The overall cost of implementing a new special vehicle license plate is approximately $30,000 and must be paid back in two years by the sponsoring organization.  Once the total cost is recouped, the proceeds of the plate sales will be distributed to the sponsoring organization.  The Department of Licensing (DOL) is allowed to retain $12 of the amount paid for special license plate issuance and $2 from the amount paid to renew the plates for administrative expenses.

The Seattle Seahawks special license plate is an existing special license plate where the DOL has recouped the cost of implementing the special license plate.  Proceeds from the sale of the plate after accounting for administrative expenses go to support the InvestED and the Washington State Leadership Board (Board).  InvestED helps students in need throughout Washington pay for items and opportunities with things like athletic fees, musical instruments, college entrance exams, and graduation expenses.  The Board administers the Washington World Fellows program, including the provision of fellowships.

Proceeds from the sale of the Seattle Seahawks special license plate, after accounting for administrative expenses, are directed to the Seattle Seahawks charitable foundation and the Board.