LA PLATA, Md. — La Plata residents and Maryland drivers across the state can now show off a little local love every time they hit the road. The town’s first-ever specialty license plate has officially launched, featuring a design inspired by La Plata’s official bird: the Purple Martin.
The “Keep La Plata Beautiful” plate features original artwork by local artist Shannon Wang, co-owner of Shop 53 Tattoo Studio and Bird City Records, and chair of the Keep La Plata Beautiful committee’s Arts Workgroup. The design features a Purple Martin set against a field of green, symbolizing La Plata’s environmental conservation.
Plates have started arriving for early applicants and are available to any vehicle registered in Maryland. Each plate begins with the prefix “OZ,” a nod to the phrase “there’s no place like home.” The $35 fee includes $25 to the Maryland MVA and a $10 administrative fee to the town, with proceeds supporting beautification and conservation efforts.
Why the Purple Martin?
The Purple Martin was chosen as La Plata’s official bird because of its unique presence in town. Each spring, the birds return from a more than 5,000-mile migration from South America to roost at two established sites in downtown La Plata.
Despite their name, Purple Martins have black plumage with an iridescent sheen that appears purple in the right light. They feed exclusively while flying, dining on insects like moths, beetles and dragonflies.
La Plata was named Maryland’s first Bird City in 2020 for its efforts to protect bird habitats and promote environmental health as a foundation for community well-being.
How to Apply
To order a plate, visit townoflaplata.org to download the application. Submit your completed application and payment in one of two ways:
In person:
Town Hall
305 Queen Anne St.
La Plata, MD 20646
By mail:
Town of La Plata
Legislative Services
305 Queen Anne St., Box 2268
La Plata, MD 20646
For questions, contact Kelly Phipps, director of legislative services, at kphipps@townoflaplata.org.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
