Cape & Islands Low Number CP Plate Auction - FAQs

What is the timeline for the online auction?
The auction will go live at 6 am on Saturday, October 22, 2022, and bidding will close at 5 pm on Wednesday, October 26.

Who can participate in the Cape & Islands License Plate auction?

All are welcome to bid! Anyone with a car registered in the state of Massachusetts may purchase the Cape & Islands Plate.

Can I bid on multiple plates, even though I only want to purchase one?
At the end of the auction on Wednesday, October 26, we will be processing payments on all winning bids, so you will be responsible for purchasing any plates that you have the winning bid on. If you only want one plate, we would suggest choosing 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 Cape & Islands Plate and what do I do with my old plates?
Customer 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 RMV's special plates division 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. The registration fees will vary but will not go over $110.00.

Is my plate purchase tax-deductible?

Yes! Your contribution is truly appreciated, and your tax-deductible donation will directly help to preserve and protect the Cape & Islands region for future generations. The Blue Economy Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is providing management of the charitable donations and distribution for the license plate auction. This name (The Blue Economy Foundation, Inc.) 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 Cape & Islands Plate renewed?
The special plates are renewed every two years.

How much will the plate cost me when it is up for renewal?
The Cape & Islands specialty license plate fee is $50.00 and the registration fee is $60.00. It will cost you $110.00 to renew every two years.

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.)

Are any CI or IC plates available to bid on in this auction?
No, this low-number plate auction only features CP plates.

Can I get this specialty plate on my commercial vehicle?
Unfortunately, no. At this time, commercial vehicles in Massachusetts can not 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 RTA form signed by your car insurance provider.

 

I still have questions. Who can I contact?
For support, please email [email protected].