Frequently Asked Questions

What is the timeline for the online auction?  
The auction will go live at 10 am on Monday, March 2, 2026, and bidding will close at 5 pm on Sunday, March 8, 2026.  
 
Who can participate in the Dr. Seuss License Plate auction?  
Anyone with a passenger car registered in Massachusetts is eligible. 
 
Can I bid on multiple plates, even though I only want to purchase one?  
At the end of the auction at 5 pm on Monday, March 10, payments will be processed on all winning bids, so you will be responsible for purchasing any plates for which you are the highest bidder (charging the credit card on file for the auction). If you only want one plate, please choose your top priority plate. If it seems like you are losing that plate in the final auction countdown, you can make a bid on your second preferred plate at that time.  
 
How do I pick up my Dr. Seuss Plate and what do I do with my old plates?  
Customers will receive a letter in the mail from the Registry of Motor Vehicles with instructions on how to receive their new plates. The customer will have 90 days from receipt of the letter to call the Registry of Motor Vehicles Special Plates Department for their plate. Customers can recycle their old license plates. Customers who have vehicles registered will pay a registration swap fee and special plate fee. New vehicles will pay the registration fee and special plate fee.  
 
Is my plate purchase tax-deductible?  
Yes! Your contribution is truly appreciated, and your tax-deductible donation will directly help to promote engagement, literacy and learning through the programs and services offered by the Springfield Museums. The Springfield Museums name will appear on your credit card statement associated with this purchase. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the tax-deductibility of these items.  
 
How often is the Dr. Seuss Plate renewed?  
The special plates are renewed every two years.  
 
How much will the plate cost me when it is up for renewal?  
The Dr. Seuss specialty license plate fee is $40.00 and the registration fee is $60.00. It will cost you $100.00 to renew every two years.  
 
What do I do if I previously purchased a higher number Dr. Seuss plate and want to replace this with a low number plate from the auction?  
You can! You'll just be responsible for the $20 plate change fee.  
 
If I am purchasing the plate as a gift, whose name do I enter on the form?  
Please enter the information of the individual that the car is registered to. The form information should match the information associated with the registration of the car (the car must be registered in Massachusetts.)  
 
Can I get this specialty plate on my commercial vehicle?  
Unfortunately, no. Commercial vehicles in Massachusetts cannot have a specialty plate.  
 
Can I put this new special plate on my leased vehicle?  
Yes. You will need a Power of Attorney letter from your leasing agent in addition to a Registration and Title application signed by your car insurance provider.  
 
I still have questions. Who can I contact?  
For support, please email seussplates@springfieldmuseums.org or call 413-314-6458.