In the span of six years, Utah specialty license plates dedicated to wildlife have raised nearly $2 million from residents who do a simple “mark the box” option on their state tax return or purchase them in person.
The money greatly helps the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, charged with the caretaking of Utah’s wildlife — from mule deer and elk to migratory birds to trout.
There are actually four wildlife license plate options available:
- Elk
- Mule deer
- Kestrel
- Trout
“The wildlife license plates are a fun way to show support for Utah’s fish and wildlife, and we are grateful to the Utah Legislature for approving this additional funding option and for all the Utahns who support wildlife conservation through these plates,” DWR Administrative Services Chief Kenny Johnson said.
“We’ve seen an increase in sales the last few years, particularly in 2021 and 2022 following the pandemic. Our most popular plates are the elk and mule deer options. Of all the specialty plates offered in Utah through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles, our wildlife plates were the third-highest generating plates from 2019 to 2024.”
Revenue from the mule deer, elk and trout license plates goes toward funding the management of game species in Utah. The revenue generated from the kestrel license plate helps fund conservation efforts and projects that benefit nongame species (fish and wildlife that aren’t hunted or fished for) in Utah.
As an example, money has helped the Wahweap Fish Hatchery operations, which raises several species listed under the Endangered Species Act.
The money has also been used to build Motus tracking stations throughout the state, facilitating the study of bird migrations. The American white pelican is a frequent visitor to the Great Salt Lake and this money helps with habitat improvement. Revenue from the license plates has also been used to purchase radio transmitters to learn more about the movements of endangered California condors.
Often, the license plate funds are paired with other funding sources, like federal grants, which greatly increases the impact of those funds for wildlife conservation projects,” Johnson said.
Wildlife license plates can be purchased online on the DMV website or in person at a DMV location. Each plate costs $46.50 when it is ordered, which includes the cost of the plate and a $25 donation to the DWR. Each year when the vehicle’s registration is renewed, the registration fees will include an annual $25 donation to the DWR. Learn more on the DWR website.