New Minnesota license plate option up for vote

ST. PAUL -- A new license plate option will be available to Minnesota drivers in October, and it’s up to the public to pick its design.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced the finalists Monday for the new state parks and trails license plate. Members of the public can vote on the designs online through 5 p.m. July 4, and the winner will be announced July 6.

Voting link:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/parksplate/index.html

The three finalists were selected by a panel of judges from a pool of 80 design submissions.

The winner will celebrate Minnesota state parks and trails’ 125th anniversary and does not replace any of the DNR’s critical habitat designs currently offered.

The new plates will cost a minimum of $60 plus tax. That includes a one-time $10 fee for the license plate and a minimum $50 contribution that is renewable annually. Proceeds will benefit Minnesota state parks and trails.

The plates also replace the need for an annual vehicle permit at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas - a $25 value.

1/2: One of three finalists in a contest to design a Minnesota license plate commemorating the 125th anniversary of the state park system. (Photo courtesy Minnesota DNR)

2/2: One of three finalists in a contest to design a Minnesota license plate commemorating the 125th anniversary of the state park system. (Photo courtesy Minnesota DNR)

1/2: One of three finalists in a contest to design a Minnesota license plate commemorating the 125th anniversary of the state park system. (Photo courtesy Minnesota DNR)

2/2: One of three finalists in a contest to design a Minnesota license plate commemorating the 125th anniversary of the state park system. (Photo courtesy Minnesota DNR)