New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Executive Deputy Commissioner Renato Donato, Jr. today announced the availability of the "New York State Cultural Institutions and Museums" custom license plate.  The new plate, which is the latest addition to the more than 300 custom plates available, will help benefit the arts through a dedicated fund.

"The New York State Cultural Institutions and Museums plate is an attractive plate that offers New Yorkers a great way to show their support for projects that promote the arts and cultural institutions in New York State," Commissioner Donato said.  "This is both an exciting and beneficial addition to our custom plate collection."

The new plate features a design consisting of various culture-related icons to the left of the plate number and includes the word "ART" following the numerical sequence.  The plate is available to anyone who has a passenger or commercial vehicle registered in New York State.

"As Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on the Arts and Cultural Affairs, I am very pleased these license plates are now available to motorists," Senator Serphin R. Maltese said.  "Not only will New Yorkers be able to show their support for the arts, but New York's cultural institutions and artistic organizations will benefit from their support.  I would like to thank Governor Pataki for his help in making this program possible."

"I'm delighted New Yorkers have this opportunity to spread the word about our state's great arts and cultural institutions," said Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle, who sponsored legislation making the new custom plates possible. "We have so much to be proud of in New York, and this is an innovative way of getting that message out."

The initial cost for the "New York State Cultural Institutions and Museums" license plate with a number assigned by the DMV is $43 with an annual renewal fee of $25.  A personalized version of the new license plate 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 that is billed every two years.

According to the legislation requiring the availability of the new plate, $15 of the annual renewal fee will be deposited in the Arts Capital Revolving Fund.  The Fund will provide assistance to cultural institutions and artist organizations throughout the State.

"New York State Cultural Institutions and Museums" license plates can be ordered through the DMV's website at www.nysdmv.com, by calling the DMV Custom Plates office at 518-402-4838 or at any local DMV office.  Individuals who qualify for the International Symbol of Access must order through DMV's Custom Plates office.

To receive a .JPG file of the "New York State Cultural Institutions and Museums" license plate, please contact the DMV Communications Office at 518-473-7000.