Minnesota Launched State Park License Plate Design Contest
Residents can submit designs featuring the North Shore and Lake Superior agates for a new parks license plate.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in National Parks
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has opened a design competition for a new state parks and trails license plate. The winning entry will replace the current design and serve as an entry pass to state recreational areas.
Why it matters
This initiative, mandated by the 2026 Minnesota Legislature, aims to refresh the visual identity of the state's park system. The new plate will continue to provide funding for conservation and trail maintenance through an annual contribution.
The new license plate requires a $60 annual fee and serves as a full-access entry ticket to all state parks and trails. Contestants must show proof of Minnesota residency for at least 60 days to be eligible for entry.
The players
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
This state agency is responsible for managing Minnesota's public lands, waters, and outdoor recreational infrastructure.
Minnesota Legislature
This bicameral legislative body establishes state law, including the mandates for state-issued iconography and funding mechanisms.
The details
Participants must submit designs via an official DNR online form, with artificial intelligence-generated artwork explicitly disqualified from the selection process. Judges will first review entries before narrowing the selection to three finalists for a public online vote.
Timeline
October 31, 2026: Design submission deadline.
November 2026: Initial panel judging by the DNR.
December 2026: Public online voting period.
January 2027: Expected retail release of the new license plate.
Roadmap
This contest follows a broader national trend of states using specialty license plates to build public identity and secure consistent revenue for conservation efforts. By crowdsourcing the artwork, the state engages residents in the long-term stewardship of its public outdoor spaces.
Minnesota residents who purchase the new plate will receive a streamlined, single-product entry permit for all state recreation sites. Those looking to participate in the contest must ensure their design excludes AI-generated elements to avoid automatic disqualification.
The takeaway
The license plate design contest offers residents a unique way to influence state iconography while supporting the upkeep of natural landscapes. Interested parties should prepare their submissions well ahead of the October 31 deadline to meet all regulatory requirements.
Further reading
Learn more about the National Parks system and how regional permits support local conservation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.
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