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8/17/2026
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Rhode Island makes history with license plates celebrating Dominican heritage
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 STATE HOUSE — Rhode Island made history with the creation of a special commemorative license plate honoring Dominican heritage, culture and identity. Gov. Dan McKee ceremonially signed legislation authorizing the plates during an event Friday at the Juan Pablo Duarte Monument at Roger Williams Park in Providence.
The law (2026-H 8333, 2026-S 3362), which was introduced by Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) and Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence), authorizes the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles to make available special registration plates benefiting the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of Rhode Island.
The Dominican Heritage Charity Plate is expected to feature important symbols of Dominican identity, including the official national coat of arms, the map of the island, and the red, white and blue colors of the Dominican flag.
For generations, Dominican immigrants have built new lives in the United States while maintaining a deep connection to their culture, history, and homeland. Dominican-Americans have become an important part of the civic, cultural, economic and political life of Rhode Island and communities across the country.
For Dominicans living outside the Dominican Republic, the plate represents the story of a community that crossed borders but never abandoned its roots. It will allow families to proudly carry symbols of their heritage on Rhode Island roads while creating a connection between generations — those who immigrated from the Dominican Republic, their children and grandchildren born in the United States and the generations still to come.
“This plate will be a permanent symbol of our history, our culture, our unity and our pride,” said Representative Díaz, founder of DIHACRI. “It tells our children that they can be proud Americans while also honoring the Dominican heritage that helped shape who they are. Our identity transcends borders.”
Under the law, a portion of the plate fees distributed to DIHACRI must be used for the benefit of Rhode Island-based charitable organizations, extending the meaning of the plate beyond cultural recognition to continued service to the community.
The Dominican Heritage Charity Plate will carry more than patriotic symbols along Rhode Island’s highways. It will represent a shared history, the sacrifices and achievements of the Dominican diaspora, and the sense of belonging of a community that has contributed significantly to Rhode Island while proudly preserving its roots.
DIHACRI invites elected officials, Dominican organizations, community leaders, members of the public, journalists and media outlets from Rhode Island, New England and across the Dominican diaspora to join this historic celebration.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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