Drivers in the Mountain State will soon have a spooky new way to outfit their vehicles. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles announced a specialty license plate showcasing nine of the state’s most popular cryptids and legendary creatures, bringing local folklore directly to the highway.
The new specialty plate was unveiled by the agency, featuring artwork by the late West Virginia graphic artist Jesse Corlis, according to reporting by WCHS. The design goes on sale Monday, November 2, at DMV regional offices across the state, as noted in coverage by West Virginia Explorer.
Folklore on Metal and the Artist Behind the Design
At the center of the new plate is the Flatwoods Monster, often called Braxie, which originated in Braxton County around 1952. Right behind Braxie’s shoulder, Mothman is depicted flying through a wooded scene. Mothman first entered public awareness following reported sightings in Clendenin during 1966 and later became tied to the tragic collapse of the Silver Bridge in Point Pleasant.
The background of the plate also highlights a shadowy blue Bigfoot on the right-hand side, alongside smaller illustrations of other regional legends living in harmony. These include Sheepsquatch, Batboy from the Lost World Caverns area in Greenbrier County, Veggie Man originating from Fairmont around 1968, the Webster County Werewolf rooted in 18th-century folklore, Ogua from the Monongahela River area in Marion County, and the Grafton Monster from Taylor County.
DMV Commissioner Everett Frazier paid tribute to the artist who brought these myths to life before his passing. Corlis developed the plate while working at the Kanawha City DMV headquarters, adding to a portfolio that includes the popular Protect Pollinators plate, commonly known as the bee plate. Beyond license plates, Corlis’s murals can be found on bridge piers and buildings in Charleston, Fayetteville, Weston, and Gassaway.
Tragically, Jesse passed away in 2023 before he had the opportunity to see the cryptid plate come to fruition,
Frazier said in a news release. We recognize his creativity, talent, and contributions to the West Virginia license plate program, and we are proud to see his work celebrated through this unique design.
Registration Costs and What Motorists Can Expect
For drivers wanting to put a piece of state folklore on their vehicles, registration costs $61.50 for a one-year term or $113 for a two-year registration. Motorists looking to swap out an existing design can exchange their current plates for the new cryptids option, with fees prorated as applicable.
While the DMV has highlighted the Flatwoods Monster and Mothman prominently, the agency is inviting residents to try identifying the remaining creatures on the design before publishing the complete roster on its official website. Motorists can review registration guidelines and check specialty license plates through the agency’s online portal.
Now, contrary to popular belief, the DMV does have a sense of humor!
Frazier said. We’re excited to introduce a license plate celebrating West Virginia’s legendary myths, folklore, and mysterious creatures.
