CFRF Charity License Plate - Available Now!

Something fishy is coming to Rhode Island vehicles

We are excited to debut a brand new charity license plate for Rhode Islanders that supports research on the fresh, local, and sustainable seafood species our state is known for! The plate, designed by Andrew Lloyd Goodman, Assistant Professor at the Community College of Rhode Island, features eight iconic seafood species that are sustainably harvested in Rhode Island state waters and enjoyed throughout the state, region, and world.

License plates are available for pre-order* now! Each license plate costs $42.50, with $20 going directly to the CFRF. Proceeds from the license plate will directly support research focused on enhancing the sustainability and value of Rhode Island state fisheries.

*Please note that the CFRF must obtain a minimum of 600 pre-orders per license plate type (passenger, commercial, or combination) before the plates can be produced and distributed. Pre-orders are non-refundable. All information and payments will be collected and put into an escrow account until that number is met. You will be notified when we have reached the minimum orders and when you can expect your plate.

Questions? Visit the FAQ section to learn more. If you still have questions that are not answered, please email licenseplate@cfrfoundation.org.

Pre-order your plate today!

You can order a CFRF license plate by mail or online. Please have your Rhode Island license plate registration and Driver’s License information readily available. You must include a current copy of your registration when applying for a charity plate.

Note: Please ensure all information submitted is correct. This information will be given to the Rhode Island DMV to verify your registration, as CFRF cannot check the validity of the registration information submitted. If the information we receive is incorrect you will not receive a plate and there are no refunds.

submit an Online Order Form and pay by credit card

Please note: A $2.00 processing fee will be added to credit card payments, and payments are non-refundable. After you submit the form, you will be redirected to the payment screen. If you are not redirected after submitting the online form, please submit your payment using the payment button below.

Download a mail-in order form and pay by check

From the DMV Website: “By submitting a charity plate application, applicant consents to the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles sharing the information provided with the charitable organization selected. Such information includes, but is not limited to, the applicant’s name, address, telephone number, and/or email address.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why is there a minimum number of pre-orders that must be met before plates are printed?

This is a Rhode Island state law that we must comply with. Learn more here.

Q: Can I keep my current RI License plate number?

Yes. When you switch to the CFRF plate, your current registration is transferred to the new plate. Just think of it as ordering a new background design for your existing plate.

Q: Can I get whatever number I want?

We can only issue plates that are currently active and cannot grant anyone different plate numbers. Only the DMV can do that. If you want to change your current registration, you must do so through the RI DMV. Once you change your existing registration to the one you desire, then you can order a CFRF plate.

Q: I have a passenger, commercial, or combination plate, can I get a CFRF plate?

Yes, we are taking pre-orders for passenger, commercial, and combination plates. However, each plate type must reach the minimum of 600 pre-orders before that plate type is printed and distributed.

Q: How much is the CFRF plate and where does the money go?

For passenger, combination, and commercial plates you get a set of two plates, and the cost is $42.50. $20 of the order will go to the CFRF and $22.50 will go to the state to make the plate.

Q: Do I get charged every year for the new plate?

Every time you renew your registration (every 2 years for passenger plates and every year for commercial and combination plates), a $10 surcharge will be added to your renewal fee. The additional $10 will go to the CFRF to support our research.

Q: When can I expect to receive my plate?

The DMV will not begin production of the CFRF license plate until we have received a minimum of 600 qualified orders. Your money will be held in an escrow account until the minimum orders are placed. Once we have received at least 600 qualified orders, we will notify you and place an order with the DMV. The DMV tells us that it can take from 6 to 12 weeks to get your plates printed, which can then be picked up at an initial distribution event (details will be emailed directly to you when this is scheduled).

Q: How long will you be selling the CFRF Plates?

The CFRF license plate should be available for years to come.

Q: Do I have to live in Rhode Island to get a CFRF plate?

You must have a Rhode Island-registered car to get a CFRF plate.

Q: I collect old license plates, can I keep my old ones?

Yes. You can have them as a souvenir or you can recycle them. If you keep them and place them on a vehicle, you could be stopped and ticketed. If you choose to recycle them, please fold them as many times as you can or deface them and then place them in your recycle or trash bin.

Q: Do I have to pick my plates up at the DMV?

There will be an initial order distribution event where you will be able to pick up your plates, which you will be notified of after the minimum order requirements are met and the plates are printed.

Q: I have more questions, who should I reach out to?

Please email your question to licenseplate@cfrfoundation.org and someone will get back to you.