Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs


WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE WHALE PLATE LICENSE PLATE AUCTION?
All are welcome to bid! Anyone with a car registered in the state of Massachusetts may bid/buy a Whale Plate.


HOW WILL I VIEW THE VIRTUAL EVENT?
The week of the event we will email and text you the direct link to join the virtual event. You'll be able to see us but we won't be able to see you so the "dress code" is couch comfortable! 


IF I WANT TO TEST BEFORE THE SITE, WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO JOIN?
You will be able to connect to the virtual event before the event.


HOW DO I START BIDDING?
Browse the auction by going to "Items" on the auction home page, and start bidding on your favorite items! Place your bid on selected items, set a maximum bid if desired, and Givesmart will continue to keep you in the running until you reach your maximum bid. You must be registered on the Givesmart auction page and give your Credit Card information to participate in bidding.


HOW DO I BROWSE, BID, & BUY?
All bidding will be done electronically on any mobile device or computer. You will receive a text or email when the auction is open for bidding. Simply click on the link to access your personal bidding account and enjoy the auction. From your personal bidding account, please note the following:

  • Place Bid: The system automatically enters the next minimum bid amount or you may choose to enter a bid amount higher than the minimum raise. Click the green "Bid" button to place your bid
  • Auto Bid: An auto bid can be placed and set at the maximum amount you are willing to spend. With Auto Bid, the system will place your bid at the minimum amount needed to lead. When you are outbid, the system will bid automatically for you until your maximum is reached or the auction ends. Click the green "Bid" button to place your bid. You may change your maximum bid at any time
  • Watch this Item: Clicking the star by "Watch this Item" will add the item to the "My Activity" list
  • My Activity: Clicking on the "My Activity" button will give you a snapshot of the bids you have placed and the items in which you are interested
  • Timestamps are set when the initial bid is placed; for auto-bids, this is when a maximum was set
  • When two bids are placed for the same amount, the bid placed first based on the timestamp takes precedence.
     

HOW CAN I KEEP ACTIVE AND KNOW IF I AM OUTBID OR HAVE WON AN ITEM?
You will be notified via text if you have been outbid. Keep an eye on your favorite items! If you are NOT receiving the text messages make sure you have the correct mobile number under your profile. The texts will continue to notify you when you have been outbid or reached your maximum bid. When the silent auction closes, you will also receive a text message if you won any items.


HOW WILL MY CELL PHONE AND EMAIL BE USED?
Your cell phone number and email address will be used respectfully and only for the auction. Your contact information will be used to share the opening of auction items for bidding and information about the event, assist you with a self-checkout process, acknowledge your support of the auction, and distribute your auction winnings. If you wish, you will receive updates from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust about our grant programs and other events. You may unsubscribe from text messages at any time.


HOW WILL I KNOW IF I WON AN ITEM?
Winners will be notified via text and email after the auction category closes.


ARE THE WINNING BID AMOUNTS ELIGIBLE FOR A TAX DEDUCTION? 

Yes! Your contribution is truly appreciated! MET is a state Trust set up to receive funding from individuals, foundations, corporations and gifts of Wills and Bequests.  Please consult your tax advisor regarding the tax-deductibility of your donation.

  • Winning bid amounts are donations to the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) and do not include fees to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).
  • The WHALE PLATE fee of $40 will be added to your regular RMV registration fee of $60 for a total of $100 paid every 2-years
  • The RMV will provide a link to pay additional fees including a plate swap fee, WHALE PLATE special fee and depending on your registration status there may be a prorated registration fee.


ARE ANY RW OR RT PLATES AVAILABLE TO BID ON IN THIS AUCTION?
This low-number plate auction only features select RW and RT plates between 1-999.


WHAT IF I HAVE AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

You can put a whale plate on an electric vehicle.


CAN I PUT A WHALE PLATE ON MY LEASED VEHICLE?
Yes. You will need a Power of Attorney letter from your leasing agent in addition to an RTA form signed by your car insurance provider.  


CAN I PUT A WHALE PLATE ON MY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE?
Unfortunately, no. At this time, commercial vehicles in Massachusetts cannot have a specialty plate.


CAN I RESERVE A CUSTOM LICENSE PLATE NUMBER? 

If you have a certain RW or RT sequence you can call Special Plates Department  and see if it is available. If the plate is available, the RMV will inform you of the next steps in getting the plate you want.


CAN I GIFT OR TRANSFER MY PLATE TO ANOTHER PERSON?

Yes. If you are the winning bidder for a license plate configuration, you are allowed to transfer the plate configuration to any person of your choosing upon the completion of the payment as long as the person's car is registered in Massachusetts. To do this you must write a letter to? assigning the plate to the other person.  


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.) *If you are gifting the plate to a spouse/partner/child, in which you are on the same car insurance - you would be able to do these steps yourself prior to gifting - as long as you have all of the recipients information. 


WHEN WILL MY CARD BE CHARGED FOR PURCHASES?
All purchases for the auction will be charged to your card shortly after the event. MASSACHUSETTS ENVIRONMENT 617-947-1227 MA will appear on your credit card statement associated with this purchase. 


HOW DO I GET MY WHALE PLATE?
Winning bid amounts are donations to the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) and do not include fees to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).


1.     Contact your insurance agent to receive a completed Registration and Title Application (RTA). Your insurance agent may be able to obtain the form and complete it for you.  The RTA must have the insurance stamp applied and all owners must sign the application (on bottom of form).

1.     Ensure section D9 on the RTA is completed, including a contact number and email.

2.     Email the completed RTA to MET's Director: kim.tilas@mass.gov.

3.     Upon receipt of the valid RTA, Kim will send the form to the RMV to process the plate swap transaction.  The RMV will also send a payment link to the email listed on the RTA.

4.     Applicable registration swap and special plate fee are required. There may be a prorated registration fee depending on your registration status.

5.     The Special Plate fee of $40 will be added to your regular RMV registration fee of $60 for a total of $100 paid every 2-years.

6.     Once payment is made, the plate will be mailed to the address on file. Please allow 10 days to receive the plate after registration payment.

7.     Once awarded, you will have 90 days to complete the plate swap.  Customers can recycle their old license plates after the new one is received. Do not cancel your old plate.  It will cease automatically.

8.     Unclaimed plates will be forfeited after 90 days.


TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR DONATIONS
By donating to the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET), you agree to the following terms and conditions: 
All donations ("Gifts") made to MET are charitable contributions. No goods or services will be provided in exchange for any donation.

  • All donations are irrevocable once made.
  • Donations may be used by MET for any lawful purpose consistent with its enabling legislation, trust declaration, mission, or policies, in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
  • MET does not provide financial, legal, or tax advice. Donors are responsible for consulting with a qualified advisor regarding the tax consequences of their donation and for ensuring proper reporting to the Internal Revenue Service.
  • Under Massachusetts law (G.L. c. 268A), to maintain transparency, donations or agreements involving public entities may be publicly disclosed to ensure compliance with the law and avoid any perception of conflict.
  • These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in its courts. 
     


Contacts: 

Kim Tilas at kim.tilas@mass.gov,  (617) 947-1227 - Call or email anytime!

RMV Specialty Plates Department (857)368-8031