License Plate Roundup: New York

New York: History and Interesting Facts

New York is a truly unique state. To the North, visitors are greeted by lush green landscapes and farmland. To the South, sprawling urban developments produce one of the most famous cities in the world. In this section, we're covering how New York State came to be, its unique features, nickname, and more.

When Was New York Established as a State?

New York was formally admitted to the Union on July 26, 1788. Previously, New York had been a part of the original U.S. territory—the 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. 

Once a much larger territory, portions of the land initially claimed by New York were sold and ceded by its local government to form countless surrounding states, including New Jersey in 1664, Delaware and Pennsylvania in 1682, and a portion that would become part of the Northwest Territory in 1787. New York agreed to the separation of Vermont in 1791 and, the following year, sold the Erie Triangle to Pennsylvania. 

By 1972, New York was set in its modern-day boundary lines.

What Is New York Most Known For?

New York is a state known for its arts, culture, and cuisine. Home to New York City—the most populated and diverse city in the United States, New York boasts a complex assortment of cultures, converging for a colorful and unique landscape. More populated regions of the state feature some of the most impressive artificial features and landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge. 

However, New York is more than the city. Upstate New York is renowned for its natural beauty, including sprawling forests, waterside views at Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, and Niagara Falls.

What is New York's Nickname?

New York's nickname is The Empire State, referencing its wealth, resources, and influence. Though the root of this nickname isn't known, speculation is that it originates from a 1785 letter written by George Washington to the New York Common Council. In the text, Washington refers to New York as "the Seat of the Empire." 

The name wasn't officially adopted until approximately 1820. Perhaps the most famous adaptation of this nickname is the Empire State Building, which symbolizes the United States' ingenuity, ambition, and spirit.

New York License Plate Designs

Now, on to the main attraction—New York's license plates. In this section, we discuss New York's registration system and ten of RealTruck's favorite license plate designs.

Custom, Special, and Other License Plates

From a complexity perspective, New York's registration and license plate acquisition system is pretty straightforward. However, different requirements exist for standard-issue, personalized, and special-interest license plates. 

Standard Issue

Aside from the standard 25-dollar plate fee and 50-dollar title certificate fee, standard-issue license plates require no additional fees in New York. However, particular regulations exist regarding license plate display. For example, all registered vehicles must don front and rear license plates that are: 

• Clearly displayed

• Securely fastened

• Between 12–48 inches from the ground

• Clean and readable

• Not covered by glass or plastic

• Illuminated at night

Special-Interest and Custom

New York also offers customized and special-interest license plates at additional fees. Personalized plates feature one-time and annual fees, which differ between passenger/commercial vehicles and motorcycles. 

Passenger and commercial plates require initial purchase fees of 60 dollars and annual renewal fees of $31.25. Alternatively, motorcycle plates require a 35-dollar initial purchase fee and an $18.75 yearly renewal fee. 

Special-interest license plate pricing varies, though most require one-time donations to the organization the license plate depicts or references.

RealTruck Favorites

With New York's license plate requirements covered, let's get into our top ten optional designs. From sports teams to non-profits, New York license plates cover it all.

Birthplace of Baseball

One of the United States' greatest pastimes is baseball, which originated in New York. The Knickerbocker Base Ball Club, founded by Alexander Cartwright in 1845, is often credited with creating the sport. The club wrote the first known rules of baseball. 

The Birthplace of Baseball license plate pays homage to the game and its founders, featuring an image of a baseball surrounded by "Birthplace of Baseball" text. 

The purchase of a Birthplace of Baseball license plate requires an initial fee of $53.75 and an annual renewal fee of 25 dollars. These prices increase to 85 dollars and $56.25, respectively, for personalized plates.

Dale Earnhardt NASCAR Hall of Fame

As one of the most awarded and highly regarded NASCAR drivers in history, Dale Earnhardt Sr. was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010. Show love for "The Intimidator" with the Dale Earnhardt NASCAR Hall of Fame license plate, depicting the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. before a checkered flag background. 

Purchasing a Dale Earnhardt NASCAR Hall of Fame license plate requires an initial fee of 60 dollars and an annual renewal fee of $31.25. These prices increase to $91.25 and $62.50, respectively, for personalized plates.

I Love NY

One of the most remarkable qualities of New York's residents is their unrelenting love for the state. Those born in New York tend to die in New York. New Yorkers can showcase their fondness for the state with the I Love NY license plate, featuring the iconic "I Love NY" logo. 

Purchasing an I Love NY license plate requires an initial fee of $43.75 and an annual renewal fee of 15 dollars. These prices increase to 75 dollars and $46.25, respectively, for personalized plates.

I Love NY Fishing

With massive Walleye, Trout, and Bass populations, New York's numerous rivers and lakes lend themselves to fishing. Show your support for local fishermen, whether recreational or commercial, with the I Love NY Fishing license plate, available with an image of a Walleye, Trout, or Striped Bass. 

The purchase of an I Love NY Fishing license plate requires an initial fee of $43.75 and an annual renewal fee of 15 dollars. These prices increase to 75 dollars and $46.25, respectively, for personalized plates.

I Love NY Hunting

New York is also home to several native wildlife and game species, including deer, wild turkeys, and ducks. If you're an avid hunter in the area, consider outfitting your truck with an I Love NY Hunting license plate, available with an image of a turkey, duck, or buck. 

Purchasing an I Love NY Hunting license plate requires an initial fee of $43.75 and an annual renewal fee of 15 dollars. These prices increase to 75 dollars and $46.25, respectively, for personalized plates.

Life…Pass It On

Currently, over 8,000 New Yorkers sit on organ waiting lists, awaiting a life-changing organ transplant. New York's Life…Pass It On license plate sheds light on this issue, as does Donate Life America, a non-profit that aims to increase the number of donors and, thus, the number of organs available to save the lives of those in need of transplants.  

Purchasing a Life…Pass It On license plate requires an initial fee of $53.75 and an annual renewal fee of 25 dollars. These prices increase to 85 dollars and $56.25, respectively, for personalized plates.

New York City

As the United States' most significant and most diverse cities, New York City is an iconic landmark. The New York City picture plate does the region justice, featuring a mesmerizing city skyline backdrop. 

Purchasing a New York City license plate requires an initial fee of 60 dollars and an annual renewal fee of $31.25. These prices increase to $91.25 and $62.50, respectively, for personalized plates.

New York Giants

Giants fans assemble! The New York Giants license plate pays homage to one of the original NFL teams, founded in 1925. This striking picture plate features a backdrop of NY helmets with a vibrant NY team logo. 

Purchasing a New York Giants license plate requires an initial fee of 60 dollars and an annual renewal fee of $31.25. These prices increase to $91.25 and $62.50, respectively, for personalized plates.

New York Jets

As home to several standout sports teams, New York can't help but offer picture plates for them all. In addition to the New York Giants picture plate, the state also offers the New York Jets picture plate, which features a background of the team behind the Jets team logo. 

Purchasing a New York Jets license plate requires an initial fee of 60 dollars and an annual renewal fee of $31.25. These prices increase to $91.25 and $62.50, respectively, for personalized plates.

Syracuse University

As one of the oldest states, New York is home to some of the most influential and well-regarded universities. Founded in 1870, Syracuse University is known for its outstanding academic programs, including broadcast journalism, elementary special education, and forensic science. Notable graduates include Joe Biden, Carmelo Anthony, and Jerry Stiller. 

Show support for the university with the Syracuse University license plate, featuring the iconic Syracuse "S" school logo. 

Purchasing a Syracuse University license plate requires an initial fee of 60 dollars and an annual renewal fee of $31.25. These prices increase to $91.25 and $62.50, respectively, for personalized plates.

License Plate Products and Accessories

New York State holds some of the nation's standout features, monuments, and license plates. If you're a New York resident, check out our selection of frames, holders, brackets, and relocation solutions to proudly display your ride's license plate. 

Stay tuned for our next License Plate Roundup feature, where we tackle another state's top license plate artwork. And as always, contact the experts for all product inquiries and order assistance.