PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — It’s almost time for Rhode Islanders to “wave” goodbye to the state’s current license plate design.

But thankfully, they’ll have a say in what the new design will look like.

The R.I. Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV) and Gov. Dan McKee launched the “RI State Plate Design Contest” last December to solicit design proposals.

The five finalists were unveiled Monday afternoon.

Finalists for the RI State Plate Design Contest (Story continues below gallery.)

  • Courtesy: RI DMV
  • Courtesy: RI DMV
  • Courtesy: RI DMV
  • Courtesy: RI DMV
  • Courtesy: RI DMV

The winning plate will become the new state-issued design, replacing the current blue wave design starting next summer.

The light blue wave on a white background with dark blue numbers debuted in 1996 and was slated to be replaced in 2006.

Some of the finalists pay homage to the wave in their designs, while others focused on the Newport Bridge instead.

“We did keep a couple of the options for people who still felt connected to the wave,” RI DMV Administrator Walter Craddock said.

States are supposed to replace their standard-issue license plate every 10 years, but previous administrations postponed the redesign.

The new design has to visually represent Rhode Island and should be easily distinguishable from other states, McKee explained.

“It is a poster for Rhode Island as we travel out of state,” he said.

Those who wish to vote on their favorite license plate design can do so by clicking here.