Wildlife License Plates Raise Millions For Utah Conservation

Since the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) began offering specialty wildlife license plates in 2004, Utah drivers have helped raise millions for wildlife conservation. Between 2019 and 2024 alone, sales of the plates generated over $1.9 million to support fish and wildlife projects throughout the state.

While most funding for managing Utah’s fish and wildlife comes from hunting and fishing license sales, the specialty plates offer another way for residents to contribute. Four plate designs are currently available — elk, mule deer, kestrel, and trout — allowing drivers to display their favorite wildlife species while supporting conservation work.

Wildlife License Plate Sales On The Rise

“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 in a press release. He noted that sales have increased in recent years, particularly in 2021 and 2022, with the elk and mule deer designs proving the most popular.

Revenue from the mule deer, elk, and trout plates funds game species management, while proceeds from the kestrel plate support nongame species conservation. The funds have helped operate the Wahweap Fish Hatchery, build Motus tracking stations to study bird migrations, conduct breeding bird surveys, track American white pelicans, and purchase radio transmitters for studying endangered California condors.

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“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.

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Wildlife plates can be purchased through the Utah DMV for $46.50, which includes a $25 donation to the DWR. Annual renewals also include a $25 contribution. More details are available on the DWR website.