Tacoma – October 12, 2026 -- Washington drivers will be able to order a LeMay – America's Car Museum specialty license plate once the state confirms a release date. The design has been officially approved by the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The museum had to start over after the state took its retro design
The museum's original black-and-white "throwback" concept was adopted by the state for its own retro plate series. Because the state now owns that design, it is not associated with the museum. The team had to build a fully new plate that met the state's specifications for color palette, layout, and mandatory design elements.
After working through the state's approval and compliance process, the museum says the final artwork reflects its identity, mission, and visual spirit.
Orders will open through the Department of Licensing website
No release date has been confirmed yet. Once the state provides one, the museum plans to announce it across its communication channels. When the ordering window opens, buyers can purchase plates directly through the Washington State Department of Licensing website.
Each purchase supports the museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The money goes toward preserving America's automotive story and expanding educational programming.
Tacoma Cars & Coffee moves to the museum on January 17, 2026
The monthly meetup will run every third Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. throughout 2026. Coffee comes from Naomi Joe Coffee. The event is free and open to cars of all years, makes, and models.
A refreshed Route 66 exhibition opens ahead of the centennial drive
The museum has reopened its Route 66 exhibition with centennial-themed additions and vehicles marking the 100th anniversary of the highway's opening. Throughout 2026, it will feature films and artifacts from the upcoming Route 66 Drive Home.
The seventh edition of The Drive Home is a partnership between America's Automotive Trust, the Detroit Auto Show, and the Route 66 Centennial Commission. Nine vehicles will travel the full length of Route 66, joined by nearly two dozen "privateers" in their own vehicles.