What is the Parks Access (LAFC) License Plate?
Who can pre-order these plates?
If I already own a personalized plate, can I keep it?
How long will it take to get the plates?
Will I be able to give these plates as a gift?
What will you do with the information provided on the order form?
I have a disabled plate. Can I still get Parks Access (LAFC) license plate?
What do I do if I move or have a change of vehicle before I receive my Parks Access (LAFC) Plate?
What is the Parks Access (LAFC) License Plate?
The Parks Access (LAFC) License Plate is a Specialized License Plate benefiting programs of the California Natural Resources Agency, a California State Agency (Agency). Agency will distribute at least 20% of funds collected to programs that expand equitable access for Californians to State Parks, other public lands and cultural and historic places. Any remaining funds will be used to promote access to and maintain, conserve and restore all state parks, other public lands, and cultural and historical resources.
How does the process work?
Pre-order the Parks Access (LAFC) License plate by clicking the Order License Plate Button above.
California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) has 12 months to collect the required 7,500 pre-paid applications. If 7,500 applications are not collected in this initial 12 months, CNRA may request a 12-month extension to continue collecting pre-paid applications. If a 12-month extension is requested, CNRA must notify applicants of the extension.
After 7,500 pre-paid applications are collected and submitted to the California DMV, the DMV will begin the new plate program implementation process which can take up to an additional 12 months.
If CNRA does not reach the required 7,500 pre-paid applications within the time allowed, the applicants will receive a full refund of their pre-order payment, minus the non-refundable credit card fee.
Who can pre-order these plates?
Anyone who has a current California-registered vehicle, including automobile, truck, trailer, motorcycle, or commercial vehicles, may order the Parks Access (LAFC) License Plate.
NOTE: This vehicle will also need to have a California-registration at the time the plate is released, which could be in as many as three years. If you change vehicles, you MUST update your order information by clicking on the Order License Plate button at the top and log into your account or you may not receive your plate and your fees will be refunded. Alternatively, you may also update your information by contacting sportsplates@resources.ca.gov
How much do the plates cost?
The Parks Access (LAFC) License Plate costs a fee in addition to your normal vehicle registration fee. To pre-order a sequentially numbered plate (a six-space alpha-numeric generated by the DMV) the initial cost will be $53 ($50 plate fee + $3 non-refundable credit card processing fee) and $40 annually to renew plus your normal vehicle registration fee. Personalized Parks Access (LAFC) plates (where you select up to from two to six numbers and/or letters) cost $106 ($103 plate fee + $3 non-refundable credit card processing fee) and $83 per year to renew plus your normal vehicle registration fees.
| Plate | Fee (+$3 non-refundable credit card processing fee) | |
| Original | Renewal (Paid annually) | |
| Personalized | $106 ($103 plate fee + $3 non-refundable credit card processing fee) |
$83 |
| Sequential | $53 ($50 plate fee + $3 non-refundable credit card processing fee) |
$40 |
Some portion of the Parks Access (LAFC) license plate purchase price may be considered a charitable contribution that maybe tax deductible. For questions about your taxes, consult a tax professional.
Where will the fees go?
After plate implementation costs and Administrative Service Fees are paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles, the plate revenues will pay for the following:
- Seventy-five percent (75%) of funds generated from the program will go to Agency or one of its departments, boards, commissions or conservancies to promote access to and maintenance or restoration of California parks, other state lands, cultural resources, and for other such special purposes.Agency will distribute at least 20% of these funds to programs that expand equitable access for Californians to State Parks, other public lands and cultural and historic places. The remaining funds will be used to promote access to and maintain, conserve and restore all state parks, other public lands, and cultural and historical resources.
- Twenty-five percent (25%) will go to the Los Angeles Foundation for use of the Los Angeles Football Club team images and for the purposes of the Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to engage and impact the Los Angeles community through a commitment to support youth education and mentoring, promote health and wellness, and help address the issues of poverty including education inequities, food and housing insecurity, community-police relations and youth justice. Since returning to Los Angeles, the Foundation has contributed more than $2.5 million in cash, grants, merchandise and tickets to area charities. The funds from the plate will allow the Foundation to continue to make a difference in the lives of the youth in the Los Angeles area.
NOTE: Fees for personalized plates, also called Environmental License Plates or ELPs, are deposited into the Environmental License Plate Fund.
Are the fees tax deductible?
A portion of the Parks Access (LAFC) License Plate purchase price and renewal fee maybe considered a charitable contribution and maybe tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. For questions about your taxes, consult a tax professional.
How can I help?
Spread the word! Tell your friends, family, and co-workers to order their Parks Access (LAFC) License Plate. Email this web site to everyone you know that lives, works and recreates in California. Follow us on social media:
If I already own a personalized plate, can I keep it?
If your current personalized plate has two to six characters, you can exchange it for a Parks Access (LAFC) license plate for an auto, commercial vehicle, or trailer. If your current personalized plate has two to five characters, you can exchange it to a Parks Access (LAFC) license plate for a motorcycle. You may not exchange a regular series license plate number, a sequential license plate number from another special license plate program, or a configuration with a special character, such as a star, heart, hand, or plus sign (i.e. Kids license plate).
I currently have a different specialized plate – can I switch to the Parks Access (LAFC) License Plate?
Yes, switching to a new special license plate is just like getting a brand new license plate. If CNRA successfully collects the 7,500 pre-paid applications, and after DMV is able to program the new plate into its system, you will turn in your old special plate and be issued your new Parks Access (LAFC) license plate.
If you would like to switch your personalized special plate and keep your current personalization on a Parks Access (LAFC) license plate, see the above FAQ.
How long will it take to get the plates?
Please be patient as it may take up to three years before the Parks Access (LAFC) Specialized License Plate becomes an official California license plate and begins being issued.
California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) has 12 months to collect the required 7,500 pre-paid applications. If 7,500 applications are not collected in this initial 12 months, CNRA may request a 12-month extension to continue collecting pre-paid applications. If a 12-month extension is requested, CNRA must notify applicants of the extension.
After 7,500 pre-paid applications are collected and submitted to the California DMV, the DMV will begin the new plate program implementation process which can take up to an additional 12 months.
For sequential license plate orders, when the order is processed, the license plate will be assigned to the vehicle indicated on the order and mailed out, which may take 7 to 12 business days.
For personalized license plate orders, the review and production of the personalized plates may take 10 to 12 weeks and will be distributed to the DMV or an Auto Club office indicated on the application. Once received by the designated office, a post card will be sent out notifying you that they are available for pick up.
Will I be able to give these plates as a gift?
Yes. You may give a Parks Access (LAFC) License Plate as a gift. Go to the Order License Plate page and complete the web or paper pledge form and fill it out on behalf of your gift recipient. The person receiving the gift must have a current California registration for the vehicle they plan to place the plates onto and the vehicle must be registered if and when the Parks Access (LAFC) license plate is released which can take up to three years. As such, make sure that if the gift recipient’s personal or vehicle information changes that you update CNRA before the new plates get released.
If you plan to give six or more Parks Access (LAFC) license plates as a gift, by regulation, they can only be sequential and not personalized.
What will you do with the information provided on the order form?
We will not share your information, send you unsolicited emails/mailings, or make unsolicited phone calls to you. You do have the option to sign up for future information. Your information will only be used to contact you regarding your Parks Access (LAFC) License Plate order.
I have a disabled plate. Can I still get Parks Access (LAFC) license plate?
Yes, if you are willing to replace your disabled person license plate with a disabled person parking placard. It is not possible to get a combined Parks Access (LAFC) /disabled person license plate. However, you can get a Parks Access (LAFC) license plate and display a disabled person parking placard in the vehicle to receive the parking privileges. Please see DMV’s website about applying for a disabled person placard.
What do I do if I move or have a change of vehicle before I receive my Parks Access (LAFC) Plate?
You may update your information by contacting sportsplates@resources.ca.gov
Additional Questions
Q: Can I get a special character on my Parks Access (LAFC) license plate, such as a star, heart, hand, or plus?
A: No, those special characters are only available on the Kids license plate.
Q: I lease a car. Can I still get Parks Access (LAFC) license plate?
A: Yes, as long as the lessee is listed on the vehicle registration.
Q: Will I receive one or two license plate?
A: You will receive two plates for auto or truck (commercial) and one plate for motorcycle or trailer.
Q: Will I receive registration stickers with my new license plate(s)?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I pick up the Parks Access (LAFC) license plate without assigning to a vehicle?
A: No, the license plates must be assigned to a vehicle currently registered in California.