A grassroots effort that began with a petition and a lot of passion is officially becoming a reality in Indiana. Starting in January 2026, Hoosiers will be able to purchase a new specialty license plate designed to support pollinator and native plant conservation efforts across the state.

How A Grassroots Campaign Brought The Plate To Life

The Pollinator Partnership recently announced that Indiana’s Protect Pollinators specialty license plate has been approved and will soon be available. The plate was made possible thanks to a statewide grassroots campaign that collected more than 1,200 signatures in just one week, far exceeding the number required to move the project forward.

Why Pollinators Matter To Indiana Ecosystems And Food

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, birds, and bats play a critical role in our ecosystem. Nearly 90 percent of flowering plants rely on pollinators to reproduce, including many of the crops that make up our food supply. Yet pollinator populations continue to decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, changing weather patterns, and lack of native plants.

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How License Plate Proceeds Will Support Conservation

Proceeds from every Protect Pollinators license plate sold will go directly toward pollinator habitat creation, education, and outreach projects throughout Indiana. That includes efforts to expand native plant habitats, provide resources for communities and schools, and support conservation programs that protect species like monarch butterflies.

The plate itself celebrates pollinators and the native plants they depend on, turning everyday vehicles into rolling reminders of the importance of protecting these species. For many supporters, the plate offers a simple and visible way to contribute to conservation without changing daily routines.

Congressional Pollinator Protection Caucus Releases Monarch Butterflies To Raise Awareness About Their Declining Population
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Who Is Behind Indiana’s Pollinator Protection Efforts

The Pollinator Partnership has been active in Indiana for years, supporting habitat enhancement projects, providing free educational resources and seed mixes, and working with local and state agencies to improve pollinator friendly policies. Indiana-based staff help lead many of these initiatives on the ground.

How Hoosiers Can Get The Protect Pollinators Plate

More information about the Protect Pollinators license plate and how to purchase one once it becomes available can be found at Pollinator.org.

For Hoosiers who want to support pollinators, native plants, and a healthier ecosystem, this new plate offers an easy way to make a lasting impact every time they hit the road.

Rejected License Plates by the Indiana BMV in 2025

Since the start of the year, over 700 personalized license plate requests have been denied in Indiana. Many were too vulgar to include on this list, but you might get a good laugh at some of the best ones that were rejected.

Gallery Credit: Travis Sams

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