DMV COMMISSIONER MARTINEZ UNVEILS NEW “CUSTOM” LICENSE PLATE “Life - Pass It On” Plates Now Available

Raymond P. Martinez, State Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, was joined today by legislative sponsors Senator Kemp Hannon, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, and co-sponsor Assemblyman James Conte to unveil the “Life - Pass It On” custom license plate to benefit organ and tissue donation and research. The unveiling of New York’s newest “cause” plate was held at the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

Commissioner Martinez said, “Thanks to Governor Pataki and these legislators, this plate gives New Yorkers a great way to promote awareness of the need for more donors and to support organ donation and transplant research, and educational projects to promote organ and tissue donation. In addition to purchasing this plate, New Yorkers can support organ and tissue donation and become a donor by checking the ‘organ donation’ box on the back of their license.”

Senator Kemp Hannon said, "Here in New York we have moved forward on legislative initiatives to help alleviate the shortage of donors. These new ‘Life - Pass It On’ license plates will reach thousands of people across the state and help educate them about the importance of organ and tissue donation. With the enhanced awareness, there will be a greater willingness to donate, as well as more transplant recipients as living testament that organ and tissue donation really works."

"There are over 80,000 people on the transplant waiting lists in the United States, approximately 8,000 are New York residents who are waiting for life saving donations,” said Assemblyman Sam Hoyt. “This license plate will promote awareness for this very important issue," he added.

Assemblyman James Conte said, “As a two-time kidney transplant recipient, I have known the greatest gift that someone could give…the Gift of Life. This new program gives people the opportunity to raise money by showing their support for organ donation through the purchase of special license plates while spreading the word about the ultimate gift of life.”

"This is a very important step in raising awareness about the thousands of lives which are saved each year through the generous gift of life. Creating these plates will provide another mechanism to make all New Yorkers aware of the need to make a decision about donation and share it with their families," said Carla Williams, Executive Director of the New York State Alliance for Donation, Inc. "There is a critical need for New Yorkers to become registered as organ and tissue donors and this program should help raise awareness within our state."

The initial cost for the “Life – Pass It On” license plate with a number assigned by the Department of Motor Vehicles is $43 with an annual renewal fee of $25. A personalized version with the motorist’s choice of two to six characters, including spaces, is available for $68, with an annual renewal fee of $50.

The annual renewal fee is in addition to the regular registration fee and is billed every two years. In every case, $20 of the annual renewal fee will be deposited to the credit of the Life Pass It On Trust Fund, overseen by the Department of Health.

This plate is available to anyone who has a passenger or commercial vehicle registered in New York State. To order your “Life - Pass It On ” license plate, visit any DMV issuing office, DMV’s website at www.nysdmv.com or call the DMV Custom Plates office at 518-402-4838, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. You may view our gallery of over 300 custom plates and ordering information for each on the DMV website as well. Individuals who qualify for the International Symbol of Access must order through DMV’s Custom Plates office.