Drive in style: West Virginia releases new cryptid license plate
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CHARLESTON – West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles releases a W.Va. monsters-inspired license plate on Monday. The plate, designed by the late artist Jesse Corlis, highlights nine of the state's most famous cryptids, according to the DMV website.
The most prominent image is the Flatwoods Monster, "Braxtie," of Braxton County. Over Braxtie's left shoulder is the Mothman of Kanawha and Mason counties.
The plate also has shadowy depictions of Bigfoot, the Sheepsquatch, Batboy, Veggie Man, the Werewolf, Ogua and the Grafton Monster.
Everett Frazier, commissioner of West Virginia DMV, said he is excited for the plate's release and the homage it pays to iconic West Virginia narratives.
"We all remember stories from our grandparents and so forth of these cryptid characters that have been talked about throughout West Virginia for decades," he said. "We thought it would be a good idea to put them on the back of a license plate so everybody could enjoy the history of the state of West Virginia and their culture."
Most of all, Frazier said he is honored that the Crolis' work can be further seen throughout the state. Crolis designed the plate before his passing in 2023, and the DMV is eager to see it finally produced.
"I think he would be tremendously proud. Jesse's artwork is displayed all over the state. For example, in Point Pleasant, the Silver Bridge Mural ... the streetcar in Charleston, Museum of American glass," he said. "We've been in touch with his family and his widow. They are extremely excited about this. You're going to see his artwork all over the state now, our freeways, on our byways. ... It's something they can be very proud of every time they see one."
The DMV produced a podcast on their Youtube channel with Corlis' wife Cathy. Listen at https://www.youtube.com/@WestVirginiaDivofMotorVehicles.
Frazier said the purchase of a plate is beneficial towards rebuilding W.Va.'s infrastructure, and he is optimistic about giving back to the state.
"With the purchase of these plates, it builds bridges. It corrects slippages. It goes to patching potholes," he said. "It's endless of the things it can do and it's impact."
Frazier said the DMV has received overwhelming support and interest in the plate so far.
"Something I didn't know until today: we are getting inundated with emails, phone calls, people wanting this plate, so it's very exciting the response that we've gotten so far, and we're looking to sell a lot of plates," he said.
Registration and the purchase of a special license plate in West Virginia is $61.50. For more information and updates, visit the DMV at https://dmv.wv.gov/.