FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Officials at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today released a series of redesigned license plates for physicians, registered nurses and other medical professionals.

"Doctors, nurses and other health care providers are essential to our communities," DMV Commissioner Barbara J. Fiala said. "We are delighted to offer these professionals another way to be recognized for their accomplishments and express pride in their education, training and service to the public."

The ten updated plates include: medical doctor, registered nurse, pharmacist, podiatrist, psychologist, chiropractor (DCH), registered physician assistant, physical therapist, acupuncturist and visiting nurse. New designs for veterinarians, optometrists and dentists will be released at a later date.

Most of the redesigned plates feature new artwork and all now have an accompanying tagline on the bottom of the plate which identifies their profession. Many feature some variation of the medical caduceus, a staff with wings and two intertwined snakes around it.

The initial cost of a medical license plate is $60, which includes the $25 plate fee, a $31.25 annual fee and a $3.75 document fee. The annual renewal fee for the plates is in addition to the regular registration fee. Those who currently have one of these professional custom plates can upgrade to the new design for $28.75, which includes the $25 plate fee and $3.75 document fee.

Along with the redesigned medical series plates, new plates for registered architects and professional engineers will be released soon. Fourteen redesigned military and veteran plates, including those for the Air National Guard and Disabled Veterans, featuring a new patriotic look, will also be released in the near future.

The medical professional custom plates are only available through the DMV Custom Plates Office by calling (518) 402-4838. Those applying for the plates will be required to provide a copy of their current Registration Certificate issued by New York State Education Department. All plates are also available with the International Symbol of Access (ISA) for any registrant with a disability who qualifies for such a plate.

Currently the DMV offers nearly 240 different custom plates. Images and ordering information are available at http://www.dmv.ny.gov/cplates.htm.