland is the first state (other than Illinois, of course) to have a University of Illinois license plate!  Now, alumni living in Maryland can show their Illini Pride everywhere they drive! This license plate requires a special application form and it must also be signed by the DC Illini representative.    To receive the form and application instructions, please keep reading this article.

• For alumni in Maryland who have been receiving periodic updates on this initiative via email, we are tracking your interest and you should have received an email with the required form and information on how to complete the form and submit the secure payment. 

• If you did not previously indicate your interest and/or did not already receive the application information via email, there is still time to be part of the first group.  Click HERE to request the MVA form and application instructions.  

• The first group of applications will be sent the first week of September with plates being mailed by MVA to individuals in late October.  Anyone who desires to receive plates in October must submit their application by 31 August.

• We received the mock-up of the plate from MVA on 5 August (image below).   We've asked MVA to increase the size of the Block I--closer to the original mock-up provided.  However, if that cannot be done, then this is what our plate will look like.  Note:  All Maryland collegiate plates have the same font for the school name at the bottom of the plate.  All U of I plates will have the "IL" vertical letters and a 4-digit number.

FAQs:

• How much will this new plate cost?  $30 one time plate application fee.  There are no annual fees associated with the Maryland U of I license plate.
• How does this affect my annual registration?  For this process, you are applying for the plate. Registration is a separate matter and is different for everyone based on the type of vehicle and their annual renewal date.  When MVA processes your U of I plate application, your new plate will be shipped with the stickers that coincide with your current registration.  Then, you will renew in the future as normal.  
• What vehicles are authorized?  Passenger cars, multi-purpose vehicles, truckes ( 1 ton or less), and motorcycles.  Business vehicles may not apply for these plates.  
• Can I keep my current plate number? No, MVA will re-assign a 4-digit number to you.  Personalized plates are not authorized for collegiate plates.
• Is there an annual fee for this plate?  No.  After this first plate application fee, Maryland does not have additional charges for the collegiate plates.  You will just pay your annual registration fees.
• Is the ISA wheelchair symbol available?  Yes.  If the plate you are replacing has the symbol, then your new U of I plate will also have the symbol.
• Is the personal information on my MVA form safe?  It's as safe as the email system used.  Once we receive your form, it will be printed, "wet" signed by our DC Illini rep (required by MVA) and will be mailed to MVA via registered mail in a package with the other application forms.  Once you tell us you've received your plate in the mail, we will delete the form you provided us.

Original mock-up provided by UIUC's Strategic Communications and Marketing Office