These blue plates are proving pretty special.
In the 15 months since the specialty license plates were issued in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday, more than 100,000 have been sold, the Registry of Motor Vehicles said Wednesday.
It is now the most popular plate in RMV history, the agency said in a statement. The plate has a blue background with a red and white design including the year “1776″ surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original colonies including Massachusetts.
At the bottom of the plate are the words, “250 Years of Independence.”
In addition to the Massachusetts 250 plate, the RMV offers 56 specialty plates, including charitable, military, organizational, environmental, and other distinctive designs, the agency said.
“Reaching 100,000 plates is remarkable and reflects the tremendous enthusiasm Massachusetts residents have shown for the 250th anniversary,” said the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, Colleen Ogilvie.
A lottery for low-numbered blue plates drew 48,457 entries and winners came from 289 cities and towns, the registry said.
“It is exciting to see so many of these distinctive plates on vehicles across Massachusetts,” said Phillip Eng, the MBTA’s general manager and the state’s interim transportation secretary. “This is an extraordinary milestone that far exceeds the popularity of any specialty plate in Massachusetts history.”
The plate can be ordered online at Mass.Gov/RMV, at RMV service centers, and through participating electronic vehicle registration dealerships.
The plate will continue to be offered beyond this year. The plate costs $100, $60 for the standard registration fee and a $40 special plate fee.
John R. Ellement can be reached at john.ellement@globe.com. Follow him @JREbosglobe.
