Gov. Josh Shapiro on Tuesday unveiled new Pennsylvania license plate and state welcome sign designs — ahead of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

One could argue the new license plates have a Philadelphia flavor. The off-white plates contain an image of the Liberty Bell, and the phrase “Let Freedom Ring” with blue and red lettering. Someone on the X social media platform referred to them as “Phillies day game cream jersey coded.”

“With all eyes on Pennsylvania, our new license plates will celebrate that heritage — and remind the country that here in Pennsylvania, we will let freedom ring,” Shapiro said in a social media post.

Pennsylvania is the birthplace of our democracy and our freedom — and in 2026, we’ll celebrate America’s 250th anniversary right here in the Commonwealth where it started.

With all eyes on Pennsylvania, our new license plates will celebrate that heritage — and remind the country… pic.twitter.com/MN0D9HACWS

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) July 9, 2024

The transition to the new “Let Freedom Ring” license plate design will begin in 2025. Residents can sign up online for information about obtaining the commemorative plates.

The last significant license plate design change was in 2003, according to Alexis Campbell, a PennDOT spokesperson. In 2017, there was a small design change that removed the upper-left indentation for registration stickers after the department stopped issuing registration stickers, she said.

Once the new plates are available, residents can request them for their vehicles from PennDOT. Fees will be based on plate type and any potential personalization.

Philly seemed to approve.

“Let Freedom Ring, Philadelphia!” the City of Philadelphia wrote wrote on its X page.

”One reason I love the new PA plates are it makes PA solely represented by Philly as it should be,” wrote another X user.

“Pennsylvania went from having possibly the worst license plate in the country to one that doesn’t make me want to pry out my eyes with a vegetable peeler — progress!” Bradford Pearson of PhillyMag wrote on the X platform.

PhillyMag declared in a headline: “Pennsylvania Finally Gets the New License Plate It Deserves.”

Pennsylvania went from having possibly the worst license plate in the country to one that doesn't make me want to pry out my eyes with a vegetable peeler—progress! pic.twitter.com/Ieka0TKQoD

— Bradford Pearson (@BradfordPearson) July 9, 2024

Lisa Sciulli, a professor and chairperson at Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s marketing department, is fond of the new license plate design.

“No other state other than Pennsylvania can lay claim to the Liberty Bell,” she said. “I just think the uniqueness, and that association is fantastic.”

Sciulli said the design offers synergy. She praised its “retro feel.”

”It’s a refresh — we need to reset,” Sciulli said of the plate and welcome sign. “It’s attention grabbing. It’s good for the state of Pennsylvania.”

Reactions from the Steel City on social media were scarce.

”This is the new Pennsylvania Plate n’ that?!?!? I’m not driving around honoring Philadelphia all day. Time for a personalized special Plate!!” wrote one Pittsburgh booster on the X platform.

Visit Pittsburgh did not return a call for comment Tuesday.

The first eight of the new welcome signs have already been installed in various state border entry points, including Adams, Bucks, Erie, Fulton, Monroe, Potter, Susquehanna and Tioga counties. In the coming months, 29 more will be installed across the commonwealth.

Campbell said the last time Pennsylvania’s welcome signs were changed was in 2017.

Pennsylvania’s new license plate and state sign designs were discussed as part of Shapiro’s new Great American Getaway brand, which highlights the Keystone State’s tourist attractions, according to Campbell.

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---