New Stegosaurus License Plate

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

The special license plate featuring a Stegosaurus and the tagline “Protect Our Fossils” has been approved by the State Assembly and Governor Jared Polis!

Many thanks to our co-sponsors for seeing this bill through the legislative process:

Sen. Jessie Danielson
Sen. Lisa Cutter
Rep. Tammy Story
Rep. Brianna Titone

April 18, 2023

The Senate passed the Stegosaurus License Plate bill (SB23-145)

May 7, 2023

The House approved SB23-145

May 22, 2023

The Governor signed SB23-145 into law at a Signing Ceremony at Dinosaur Ridge

Now the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has begun the process of preparing the plate to go into production. The Colorado Correctional Industries handles printing of all Colorado license plates.

The plates will help raise awareness about Colorado’s phenomenal fossil history, and encourage people to learn more about Colorado’s geological heritage by visiting sites around the state that feature dinosaur fossils.

It is scheduled to happen on January 1, 2024 – stay tuned for details on how you can order yours!

Colorado Governor Jared Polis speaks at Dinosaur Ridge prior to signing the new Stegosaurus License Plate bill into law on May 22, 2023.

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.