1. Can I keep my current RI License plate number?
Yes. When you switch to the PBL plate, your current number is transferred to the new plate. Just think of it as ordering a new background design for your existing plate.
2. What if I currently have a 6-digit plate?
Because of the artwork that will be on the PBL plate, we are restricted to no more than 5 letters or numbers on the plate. In order to qualify for a PBL plate, you must obtain a 5 digit or less registration from DMV. They have just released new registrations that fulfill the requirement for 5 digits or less, so getting one of these plates should be easy.
3. Can I get whatever number I want?
We can only issue plates that are currently active. As a group, the Friends cannot grant anyone different plate numbers. Only the DMV can do that.
4. If I have a PBL Plate and it’s gotten damaged, can I get the plates replaced?
Absolutely! We’ve been issuing them since 2010 and some of them have gotten beaten up over the years and we completely understand wanting to have fresh looking ones on your car. You’ll have to once again submit a completed application and return it with your payment as well as a copy of your registration, just like you did when you first ordered your plate set.
5. How much is the PBL plate and where does the money go?
For a set of plates, the cost is $42.50. $22.50 goes to the DMV for plate production.. The remaining $20 goes directly to the maintenance of the 1899 historical lighthouse on Narragansett Bay in North Kingstown.
6. Do I get charged every year for the new plate?
Initially our charitable group issued PBL Plates with no additional fees. Increased competition from other specialty plates forced us to reconsider this position. The lighthouse is in constant need of care and it was becoming more difficult raising the funds needed for maintenance. In January 2019, the DMV began billing PBL plate holders $5 additional per year to help replenish the lighthouse maintenance fund. This $5 fee is charged every 2 years when you renew your plates.
7. When can I expect to receive my new lighthouse plate?
Depending on when in the monthly cycle your application is submitted, it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks before your new ones arrive in the mail.
8. How long will you be issuing lighthouse plates?
When we started the program in 2010, we never in our wildest dreams thought it would become the most successful Rhode Island Specialty Plate ever offered. We have no reason to believe the State nor the DMV would stop us from selling them and we’ll continue to do so until someone tell us otherwise.
9. I have a Suburban plate, do I qualify?
We are only allowed to make regular passenger plates. There are no plans at this time to make any other types of plates.
10. Do I have to live in Rhode Island to get a PBL plate?
You must already have a Rhode Island registered car in order to get a PBL plate.
11. What do I do with my old plates?
The DMV has requested recipients of new plates to recycle their old set in their home recycling bin once the new ones have arrived.
12. Do I have to pick my plates up at the DMV?
Not since the pandemic hit. To minimize foot traffic at the DMV, in spring 2020 they began mailing plate sets to recipients. You should expect the plates to arrive within 6-12 weeks of submitting your application to the DMV.
13. I’d like to get a vanity plate. Can you help me with this?
Our role is to simply replace your existing plate with a new background that includes the Plum Beach Lighthouse. If you’d like to change your current registration you must contact the DMV directly. Once you change your existing registration to the one you desire, then you can order a PBL plate provided that new plate is 5 digits or less.
14. My registration expires in July every other year. If I get the plate in June, do I have to register the car again in July?
Think of buying the PBL plate as simply replacing the look of your current one. We have nothing to do with the registration of your car, and if you get a new PBL plate in June it will come with a sticker that has the July expiration sticker on it. You will have to pay for the new registration extension for the next two years as yours expires. Whatever the expiration date sticker which is currently on your plate will still be the expiration date of your car.