Governor Josh Shapiro has announced that the new “Let Freedom Ring” license plates are now available for order in Pennsylvania. This initiative comes ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States, which will be celebrated in 2026. The license plate celebrates Pennsylvania as the birthplace of American democracy.
Nearly 11,700 orders have already been fulfilled for those who signed up for updates last year. Governor Shapiro said, “Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American freedom – and ahead of 2026, Pennsylvanians can ‘Let Freedom Ring’ all across our Commonwealth with one of our new license plates.”
The announcement was made in partnership with Pennsylvania sports teams, whose mascots showcased their new plates. Instructions for ordering a standard issue or personalized plate can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) website. Various fees and instructions apply depending on the type and personalization options chosen.
Military, special organization, special fund, and specialty plates without mandated designs will also adopt the new design soon. PennDOT will update its website as each becomes available. Those switching to the new plate before their specialty plate is updated will receive a standard plate.
Existing standard issue inventory will be used by PennDOT’s partners before transitioning to the new design. The plates are optional for current drivers.
The new design aligns with Pennsylvania’s tourism campaign and economic development strategy. A report from the Pennsylvania Tourism Office highlighted that tourism generated $76.7 billion in economic impact in 2022, supporting nearly half a million jobs and contributing significantly to state and local taxes.
This announcement precedes several major events in 2026, including celebrations for America’s 250th birthday and various sporting events such as March Madness, FIFA World Cup matches, MLB All-Star Game, and NFL Draft. Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget includes $64 million to prepare for these events.
Information from this article can be found here.
