New Stegosaurus License Plate

Colorado Drivers – are you ready for the most sensational plate in the state?

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the Stegosaurus State Fossil license plate

Q: What do I have to show the DMV in order to get the Stegosaurus state fossil license plate?

A: When you make a $50 donation to Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, you will be given a Certificate with a PIN# to take to the DMV, or to use during online registration, that proves you met the requirement for the plate. 

Q: Is the $50 donation to Friends of Dinosaur Ridge in order to get the Stegosaurus state fossil license plate an annual fee?

A: No, it is a one-time fee. There is a $25 Highway Users Tax Fund fee that must be paid annually at renewal, that is collected by the DMV. 

Q: Do I have to wait until my vehicle registration expiration date arrives to order the Stegosaurus license plate?

A: No! After January 1, 2024 everyone is able to order the plate, at a prorated fee based on how much time is left on your current registration.

Q: Are these plates embossed or printed?

A: All plates except the standard green-and-white plates are now printed with a reflective material.

Q: Once the plate is ordered how long does it take to receive it?

A: Because these are print-on-demand, they will be produced and mailed to you within 4-6 weeks.

Q: Can these plates be personalized with my choice of letters and numbers?

A: Yes they can, but the Stegosaurus image will not appear on personalized plates. The plate will still have the color scheme and setting sun, and tagline “Protect Our Fossils” on it.

Q: Is this design available for motorcycles? 

A: Yes, this design is available for regular vehicles and motorcycles. 

Background

The Stegosaurus license plate features a blazing sunset over snow-covered Rocky Mountains and a symbol of Colorado’s prehistoric past, our colossal state fossil! The design was created by local artist Julia “The Designosaur” Williams at the request of Dinosaur Ridge.

Fossilized bones of this iconic plant-eating dinosaur from the Jurassic were first identified on the hogback now called Dinosaur Ridge in 1876. Those excavated bones were studied and described by famous paleontologist O.C. Marsh in 1877. He chose the name Stegosaurus, meaning “roofed lizard,” because he first thought its plates covered the animal’s back like a tortoise. After more bones were found in other parts of the West, it became clear the plates stood upright along the back.

Scientists are still discovering things about this fantastic creature. Still theorizing what purpose those plates served, what color the dinosaurs were, and what they sounded like.

At Dinosaur Ridge, our mission is to educate visitors about the fossil tracks and bones located at this special site, and to protect them from loss so future generations can enjoy them as we do now, in situ. Fossils can be lost to natural forces like erosion, and human causes like vandalism, theft, and in some cases being sold into private collections.

Fossils represent a place’s natural history and should be available for study and public viewing. This is why in 1973 the National Park Service designated the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark which includes Dinosaur Ridge, to recognize the specialness of this site and encourage it to be kept as is. Jefferson County Open Space owns Dinosaur Ridge and is committed to preserving and protecting the natural resources, while providing a delightful visitor experience.

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