The new welcomes sign and license plate design. (Credit: Gov. Shapiro’s Office)
Pennsylvania drivers can now proudly display their patriotism on the road with the new “Let Freedom Ring” license plate that are officially available for order as of Tuesday.
The fresh design was unveiled by Gov. Josh Shapiro last year and serves as a precursor to the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration in 2026.
“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American freedom – and ahead of 2026, Pennsylvanians can ‘Let Freedom Ring’ all across our Commonwealth with one of our new license plates,” said Shapiro. “Our team at PennDOT has worked to make it as easy as possible to order a new license plate and we’ve already delivered nearly 12,000 new plates to Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth.”
The new plate design, which celebrates Pennsylvania’s role in the nation’s founding, is now accessible to all vehicle owners.
PennDOT has streamlined the ordering process, with instructions available online for both standard issue license plates and personalized plates. Fees will vary based on customization.
Military, special organization, special fund, and specialty plates without legislatively mandated designs will also be updated with the new design and be available in the coming months. PennDOT will update its website as each plate becomes available in the new design. Individuals who switch to the new plate before their specialty plate is updated will receive a standard plate.
The “Let Freedom Ring” plate’s rollout comes along with a push by the Shapiro administration to market Pennsylvania as “The Great American Getaway.”
The governor enlisted the help of Pennsylvania’s professional sports teams and their mascots to promote the new plates, further cementing the connection between state pride and the upcoming anniversary.
While current license plates remain valid, the new design offers an optional refresh for drivers looking to commemorate the upcoming historical milestone.
The outgoing plate design has been in use since 2000 and last updated in 2004. It featured a blue, white, and yellow color scheme.
Pennsylvania license plates — some standard-issue, some optional — through the years. (Credit: Collage by Asha Prihar/Wikimedia and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)The introduction of the new license plate is just one of the ways Pennsylvania’s is preparing for 2026, which will bring a number of high-profile events to the Commonwealth. Philadelphia, the cradle of American liberty, will host commemorations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Next year, the state is also set to welcome the NCAA’s March Madness men’s basketball tournament, select FIFA World Cup matches, the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, and the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
To support the 2026 events, the proposed 2025-2026 state budget includes a substantial $64 million allocation for America’s 250th birthday preparations. The funding encompasses $2.5 million for continued support of America250PA, $15 million for regional event security, a $10 million increase for promotional efforts, and $36.5 million within the Tourism Promotion Fund to plan and execute these internationally recognized events, according to the governor’s office.
