A Special Group Recognition plate is a way to promote your organization while using the revenue to improve services provided or special projects. An organization seeking initial participation in the Special Group Recognition (SGR) license plate program must submit a completed application including required documentation to the BMV on or before end of business hours on April 1 for potential issuance in the following year.
Specialty Group Recognition Plate FAQs
- How do I apply for an SGR license plate?
To apply for a Special Group Recognition (SGR) plate program, a Special Group Recognition License Plate Application – State Form 54852 and Petition (complete with minimum of 500 signatures) must be submitted to the BMV by April 1 for potential issuance in the following year. The applicant must email, mail or hand deliver one original application with the required documentation to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
100 North Senate Avenue
Room N483
Indianapolis, IN 46204 - How many signatures are needed on the petition for a new specialty group plate?
The petitions are validation that at least 500 people are pledging to purchase your specialty plate if approved.
- Why do we need to submit a petition?
The petitions are validation that at least 500 people are pledging to purchase your specialty plate if approved.
- Do I have to reapply each year?
If your application is approved, you will only need to submit the SGR packet documents, minus the petitions, every 10 years to continue participation. If your application is incomplete you would need to resubmit a new application the following year if you would still like to be considered. If your group is terminated, you can only reapply after two years.
- What happens after the application is submitted?
First, the BMV will confirm receipt of your application. Next, your application packet will be reviewed by BMV to assess completeness. Complete application packets will be presented to the House of Representatives Roads and Transportation Committee, which usually meets mid to late summer. They will make recommendations as to which plates should be accepted. Based upon the recommendations by the Committee, the BMV will then determine which plates are accepted into the program. Note: The BMV will contact applicants when incomplete application packets are submitted.
- How long does the process take?
Once your packet is submitted, the remaining process depends on the date the committee meets, but usually the process takes several months.
- What to do if I have an incomplete application?
If your application is incomplete, you may reapply again the following year.
- What is the best way to submit my petitions?
Petitions must include State form 55352, however, you can submit signatures electronically as long as they meet all of the requirements.
- What if I do not have everything by April 1st deadline?
If you do not have everything by April 1st, you would need to apply the following year.
- What is a petition? What types of addresses qualify?
Individuals who sign the petition are pledging to purchase your plate. They must have an Indiana address (no P.O. Boxes). The address must be complete, Street, City, State and ZIP Code.
- I submitted my application, why have I not heard from you?
We will acknowledge receipt of your application but may not reach out after that until we have a date for the Roads and Transportation Committee.
- Can my organization’s plate be terminated?
An SGR group can have their plate terminated if they fail to meet the required sale of 500 plates. During the first two years, the group must sell 500 plates, subsequent years must meet the required 500 plate sales. If the group fails to meet that requirement, they will be placed on probation for 1 year. If the group fails to meet the sales requirement during probation, they will be terminated.
- How do I reinstate a terminated plate?
If a group has been terminated, they may reapply after 2 years.
- If we don’t have 500 plate sales in the first year, will my organization’s plate be terminated?
See the previous question.
- How many groups are allowed in the SGR program?
There may be up to 150 groups.
- How much money per plate goes to the organization?
Groups may make up to $25.00 per plate.
- Why should we consider doing a special recognition plate?
A Special Group Recognition plate is a way to promote your organization while using the revenue to improve services provided or special projects.
- Does it cost to join the program?
There is no fee to Join the SGR program.