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Colorado unveils 150th anniversary license plates

The plates will be available for no additional charge starting in August, Gov. Jared Polis said.

DENVER — After months of public submissions and voting, Colorado has two new license plates.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis unveiled the new plate designs Wednesday to celebrate the Centennial State's 150th anniversary, which is in 2026. 

A contest launched in September, seeking designs from residents. Six finalists were chosen from more than 300 entries from 216 entrants.

The public was able to vote for the final two winners in different divisions — 13 and older, and younger than 13. Over 34,000 Coloradans voted in the design contest to determine the winners.

The DMV presented both winners with a $1,000 grant as well as a commemorative license plate.

Polis said starting in August, all Coloradans will be able to purchase the plates. They'll be available through August 2027. Unlike other specialty license plates, the governor said, they will be available for no additional charge.

The winners are: 

13+ Division

Credit: Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Artist: Evan Griesheimer, of Denver; Inspiration: The simplicity and colors of the Colorado State Flag, the Rocky Mountains and mining
  • Artist: Evan Griesheimer of Denver
  • Inspiration: The simplicity and colors of the Colorado state flag, the Rocky Mountains and mining

Griesheimer won the 13 and older division with 15,697 votes or 46.13% of the total.

This license plate design will be available for purchase from Aug. 1, 2023 to Aug. 1, 2027.

“It feels great to win the contest. It means a lot to me to have one of my designs in a public setting where many will be able to see it,” Griesheimer said. “My friends, family and I are all very excited to be able to have a plate of our own with my design on it. One of my friends even joked about getting me to sign it.” 

Under 13 Division

Credit: Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Artist: Calista Blaschke, of Denver; Inspiration: Pikes Peak, fortune hunters, the State Bird (Lark bunting) and the State Tree (Blue spruce)
  • Artist: Calista Blaschke of Denver
  • Inspiration: Pikes Peak, fortune hunters, the state bird (lark bunting) and the state tree (blue spruce)

Blaschke won the under 13 division with 21,633 votes or 63.58% of the total.

This license plate design will be available for purchase from Aug. 1, 2023 to Aug. 1, 2027.

“It feels amazing to win the contest,” Blaschke said. “It’s a big accomplishment and I can’t believe my first ever entry into a contest like this ended up winning.”

Credit: Division of Motor Vehicles

“Colorado’s awe-inspiring beauty was well reflected in the hundreds of great designs submitted by talented Colorado artists as we celebrate 150 years of Colorado history,” said Polis. "I am proud to congratulate the winners whose beautiful license plates will be on vehicles across the state starting this August."

“I am so proud of the effort Coloradans and our Team put into the upcoming 150th anniversary license plates — they did a great job,” said Mark Ferrandino, executive director of the Colorado Department of Revenue. “It speaks to the pride we all have in calling Colorado home and I hope the contest sparked interest in our shared history, especially for the younger Coloradans who participated in the contest.”

6 license plate finalists were:

13+ Division

Credit: Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Artist: Dave Kottler, of Colorado Springs; Inspiration: The artist was inspired by his 30 years spent in Colorado
Credit: Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Artist: Evan Griesheimer, of Denver; Inspiration: The simplicity and colors of the Colorado State Flag, the Rocky Mountains and mining
Credit: Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Artist: Alain Suel, of Denver; Inspiration: Colorado’s beautiful sunsets, blue skies, snowy mountains and the Capitol dome

Under 13 Division

Credit: Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Artist: Calista Blaschke, of Denver; Inspiration: Pikes Peak, fortune hunters, the State Bird (Lark bunting) and the State Tree (Blue spruce)
Credit: Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Artist: Eden Eshun, of Denver; Inspiration: Colorado’s mountains and forests, and the State Bird (Lark bunting)
Credit: Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles
Artist: Calista Blaschke, of Denver; Inspiration: Pikes Peak, fortune hunters, the State Bird (Lark bunting) and the State Tree (Blue spruce)

SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Colorado Guide

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