Delaware’s unique low-digit license plate lottery, Tag-A-Palooza, draws significant interest annually. This guide outlines the lottery process, the value of low-digit plates, and how to acquire one.
How to Participate in the Delaware Tag-A-Palooza
Tag-A-Palooza offers two participation routes: an online lottery and an in-person, first-come, first-served event.
Online Lottery
The online lottery registration typically opens in early November and closes a week before the drawing. Participants can register at the Delaware DMV website (dmv.de.gov/taglottery). Only one registration per driver’s license or identification card is allowed. Winners are randomly selected over four days for various plate types, including personal vehicles, trailers, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. Each day, 260 five-digit personal vehicle plates are available, along with allocations for other vehicle types.
In-Person Lottery
The in-person lottery occurs at each of the four Delaware DMV locations over four consecutive days, usually following the online lottery. Attendance is first-come, first-served, starting at 9 a.m. until all allotted plates are gone. Participants must present a valid Delaware driver’s license, identification card, and vehicle registration. Each location offers 100 five-digit personal vehicle plates. Expect long lines, with some people arriving overnight.
Delawareans flock to the DMV for low five-digit tags.
Delaware License Plate Values and Eligibility for Reproduction Plates
The value of a Delaware license plate increases as the digit count decreases. Low-digit plates are often passed down through families, sold privately, or auctioned. The top three plates (1, 2, and 3) are reserved for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State, respectively.
Owners of low-digit plates can exchange their standard blue-and-gold plates for black-and-white reproductions. Plate numbers 86999 and lower qualify for porcelain reproductions, while numbers 200000 and lower are eligible for stainless steel reproductions. These replicate the pre-1958 Delaware license plate design. The Delaware Historic Plate Co. is the sole authorized manufacturer of these reproductions.
Estimated Market Value of Delaware Low-Digit License Plates
The value of low-digit Delaware license plates varies greatly, often reaching substantial sums. Here are estimated values according to thedelaware3000.org:
- 4-9: $800,000 – $1,500,000
- 10-29: $600,000 – $750,000
- 30-99: $250,000 – $600,000
- 100-399: $75,000 – $130,000
- 400-999: $40,000 – $75,000
- 1000-1999: $15,000 – $25,000
- 2000-3999: $9,000 – $14,000
- 4000-9999: $5,000 – $9,000
- 10000-19999: $1,500 – $2,500
- 20000-29999: $1,000 – $1,200
- 30000-99999: $500 – $1,000
Delaware Historic Plate Co. Collectibles
Beyond reproduction plates, the Delaware Historic Plate Co. also offers customizable coffee mugs featuring black-and-white license plate designs. For $24.99, customers can personalize mugs with their license plate number, birthday, name, or business name.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Delaware License Plate Values and the Tag-A-Palooza lottery. Whether you’re seeking a valuable low-digit plate or a unique piece of Delaware memorabilia, understanding the process and associated costs is crucial. Remember to consult official sources for the most up-to-date information.
