Maryland vehicles will be sporting a new look next month, Gov. Larry Hogan announced Tuesday, as he unveiled the soon-to-be-released Maryland license plate.

"We love our sports teams, we love our crabs and we definitely love our beautiful flag," Hogan said at a press conference held against the backdrop of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. "Now Marylanders will have yet another way to show their state pride..." he said, pulling the shroud off a display version of the plate. On it is a graphic inspired by the red, black and white state flag.

Using the Maryland flag colors was his idea, he said, noting he was personally involved in the design process. The new plate will be available on Monday, Sept. 26.

Those who have the old plates can continue using them. The new plates will be issued going forward. People who are not up for new plates but would like to have them can pay $20 to order a different plate through the Motor Vehicle Administration. The state changes its standard-issue license plate every so often (see the graphic below). The last version was the War of 1812 plate, which was released in June 2010 as part of the state's bicentennial commemoration.



"Is that better than 1812 or what?" Hogan said, met with applause, as he showcased the new, more modern-looking license plate.

Maryland Correctional Enterprises, a division of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, produces the license plates. Approximately 740,000 are issued annually, according to the state.

To order the new "Maryland Proud" plate, visit the MVA website and click "Online Services" after Sept. 26. The new plate echoes the look of the new Maryland driver's license, which began circulating on June 20 and is also inspired by the state flag.