Colorado's 150th anniversary license plates — with a Pikes Peak theme — breaking records, officials say

The “Pikes Peak or Bust” specialty license plate, based on the winning design from the Historic Colorado Contest’s Under 13 division.

Colorado motorists are buying one of the state’s 150th anniversary license plates at an unprecedented rate, the Division of Motor Vehicles announced.

The “Pikes Peak or Bust” plate, based on the winning design from the Under 13 division of the Historic Colorado Contest, has notched 5,700 purchase orders since its Aug. 1 debut, making it the fastest seller in Colorado history, officials said. The previous record holder, the Broncos Charities plate, took four months to reach comparable sales numbers.

Calista Blaschke of Denver created the winning design in the state contest’s Under 13 division. The plate’s design includes Pikes Peak, the lark bunting (state bird) and the blue spruce (state tree).

Another Denver-based contestant, Evan Griesheimer, created the 13-plus division’s winning entry. That plate is also showing strong sales — nearly 3,000 plates have been ordered over the past two months, according to the DMV.

This specialty plate, based on the winning entry from the Historic Colorado Contest’s 13-plus division, is also showing strong sales, with nearly 3,000 orders since its Aug. 1 debut.

“Colorado’s 150th birthday is an exciting time to celebrate and take pride in our state,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement congratulating the two winners. “Both of the 150th-anniversary license plate designs showcase unique parts of Colorado, so I am not surprised many people chose one for their vehicles.”

Blaschke said her Historic Colorado Contest win, and the plate’s popularity to date, have been pleasant surprises.

“I was so thrilled to learn that my design is the fastest-selling license plate in Colorado history,” she said. “I never expected to win the Historic Colorado Contest, let alone design a license plate that so many people like enough to put on their cars.”

The overwhelming demand for the 150th anniversary plates, which will be available until 2027, suggest that Colorado could soon have a new favorite specialty plate, officials said. The throwback “blackout plate,” one of three retired designs brought back into circulation earlier this year, is currently the state’s most popular specialty plate.

“The overwhelming demand for this special plate showcases the pride that Coloradans hold for their state’s enduring legacy,” DMV Senior Director Electra Bustle said.

Coloradans who would like to see all available license plate designs are encouraged to visit DMV.Colorado.gov/License-Plates. Residents can purchase plates online at myDMV.Colorado.gov or a county-operated motor vehicle office. Plates cost $8.06 per pair, plus local fees.

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