Most New Yorkers Don't Know About This Hunting Perk

If you love to hunt and live in New York State, there’s a unique option when it comes to registering your vehicle. Did you know that New York offers custom license plates designed specifically for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts across the Empire State?

Spring in New York Brings Hunting and Fishing Season Excitement

The busy spring months are arriving across New York, and it shows. Trees are budding, flowers are blooming, and outdoor activity is picking up statewide. Anglers are heading out for trout, and turkey hunters are preparing for the upcoming season.

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For those who love the outdoors, New York State offers a variety of personalized and specialty license plates that let you show off your passion wherever you drive.

Who Qualifies for New York Hunting License Plates?

In New York State, if you hold certain types of hunting licenses, such as a Sportsman’s license, you may be eligible to order a custom plate featuring designs that highlight your love for hunting.

There are additional fees for these specialty plates. However, there are some restrictions. For example, if your pickup truck is registered as a commercial vehicle, hunting-themed plates are not available because commercial plates must display the word “commercial.”

"There are restrictions for Commercial plates. Commercial plates must display the word "COMMERCIAL" under the plate number and therefore will not print with the wording "I LOVE NY HUNTING", "I LOVE NY FISHING" or "I LOVE NY PARKS". Commercial plates will print with the I LOVE NY symbol in the upper right-hand corner of the plate".

What Do the Hunting Plates Look Like?

Currently, the designs are fairly general and may feature wildlife such as a whitetail deer. It would be interesting to see more specific options in the future, like plates for turkey hunters or trappers, but for now, the available designs celebrate hunting as a whole.

As an added bonus, New York now offers a hunting-themed license plate option for motorcycles as well.

Personalized Plates Come With Some Restrictions

While it’s always fun to display hunting stickers or outdoor brand decals on your vehicle, having a matching license plate takes it to another level. Keep in mind that the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles does restrict certain words and phrases on personalized plates, so not every custom request will be approved.

Turkey Season Is Coming, And So Is Plate Season

Spring turkey hunting season is right around the corner. Youth hunters will get the first opportunity to head into the woods, while the regular season for adult hunters opens May 1.

No matter the season, you can register your vehicle or renew your plates at any time—and that includes upgrading to a custom hunting or outdoor-themed license plate.