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Q: I took delivery of my new 2024 Camry XLE Hybrid last November. The dealer arranged to get my new license and told me they could not order a shark plate because my license plate is for an electric/hybrid vehicle. The registration expires in July 2024.

If it is permissible, I would like to order a shark plate, but I'm unsure of lead time and want to coordinate delivery so that a new sticker will arrive on time.

Please advise the timing on this matter so that shark plate application and required annual inspections, etc. are processed appropriately.

— Allan K.

A: Currently, the Atlantic Shark Institute charity plate is available in passenger and combination plates. Commercial plates will be coming out in the next couple of months.

Electric/Hybrid plates are not available at this time for this charity design. Electric/Hybrid plates are not mandatory for this vehicle. They were designed and created to assist first responders so that they know the type of vehicle they are approaching and will take the proper precautions.

To order a charity plate, please go to our website (). You have two options when ordering a charity plate that is being produced. First, go to the “Online Services” tab and scroll down to “Plate Remake/Plate Design Change” and order your remake.

The second option is to go to the “Forms” tab and “Registration Forms.” Print and fill out the “Application for Charity License Plate” and mail or drop off your application with your form of payment.

For charities that are taking preorders, plates must be ordered directly from the charity. We have links on our website to the charity’s application. We have a complete list of plates that are in production and those that are taking preorders. Go to the “Registration, Plates & Title” tab, then “License Plates,” and “Charity Plates.”

Think of charity plates as a different background design for your plate registration. Your registration fees will carry over from your current registration, so you can order a charity plate at any time. It is currently taking four weeks for a plate to be remade and mailed. In the mail, you will receive your charity plate, a new registration certificate and new registration stickers.

An “Online Service” that I’d like to bring to your attention is the “Online DMV Customer Portal.” This new service allows you to view your license and registration status, expiration dates of each, and any blocks or suspensions that you may have. It’s a very informative tool that can be used to double-check your status.

Chuck Hollis is assistant administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Please email your questions to cars@providencejournal.com with “Ask the DMV” in the subject field.