Credit: Gov. Shapiro’s Office
Pennsylvania is gearing up for the United States’ 250th birthday in 2026 with a new license plate design and updated welcome signs, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced on Tuesday.
The new “Let Freedom Ring” license plates and signage are part of the “Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway” tourism branding campaign.
“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of our democracy, and as governor, I am committed to advancing real freedom throughout the Commonwealth,” Shapiro said. “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 newly designed welcome signs, which celebrate Pennsylvania’s legacy and ongoing commitment to freedom, have been installed at various state-border entry points including U.S. 15 in Adams County, I-295 in Bucks County, and I-90 at the Ohio line in Erie County. Additional signs are planned, with 29 more installations scheduled in the coming months.
PennDOT has also announced that the updated license plates will be available for order in the spring of 2025.
Pennsylvania residents can sign up to receive email updates regarding the availability of the new plates, which will replace the current design.
The current plate design is from 2000 and was updated in 2004. The existing blue, white, and yellow plates were last updated to feature solid colors, moving away from a previous fade between colors.
Vehicle owners interested in the new plates will receive detailed information about fees, which will vary by plate type and optional personalization, once they become available.
PennDOT plans to use all existing standard issue license plate inventory before transitioning to the new design, officials said.
The welcome sign along I-295 in Lower Bucks County previously used the “pursue your happiness” branding.
The governor said the updated designs are part of the state’s effort to boost tourism as part of Shapiro’s economic development strategy.
In a report released by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office in March, the tourism sector was shown to generate $76.7 billion in economic impact, support nearly 487,000 jobs, contribute $4.7 billion in state and local taxes, and attract 192.4 million visitors in 2022. Shapiro highlighted the importance of tourism, especially with nearly 72 million people residing within a four-hour drive of Pennsylvania’s myriad attractions.
