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Penn State Alumni Association License Plate
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What new license plate?
A: In January of 2005, the Alumni Association (along with PennDOT) unveiled the new design of the license plate. This new design features the University's official shield logo which has replaced the former "Pozniak" lion face.

Q: Why did we change the plate?
A: The "1855 lion shield" on the new plate is an intrinsic part of the Penn State mark, the official logo of the University. About 15 years ago, the University created and adopted the new Penn State mark and the identity system that surrounds it to dissociate the University from the Commonwealth and thus correct the misperception that Penn State was entirely state-supported. The new mark also created a sharper, more academic, more distinctive identity for the University—an identity that could be used by all the constituent parts of the University, especially the campuses other than University Park. The Alumni Association also adopted the "1855 lion shield" many years ago as part of its then-new identity system, which was engineered chiefly to align itself more closely with alma mater. We wanted our license plate program to support our own identity system, not undercut it; hence the change.

Q: Will I be able to keep my current "Pozniak" plate?
A: Yes, as long as the plate's registration stays current. As soon as registration lapses or expires, a new application must be completed and only the new version of the plate will be sent. However, the Alumni Association does encourage you to upgrade your “Pozniak” plate to the new design.

Q: Do I have to be a member of the Alumni Association to get this plate?
A: Yes, this has not changed. Only members are eligible to receive the plate. To join, go to: http://alumni.psu.edu/membership/join/

Q: Can I personalize my license plate?
A: PennDOT issues the plates in sequential order.

Q: Does ordering the new plate have any impact on my current registration?
A: No, there is no impact. The plate fee is payable one-time only. When your new plate arrives it will also include a new sticker and registration card. Your registration due date and dollar amount on your yearly registration will remain the same.

Q: How much does it cost to get an Alumni Association plate?
A: The total cost to receive the plate is $74.00. Twenty-four dollars of this amount is paid directly to PennDOT for the actual plate and specialty license plate registration. The remaining $50 is considered a donation which will go directly into a fund to support student programs. It is important to note that this $50 amount is 100 percent tax-deductible. While many schools charge an annual fee to carry their plate, we will not. Our fee is payable one time only (as long as your Penn State Alumni Association plate is kept active).

IMPORTANT
When applying for your plate, you need to write only one check for $74.00 payable to the Penn State University . We will then forward the $24.00 due to PennDOT, along with the approved application.

Q: How can I get a new plate?
A: Current Alumni Association members can apply by downloading the printable PDF application form located at http://www.alumni.psu.edu/membership/benefits/plates.htm, by calling 1-877-778-7467 to request this form, or by emailing licenseplate@psualum.com. Once the form is completed, send it along with the $74.00 check payable to Penn State University to:

License Plate
Penn State Alumni Association
Hintz Family Alumni Center
University Park, PA 16802

Q: I am moving to Pennsylvania, can I apply for a plate?
A: You must first register your car in Pennsylvania before you apply for a Penn State Alumni Association plate.

Q: How long does it take for me to get my new plate?
A: Specialty plates such as the Penn State Alumni Association plate take about six to eight weeks from the receipt at the Alumni Association.

Q: I would like to buy a Penn State license plate for my child who is graduating this year, but the car they use is registered under my name. How can I do this?
A: If both the parent and the child are Alumni Association members, the license plate application should be filled out by the parent. The person whose name is on the application must be a current Alumni Association member and listed on the registration of the car. Non-alums may join the Alumni Association as associate members.