New West Virginia License Plate Honors State Cryptids

A spooky new license plate celebrating West Virginia's most famous folklore creatures will soon be available to drivers across the state. The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles announced the release of a unique license plate featuring nine different cryptids from the Mountain State.

The design highlights several legendary figures from local folklore, prominently showcasing the Flatwoods Monster, affectionately known as "Braxie," which originated in Braxton County around 1952. Flying just behind Braxie in a wooded scene is the Mothman, a creature historically associated with Clendenin and the Silver Bridge collapse in Point Pleasant.

Additional creatures featured in the shadowy blue background include Bigfoot, Sheepsquatch, Batboy, Veggie Man, the Webster County Werewolf, Ogua, and the Grafton Monster. The intricate design was created by the late West Virginia graphic artist Jesse Corlis while working at the Kanawha City DMV headquarters.

DMV Commissioner Everett Frazier paid tribute to the artist in an official news release, noting that Corlis tragically passed away in 2023 before seeing the cryptid plate come to fruition. Alongside his metal license plate designs, including the popular Pollinators plate, Corlis left behind numerous prominent murals across buildings and bridge piers throughout the state.

Officials noted that Corlis frequently embodied a deep commitment to community service alongside his art. While painting bridge pier murals under the interstate in Charleston, he notably assisted a local man experiencing homelessness in obtaining his driver's license.

Motorists interested in obtaining the new design can purchase the cryptid license plate at all DMV offices throughout West Virginia.