About the Illinois Prevent Violence License Plate

The Illinois Prevent Violence (PV) License Plate raises money to fund statewide anti-violence programs. The purple and white plates, which feature a universal symbol of peace - soaring dove bearing an olive branch, have raised more than $10.6 million for violence prevention efforts in Illinois.

A set of Prevent Violence license plates is available through the Secretary of State’s Office. Purchase of these plates requires an additional surcharge at time of purchase, and also carries an annual renewal charge. The Illinois Violence Prevention Authority (IVPA) receives $25 from each sale and annual renewal to support innovative anti-violence programming throughout Illinois.

Plates can be obtained through the mail or at any Secretary of State facility during the annual license plate renewal process. New plate holders can indicate their preference for a “PV Plate” on their license plate application form. To order a set of Prevent Violence plates at other times, motor vehicle owners should obtain a Prevent Violence License Plate Request Form from the closest Secretary of State facility. For additional information on the multi-year plates, vehicle owners can call 1 (800) 252-8980.

Cyberdrive Illinois: Prevent Violence License Plates (information from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office)

IVPA was created in 1995 by the Illinois Legislature. It is the first state agency in the United States to focus on violence prevention programming. The Authority, co-chaired by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and State Public Health Director La Mar Hasbrouck MD, M.P.H., plans, coordinates, funds, and evaluates existing public and private anti-violence efforts throughout Illinois. Monies generated from license plate sales are deposited in the Illinois Violence Prevention Fund, administered by the IVPA.

“Purchase of the plates,” says Barbara Shaw, executive director of the IVPA, “allows Illinois citizens to drive home the message that violence is preventable.”