West Virginia DMV Releases New Cryptid License Plate, On Sale November 2, 2026
West Virginia drivers can buy a new Cryptid license plate featuring Mothman, the Flatwoods Monster and seven other legendary creatures at any WV DMV office starting Monday, November 2, 2026.
Source announcement: 2026-10-29 · Takes effect: 2026-11-02
West Virginia vehicle owners who want a plate with a folklore theme will have a new option this fall. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles (WV DMV) announced on October 29, 2026, that its new Cryptid license plate goes on sale Monday, November 2, 2026, at all DMV offices around the state.
The announcement covers the design and the sale date. It does not list prices, eligibility rules or ordering steps, so confirm those details with the DMV before you go.
What to do if you want the plate
- Check the DMV's official channels first. The DMV says it will post more information and updates on its website and on its YouTube and Facebook pages.
- Confirm the fee and requirements with the DMV. The announcement does not say what the plate costs, whether there are annual or extra charges, or what paperwork you need.
- Visit a DMV office on or after November 2. The DMV says the plate can be purchased at all of its offices statewide. You can find locations and hours on our West Virginia DMV offices page. Our guide to visiting the West Virginia DMV explains what to expect.
Key date
- Monday, November 2, 2026: The Cryptid plate goes on sale at WV DMV offices.
What's on the design
The plate was designed by West Virginia artist Jesse Corlis and shows nine cryptids, each tied to a place in the state:
- Flatwoods Monster ("Braxie"): Flatwoods, Braxton County, around 1952. It is the most prominent figure on the plate.
- Mothman: First reported in Clendenin, Kanawha County, in 1966, and later linked to the Silver Bridge collapse in Point Pleasant. On the plate it flies just behind Braxie's shoulder.
- Bigfoot: Shown on the right side of the plate.
- Sheepsquatch: From an area stretching from Boone County to Mason County.
- Batboy: Lost World Caverns area, Lewisburg, Greenbrier County.
- Veggie Man: Fairmont, Marion County, around 1968.
- Werewolf: Webster County.
- Ogua: Hoult area of Marion County, along the Monongahela River.
- Grafton Monster: Taylor County, around 1964.
About the designer
Corlis developed the plate while working at the Kanawha City DMV headquarters. He also designed the Protect Pollinators plate, often called the "Bee plate," and the Turtle wildlife plate. He painted murals around West Virginia, including the Silver Bridge Memorial in Point Pleasant. According to DMV Commissioner Everett Frazier, Corlis died in 2023, before the Cryptid plate was finished.
What the announcement doesn't say
The DMV's release does not address:
- The plate fee or any recurring charges
- Whether you can order it online or only in person
- Whether you can switch to it in the middle of a registration period
- Whether personalized versions are offered
- Whether every office will have stock on day one
For general background on plates and registration, see our West Virginia vehicle registration guide. Read the full announcement on the WV DMV website.