America's best license plate: New Mexico's Chile Capital

Las Cruces Sun-News

SANTA FE - New Mexico's “Chile Capital of the World” license plate is the winner of America’s Best License Plate Award for 2017, the state announced in a news release.

This is the second time New Mexico has received the award, issued annually by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the news release stated. In 2011, the state won the award for the turquoise Centennial License Plate.

Gov. Susana Martinez said she was proud to accept the award.

“Chile plays a significant role in our state’s culture and is one of our greatest treasures," she said. "This license plate lets the world know that New Mexico is — without a doubt — the Chile Capital of the World.”

ALPCA president Cyndi McCabe noted the plate was "simply stunning."

Seventeen license plates were nominated for the award, the release stated. Hawaii came in a distant second place, followed by Wyoming and Oklahoma.

Since the launch of the license plate in July 2017, the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division has issued nearly 140,000 “Chile Capital of the World” license plates.

The “Chile Capital of the World” plate was launched as a standard plate and requires no additional fees on registration. For drivers with a current registration who choose to switch to the “Chile Capital of the World License Plate,” a $17 in office or $7.25 online replacement fee is required, the state reported. Drivers with specialty plates can switch at no cost.

Since 1970, ALPCA has sponsored the annual Best License Plate Award program. Pennsylvania won the first award in 1971.

More: New Mexico issues 2,000 'Chile Capital of the World' license plates