Rhode Island Sustainable Fisheries Charity License Plate
Put Rhode islAND SEAFOOD ON YOUR (LICENSE) PLATE
We are excited to offer a charity license plate for Rhode Islanders that supports research on the fresh, local, and sustainable seafood species our state is known for! The plate, designed by Andrew Lloyd Goodman, Assistant Professor at the Community College of Rhode Island, features eight iconic seafood species that are sustainably harvested in Rhode Island state waters and enjoyed throughout the state, region, and world.
Each license plate costs $43.50, with $20 going directly to the CFRF. Proceeds directly support research to enhance the sustainability and value of Rhode Island state fisheries.
Please note that the plate type designated on your registration certificate determines whether and how you can get a CFRF license plate.
Questions? Visit the FAQ section to learn more. If you still have unanswered questions, please email licenseplate@cfrfoundation.org.
Don’t Have a Rhode Island-Registered Vehicle, or Just Want to Support CFRF Even More?
Order Merch
Order a t-shirt, sweatshirt, or hat with the license plate design on it, and proceeds will go into the same fund as the license plate orders to support CFRF’s research on Rhode Island fisheries! Children’s sizes are also available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The CFRF License Plate features 8 seafood species commonly caught in Rhode Island waters: black sea bass, summer flounder (aka fluke), American lobster, quahog, longfin squid, Jonah crab, scup (aka porgy), and channeled whelk.
Q: Why is there a minimum number of pre-orders that must be met before plates are printed?
This is a Rhode Island state law that we must comply with. Learn more here.
Q: Can I keep my current RI License plate number?
Yes. When you switch to the CFRF plate, your current registration is transferred to the new plate. Just think of it as ordering a new background design for your existing plate.
Q: Can I get whatever number I want?
We can only issue plates that are currently active and cannot grant anyone different plate numbers. Only the DMV can do that. If you want to change your current registration, you must do so through the RI DMV. Once you change your existing registration to the one you desire, then you can order a CFRF plate.
Q: I have a passenger, commercial, or combination plate, can I get a CFRF plate?
Yes. We are in the process of printing the first round of Passenger plates! Once that is complete, Passenger plates with the CFRF design can be purchased directly through the RI DMV. We are taking pre-orders for commercial and combination plates. However, each plate type must reach the minimum of 600 pre-orders before that plate type is printed and distributed.
Q: How much is the CFRF plate and where does the money go?
For passenger, combination, and commercial plates you get a set of two plates, and the cost is $43.50. $20 of the order will go to the CFRF and $23.50 will go to the state to make the plate.
Q: Why did the cost of charity plates change from $42.50 to $43.50?
The Rhode Island DMV charges a “Technology Surcharge” for all orders. Beginning July 1, 2025, this fee increased from $2.50 to $3.50, which is reflected in the price difference.
Q: Do I get charged every year for the new plate?
Every time you renew your registration (every 2 years for passenger plates and every year for commercial and combination plates), a $10 surcharge will be added to your renewal fee. The additional $10 will go to the CFRF to support our research.
Q: When can I expect to receive my plate?
The DMV will not begin production of the CFRF license plate until we have received a minimum of 600 qualified orders. Your money will be held in an escrow account until the minimum orders are placed. Once we have received at least 600 qualified orders, we will notify you and place an order with the DMV. The DMV tells us that it can take from 6 to 12 weeks to get your plates printed, which can then be picked up at an initial distribution event (details will be emailed directly to you when this is scheduled).
Q: How long will you be selling the CFRF Plates?
The CFRF license plate should be available for years to come.
Q: Do I have to live in Rhode Island to get a CFRF plate?
You must have a Rhode Island-registered car to get a CFRF plate.
Q: I collect old license plates, can I keep my old ones?
Yes. You can have them as a souvenir or you can recycle them. If you keep them and place them on a vehicle, you could be stopped and ticketed. If you choose to recycle them, please fold them as many times as you can or deface them and then place them in your recycle or trash bin.
Q: Do I have to pick my plates up at the DMV?
There will be an initial order distribution event where you will be able to pick up your plates, which you will be notified of after the minimum order requirements are met and the plates are printed.
Q: I have more questions, who should I reach out to?
Please email your question to licenseplate@cfrfoundation.org and someone will get back to you.