Arizona will offer an Arizona Space Commission special license plate if someone pays the state $32,000 by December 31, 2026, with $17 of each $25 plate fee going to a state fund for space exploration and aeronautics research grants.
Official title: special plate; Arizona space commission
- September 12, 2026
- Deadline for the $32,000 payment needed to create the plate: Issuing Arizona Space Commission special plates
What changes
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NowThe transportation department must issue Arizona Space Commission special plates if, by December 31, 2026, a person pays it $32,000 to put the plate in place. That person designs the plate, and the department must approve the design and colors.
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NowOf the $25 fee for the plate and for each yearly renewal, $8 is an administration fee that goes to the state highway fund and $17 is a yearly donation.
BeforeThe space exploration and aeronautics research fund was made up of legislative appropriations and gifts, grants and donations.
NowThe fund also receives the $17 donations from the new plate. The fund can be used for grants to Arizona space and aeronautics businesses, nonprofits or certain government partners.
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NowThe department's director may allow the space plate to be combined with a personalized plate. If so, the extra personalized plate fees also apply.
Who it affects
- Vehicle owners who choose to buy the Arizona Space Commission plate
- The person or group that pays the $32,000 and designs the plate
- Arizona space and aeronautics businesses and nonprofits that may apply for grants
- Arizona Department of Transportation
- The board that runs the space exploration and aeronautics research fund
What you need to do
Nothing. Vehicle owners who want the plate may apply and pay the $25 special plate fee, plus normal registration fees, once the plate is available.
What the law doesn't answer
- Who is expected to pay the $32,000 or design the plate
- What happens if the $32,000 is not paid by December 31, 2026
- When the plates would actually become available to buy
- How much the personalized plate fees would be if the director allows the plates to be combined
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.