Virginia fans of the Washington Commanders soon may be able to show their love via a specialty license plate.
Legislation patroned by Del. Adele McClure (D-2) of Arlington/Alexandria is moving forward in Richmond, allowing for a license plate honoring the NFL team.
The Senate Committee on Transportation on Thursday (Feb. 13) voted 14-0 to approve the new plate, effective July 1.
A representative from the Commanders attending the hearing told lawmakers the team supports the effort.
While the vote in committee was unanimous, there was some good-natured banter among committee members.
“As a lifetime fan of the Dallas Cowboys, I’m going to turn my head [while voting yes],” said Sen. Travis Hackworth (R-5), a downstate legislator
McClure rose to the challenge. “Super Bowl 2026” she predicted of the local team’s future next season.
There had been banter, too, when the bill on Feb. 4 went to the floor of the House of Delegates.
Five legislators, spanning both political parties, voted against the measure, even though it had come out of committee on a 22-0 vote.
Those voting “no” were greeted with a smattering of boos from others, even though those opposing the measure were not making a serious attempt to derail it. Instead, they seemed to be voicing support for other professional football teams.
“Gotta respect the petty,” House Speaker Don Scott (D-88) said with a chuckle at that point. Scott was among those voting against the measure, which nonetheless passed the House of Delegates, 92-5.
Those purchasing the plates will pay a $25 fee in addition to other licensing costs. Such surcharges are commonplace among the scores of specialty license plates the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers the public.
After 1,000 plates are sold, $15 of future surcharges will go to support the Washington Commanders Foundation Fund.
A specialty plate honoring the Redskins was approved by the legislature in 2002. Though no longer available for purchase from the DMV, they will remain valid going forward.
The Washington Commanders began life as the Boston Braves in 1932. The team was known as the Boston Redskins from 1933-36, retaining the nickname after a move to Washington in 1937.
In 2020, the team became known for two seasons as the Washington Football Team, taking its current name in 2022.
