HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s license plates and highway welcome signs are getting a new look with a familiar symbol as a nod to the forthcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“Let Freedom Ring” is the design theme unveiled Tuesday by Gov. Josh Shapiro, one intended to complement Pennsylvania’s Great American Getaway tourism brand launched in late May and recognize the commonwealth’s lead role in the U.S. Semiquincentennial in 2026.
The familiar phrase is emblazoned in red across the bottom of an all-white license plate. At the top is the state’s name, also in red. In between are blue letters and numbers for a vehicle’s registration atop a grayed image of the Liberty Bell.
The design has throwback appeal, one far different from the blue-white-yellow theme first introduced in 1999 and updated for the current plates with an enhanced color scheme in 2004.
The new “Welcome to Pennsylvania” signs enjoy a similar but not wholly duplicative look used for the license plates. There are new signs already installed near entry points along eight highways with 29 more planned.
“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of our democracy, and as Governor, I have been focused on advancing real freedom across the Commonwealth,” Shapiro said in a press release. “With all eyes on Pennsylvania, as we prepare to host our country’s 250th birthday in 2026, our new license plates and welcome signs will celebrate the best of what the Commonwealth has to offer and show the country why Pennsylvania is the Great American Getaway and the birthplace of American freedom.”
The new license plates aren’t immediately available. Distribution is planned to begin in 2025. Residents are encouraged to visit PennDOT online to register for updates. Those who do can expect an email announcing when the plates will be available to order next spring and what the base cost will be.
All existing standard issue plates will be used until the inventory is empty.
According to the governor’s office, military, special organization, special fund and specialty plates without legislatively mandated designs will also be updated with the new design.
Pennsylvanians can get a glimpse of the new welcome signs at the following locations (or on the governor’s social media channels): U.S. 15 in Adams County; I-295 in Bucks County; I-90/the Ohio line in Erie County; I-70 in Fulton County; I-80 in Monroe County; Route 449 in Potter County; I-81 in Susquehanna County; and Route 1015 in Tioga County.