License Plate FAQs

Specialty License Plates

When did this license program for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks begin?
The license plate program started, to support Washington's three largest national parks, in 2006.

 

How much do the specialty plates generate per year for these national parks?
The amount has grown steadily each year. Over the past year, more than $120,000 has been generated through the specialty license plate program. 

 

How much of my initial cost for National Park plates goes to Washington's National Park Fund?
$28 of your actual cost comes back to Washington's National Park Fund.

 

How much of my cost for RENEWING my plate goes to Washington's National Park Fund?
$28 of the $30 annual fee for renewal comes to Washington's National Park Fund. At nearly 100% of your renewal cost, that's a pretty sound return-on-investment for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks.

 

How are the funds generated benefiting Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks?
Funds are invested in four primary areas:

Improving visitor experiences 
Bringing more youth into the parks to ensure future generations of passionate parks people
Increasing care for flora (flowers) and fauna (animals) within the parks 
Strengthening/building each park's volunteer programs (our parks work with hundreds of volunteers each year)

 

What role does Washington's National Park Fund play in management of the funds raised for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks?
WNPF raises private support to deepen the public's love for, understanding of, and experiences in Mount Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Park.
Founded in 1993 by Governor Dan Evans and others, the Fund is committed to financial accountability for both donors and park partners. The Fund is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, with an Executive Director serving as staff leader. All contributions remain in Washington State to support programs and projects in the three parks.
Washington's National Park Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; tax ID # 01-0869799.

 

What about the tax deduction? Is the amount I pay for either purchase OR renewal tax deductible?
Yes, it actually is. $28 of your purchase OR renewal is tax deductible. To make this happen, you are required to send a copy of your registration to Washington's National Park Fund. This enables us to provide you with a tax-deductible receipt, which we will promptly mail off to you. You can send us a copy via:

Email: Scan/send to Jessie Bullis
Mail: Washington's National Park Fund, P.O. Box 64626, University Place, WA 98464
Fax: 253-566-4644 (please call ahead as this serves also as our land line)

 

So is this program generating more or less actual revenue for our parks, year to year?
Since 2006, license plate funds for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks have grown continually, month-to-month. On average, more than $110,000 is generated each year. Would you like to see the actual data? Contact us, we're happy to share it with you.

 

How many Washington State residents are "driving their support"; for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks?
More than 4,100 registered national park license plates are on Washington roads, and it continues to grow every day. Show your support. Ready to purchase? Click HERE.

 

What if I have a trailer or motorcycle? Can I purchase national park plates for them as well?
Yes, you can! All cars, trucks, trailers and motorcycles are elibigle for national park plates.

 

Regarding the image seen on all the plates; is this actually a location in Washington State?
Yes, it is. It was taken in the rugged North Cascades National Park at sunset by one of the state's premier nature photographers, Lee Mann. Mr. Mann passed away in 2011 after a brief battle with cancer. You can see more of his incredible work here.

 

I have more questions. Who can I call/email?
Washington's National Park Fund has two people standing by to answer your questions:

Laurie Ward, Executive Director
Jessie Bullis , Director of Development
Phone: 253-566-4644

If we don't have the answer, we'll find it and get back to you promptly.