SALT LAKE CITY — Wildlife license plates are boosting the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ budget to help big game, fish and other species that make Utah a great place to hunt.
DWR’s specialty wildlife license plates have raised over $1.9 million for wildlife conservation efforts in Utah.
A large portion of funding the management of fish and wildlife species in Utah is derived from hunting and fishing license and permit sale, however the specialty license plates gives Utah vehicle operators an opportunity to support one of the four species they wish to help.
People can select license plate options that help with elk, mule deer, kestrel or trout.
DWR Administrative Services Chief Kenny Johnson said wildlife license plates are a fun way to show support for Utah’s fish and wildlife, and we are grateful to the Utah Legislature for approving this additional funding option and for all the Utahns who support wildlife conservation through these plates.
“We’ve seen an increase in sales the last few years, particularly in 2021 and 2022 following the pandemic,” he said. “Our most popular plates are the elk and mule deer options. Of all the specialty plates offered in Utah through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles, our wildlife plates were the third-highest generating plates from 2019 to 2024.”
The revenue generated from the several kestrel license plates help fund conservation efforts and projects that benefit nongame species in Utah.
Some of the specific projects funded by the license plate revenue include:
- Wahweap Fish Hatchery operations (this hatchery helps raise several fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act).
- Building Motus tracking stations throughout Utah and deploying the tracking tags on various birds, which allows for the study of bird migrations. This system has provided valuable information about the use and importance of the Great Salt Lake to birds.
- Coordinating and conducting breeding bird surveys with partnering agencies.
- Telemetry studies of American white pelicans.
- The purchase of radio transmitters to learn more about the movements of endangered California condors.
“Often, the license plate funds are paired with other funding sources, like federal grants, which greatly increases the impact of those funds for wildlife conservation projects,” Johnson said.
Wildlife license plates can be purchased online at the Department of Motor Vehicle website or in person by visiting a DMV location. The cost of each plate is $46.50 initially when ordered, which includes the cost of the plate and a $25 donation to the DWR. From the time the plate is purchased every year when the vehicle’s registration is renewed, the registration fees will include an annual $25 donation to the DWR.