PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Coast Aquarium is just over the halfway point to reaching its goal of producing its new puffin license plates.
More than 1,600 vouchers have been sold so far, according to the aquarium's website. The aquarium needs to sell a minimum of 3,000 vouchers — about 1,400 more — before the license plates can be moved into the production phase. Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) estimates that it takes 6-7 months for production to begin.
In July, the aquarium announced the new license plate option and unveiled the design, created by artist Cam Mullins. The plates show a tufted puffing looking through water at fish swimming below. Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on rocky islands and headlands.
Puffin plates can only be purchased on the aquarium's website. Preorders cost $40, which covers both front and black plates. Drivers who first buy the plate and then renew them at the Oregon DMV will pay a $40 surcharge in addition to other regular renewal fees. About $35 of the surcharge will go towards supporting the Oregon Coast Aquarium's animal rehabilitation efforts.