The Puffin specialty license plate is expected to be available for Oregonians to order in Fall 2026.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium confirmed that all 3,000 required prepaid vouchers have been sold, clearing the final hurdle needed for the plate to be manufactured.
The effort was powered by early supporters across the state who purchased vouchers to help bring the design to life.
The plate showcases the tufted puffin, a beloved seabird native to the Oregon coast. The design was created by Cam Mullins, the Aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, and reflects both the bird’s personality and its importance to coastal ecosystems.
According to the Aquarium, production began in October, and plates are expected to be available during Fall 2026.
How to pre-order a puffin plate
Pre-order vouchers are no longer available.
Voucher holders will receive instructions before picking up their plates at local DMV offices.
According to the Aquarium, vouchers will be mailed to pre-ordered voucher holders approximately 60 days before they can be redeemed at any local DMV.
How to order a puffin plate without a voucher
Once the puffin plate becomes publicly available during Fall, any Oregon driver will be able to order one through the DMV, even without a voucher.
More information about the puffin plate can be found at aquarium.org/puffin-plate/.
How much is a puffin plate?
The puffin specialty plate carries a $40 surcharge that accompanies the standard Oregon DMV registration fees.
That surcharge is typically paid when you first order the plate or transfer your existing plate to the puffin design.
Each time you renew the specialty plate in future years, you will pay that surcharge again in addition to regular registration fees.
How do specialty plate funds support Oregon’s wildlife?
Funds raised through the specialty plate program will directly support the Aquarium’s wildlife rehabilitation and conservation work. Most of the plate surcharge goes toward caring for injured seabirds, sea turtles, and other marine animals along the Oregon coast.
About $35 of that charge supports wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts at the Aquarium, and the remaining $5 covers administrative costs at the DMV.
For supporters, the puffin plate offers a simple way to celebrate Oregon’s wildlife while contributing to hands on conservation efforts that make a visible difference.
Written by Ginnie Sandoval. Sandoval is a news and travel writer for Pacific Northwest Crossing. She covers travel tips, news, destinations, places to eat, and hidden gems across the Pacific Northwest. She can be reached at pnwcrossing@ramsanmedia.com.