With Washington (Bainbridge Island) being the birthplace of pickleball, it seems only fitting that the state would get its own specialty license plate to celebrate this unique aspect of its heritage. As of November 2025, Washington officially has a new “State Sport: Pickleball” specialty plate, cementing its place alongside Tennessee and Montana as having a license plate dedicated to the world's fastest-growing sport.
This wasn't an easy win, however. The journey to get a specialty pickleball plate took three years, beginning with a petition and legislative effort spearheaded by the Seattle Metro Pickleball Association (SMPA). The organization collected thousands of signatures and pushed for the plate through the state legislature before it was finally approved in an omnibus bill that consolidated several specialty plates.
The plate features a stylish design titled “Pickleball Rising,” created by local Seattle artist Jason Laramie. The design is inspired by the ferry ride leaving Bainbridge Island, with a pickleball rising like the sun over Washington, symbolizing both the sport's origins and its growing popularity.
For Washington's pickleball community, this new plate isn't just a decorative accessory; it's a means for funding the sport's future. Proceeds from the plate's sales will go directly to the SMPA to support the construction and maintenance of dedicated public pickleball courts throughout the state. This funding is crucial for sustaining pickleball's explosive growth and ensuring it remains accessible and inclusive for players of all ages and backgrounds.
While Washington may be the newest state to roll out a pickleball plate, it joins two other states that have already embraced the sport on their roads.
Tennessee offers a pickleball specialty license plate that helps support youth programs. The license plate was designed by a non-profit called the Tennessee Junior Pickleball Association (TJPA), and proceeds from plate sales are used to fund pickleball equipment purchases, teacher training, and program development in schools and parks across the state.
Montana offers a specialty “406” license plate, on which the “0” is in the likeness of a pickleball. The plate is sponsored by a non-profit called 406 Pickleball Missoula, Inc. Proceeds from license plate sales are used to support the promotion of pickleball within the state by funding activities like advocating for the sport, maintaining public courts, and developing qualified officials.
The growth of pickleball license plates in states like Washington, Tennessee, and Montana highlights the sport's increasing mainstream appeal and its ability to mobilize local communities. Enthusiasts are using their passion to create tangible, lasting impacts on the sport, all while showcasing their love for pickleball on the road.
The movement to support the sport through this unique fundraising method is a testament to pickleball's passionate community and its ability to drive positive change, one vehicle at a time. With the success seen in these states, it's fair to wonder which state will be next to get a pickleball license plate. Might I suggest Wisconsin?
