Massachusetts RMV Announces Special MA250 Low Number Plate Lottery

1,000 low-numbered plates available in commemorative 250th anniversary lottery

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is celebrating the state's 250th anniversary by offering a special lottery for 1,000 low-numbered license plates featuring the new 'Massachusetts 250 Years of Independence' design. Residents can apply for the lottery starting February 16 and the winners will be announced in May.

Why it matters

The commemorative 250th anniversary license plate has already proven popular, with over 57,000 issued in just seven months. This lottery provides a unique opportunity for Massachusetts residents to obtain a coveted low-numbered plate that celebrates the state's history and civic pride.

The details

The 'Massachusetts 250 Years of Independence' plate features a blue background with the year '1776' surrounded by 13 stars and the phrase '250 Years of Independence' at the bottom. The lottery will award 1,000 plates numbered from 1-999, including the symbolic plate number 1776. Applicants must be Massachusetts residents with an active, registered, and insured passenger vehicle. The lottery is open from February 16 to April 17, 2026, and winners will be announced on May 7.

  • The lottery application period opens on February 16, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
  • The lottery application period closes on April 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
  • The lottery winners will be announced on May 7, 2026.

The players

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

The state agency responsible for vehicle registration and licensing in Massachusetts.

Phillip Eng

Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager.

Colleen Ogilvie

Registry of Motor Vehicles Registrar.

Mark William Bracken

Massachusetts State Lottery Executive Director.

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What they’re saying

“Massachusetts is a state of many firsts, and it is only appropriate that we celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary honoring our shared history with the opportunity to celebrate civic pride with a commemorative low number license plate through a lottery. This is a fun but meaningful and visible tribute to the historic occasion, allowing residents to participate in this once in a lifetime event.”

— Phillip Eng, Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager (Beacon Hill Times)

“Since last May, the RMV has offered the patriotic-themed higher number plates (online) as part of the Massachusetts 250 festivities. We are so excited to continue this celebration of American and state history by enabling all qualified Massachusetts residents a chance to win a coveted low number on the popular commemorative plate. The RMV is thrilled to partner with the Massachusetts State Lottery and benefit from their lottery expertise.”

— Colleen Ogilvie, Registry of Motor Vehicles Registrar (Beacon Hill Times)

“This event represents a unique opportunity to combine historical recognition with public engagement in a way that aligns with the Lottery's mission. A commemorative low lottery plate is likely to generate strong interest from residents across the state while honoring an extraordinary milestone in our state's history.”

— Mark William Bracken, Massachusetts State Lottery Executive Director (Beacon Hill Times)

What’s next

The lottery winners will be announced on May 7, 2026 and residents will be able to watch the event online via the RMV website. Following the event, results will be available on the RMV website.

The takeaway

This commemorative license plate lottery provides Massachusetts residents with a unique opportunity to celebrate the state's 250th anniversary in a visible and meaningful way. The high demand for the plates demonstrates the enduring civic pride and historical significance of this milestone for the Commonwealth.