The process to create a special Lake Anna license plate began last summer when realtor Matt Custer approached the Board of the Lake Anna Business Partnership (LABP) with the idea and a plan. Now, some six months later, Custer’s plan is a reality, with a Lake Anna license plate design and an application process.
“As a new, full time resident I wanted to find something to be part of and the Lake Anna Business Partnership was a good fit. Managing the special license plate project is something I am passionate about, and I hope the rest of community is too,” Matt Custer told Lake Anna Life & Times.
The process began with a Facebook design contest inviting members of the community to submit designs for the plate by an announced deadline.
A review committee then choose the best five plate designs and an online vote counting Likes was held through August 31 to determine the top designs. Over 18K people reviewed the five finalists and over 1,500 Like votes were cast.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Special License Plate process requires a minimum of 450 pioneering applicants that pay $10 each into an escrow fund. If the 450 applicant threshold is met, the plates will be made and the $10 fee will be applied to the plate fees and the process will proceed. If the threshold is not met, the $10 fees are refunded. Custer anticipates accepting applications through 2023 to meet the 450 minimum.
Applying for the special Lake Anna license plate is easy. Go to www.visitlakeanna.org, click on the Lake Anna License Plate Application link and go from there. If you are viewing Lake Anna Life & Times online, you can click this link: https://visitlakeanna.org/license/
“While I don’t know for certain, I am guessing our community has grown to the point where it might be ready for this special license plate. Other lakes like Smith Mountain have them, and I hope our residents will want to show their community pride, too. I am grateful for new members like Matt that come to us with dynamic, new ideas and a plan to actualize them,” said LABP president C.C. McCotter.
For more information about how to be a pioneering special license applicant, visit www.facebook.com/lakeannabusinesspartnership or www.visitlakeanna.org.
You can also write a $10 check out to Lake Anna Business Partnership, License Plate Escrow Account in the memo, and mail it to: Matt Custer, 11709 Tuxworth Trail, Bumpass, VA 23024.
