West Virginia to Release Cryptid Themed License Plates
The new state license plate features iconic folklore figures and serves as a posthumous tribute to its designer.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Paranormal
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The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles will release a new license plate featuring the Flatwoods Monster, Mothman, Bigfoot, and Batboy on Nov. 2, 2026. This unique design serves as a tribute to the late artist Jesse Corlis.
Why it matters
The new design aims to celebrate the state's cultural heritage and folklore while honoring the legacy of an artist known for his contributions to previous wildlife plate designs. It offers residents a way to display regional identity through artistic representation.
The plate design features the Flatwoods Monster, Mothman, Bigfoot, and Batboy. It is the latest project developed by the Kanawha City DMV headquarters.
The players
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles
This state agency is responsible for issuing driver licenses and vehicle registrations throughout West Virginia.
Jesse Corlis
A talented artist whose past work includes the creation of multiple specialty wildlife license plates for the state.
The details
The design was developed at the Kanawha City DMV headquarters by artist Jesse Corlis, who previously created the Protect Pollinators and Turtle wildlife plates. The artwork aims to blend the state's natural history with its deep-seated cryptid lore.
Timeline
Artist Jesse Corlis died in 2023.
The license plate will be available for purchase starting Nov. 2, 2026.
Culture Shift
The rise of cryptid plates follows the historical trend of state DMV specialty plate programs, which have increasingly leveraged regional identity to drive consumer interest. This shift reflects a move toward celebrating niche local legends as a way to build state pride.
Residents interested in the new design should prepare for the Nov. 2, 2026 release date to secure their own plates. The availability of this design offers a new way for vehicle owners to personalize their cars while highlighting the state's unique folklore.
The takeaway
This release highlights how state agencies can effectively blend bureaucracy with local cultural identity through creative design. Citizens can use this upcoming opportunity to commemorate the artist's legacy while celebrating the state's famous folklore.
What happens next
The public will be able to purchase the new cryptid license plates starting on Nov. 2, 2026.
Further reading
Discover more about regional legends at the West Virginia Paranormal section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBOY.
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Do you support the use of specialty license plates to celebrate local folklore in your area?
