WYOMING — The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has released two new specialty license plate designs that are available for purchase by the public as of the beginning of 2026.

The two new designs, a rodeo plate and a search and rescue plate, were created by the Wyoming Legislature in 2025 and aim to raise funds for their respective causes. Both license plates can be purchased through a county treasurer or WYDOT, and applications are currently available on WYDOT’s website.

Image courtesy of WYDOT

“The new Rodeo specialty license plate features an historic photo of Steamboat, the iconic bucking horse that is now a symbol for the state, courtesy of the University of Wyoming,” reads WYDOT’s Wednesday announcement. “The plates also note rodeo as the official sport of Wyoming.”

In addition to standard vehicle registration charges, the Rodeo plate costs $30 in specialty plate fees the first year, and includes the opportunity to donate $20 or more to the rodeo programs at the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges. There is no renewal fee for this plate.

The Search and Rescue specialty plate has a design featuring a winter rescue scenario. The Search and Rescue license plate runs $180 the first year and has a $50 annual renewal fee, beyond normal registration fees. According to WYDOT, the additional fees will go toward search and rescue services in the state.

A select number of both plate designs with low or special numbers will be sold via auction in early 2026. All earnings from the auctions will go to the corresponding organizations.

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.