Massachusetts Opens Lottery for New 250th Anniversary License Plates

Massachusetts is launching a low-number lottery for the state's new blue 250th anniversary license plates, which feature the 1776 insignia with 13 stars and the phrase “250 Years of Independence.”

According to a CBS Boston report, since its launch, the program has issued a record 57,000 blue plates. They stand out from standard state license plates because their backgrounds are blue, with white letters and numbers.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) announced the lottery on Monday, Feb. 16. Anyone interested has until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 17, to apply. Winners will be announced on May 7 and posted on the RMV's website.

Winners will not be able to request specific plate numbers; selection is assigned randomly.

There are 1,000 plates available through the lottery — numbers 1 to 999 — and the historic 1776.

Blue plates cost $60 with a $40 biannual specialty plate fee to keep the plate active. If you win one of the low plates in the lottery, you will have until Friday, Aug. 28, to switch your license plates.

"We are so excited to continue this celebration of American and state history by enabling all qualified Massachusetts residents a chance to win a coveted low number on the popular commemorative plate," said Registry of Motor Vehicles Registrar Colleen Ogilvie in a statement shared with CBS Boston.

To apply, residents should visit the RMV lottery page on Mass.gov. Additional details are available on the MassDOT website.