A new license plate bearing a little red heart tells others that the driver plans to donate organs. The hope is that it will inspire others to do the same.

As part of Organ Donor Month, Gov. Bill Richardson this week in Santa Fe unveiled a "Donate Life" license plate aimed at reminding people to donate organs.

More than 550 New Mexicans need organ transplants, said Maria Sanders, community services director of New Mexico Donor Services. More than 92,000 nationwide are waiting for a kidney, heart or lung.

About 18 people in the nation die each day waiting for an organ transplant, Sanders said.

More than 750,000 licensed drivers have indicated they are willing to be a donor.

Sanders said she'd like to see "as many New Mexicans as (possible) put this in their cars and vehicles so New Mexicans can talk about saving a life through donation."

All 31 special plates have an additional cost. The Donate Life plate has a one-time $12 fee.

The plates are expected to be available in mid-May.

Several types of license plates are available through the state Motor Vehicle Division.

The newest is Donate Life, which promotes organ donation.

Others are:

Traditional yellow with red numbers and letters

Balloon with soft colors

Prestige, personalized or vanity

Children's Trust Fund

Handicapped

Amateur radio operator

Horseless carriage for vehicle more than 35 years old

University of New Mexico

New Mexico State University

Share with Wildlife

Law enforcement/government

Mounted patrol

New Mexico ranger

State government

Firefighter

Volunteer firefighter

Fraternal Order of Police

Emergency medical technician

Military

Medal of Honor

Purple Heart

Disabled veteran

Wheelchair disabled veteran

Prisoner of war

Veteran of Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy

National Guard

Pearl Harbor survivor

Veteran (for motorcycle)

View plates, get prices: http://www.state.nm.us/tax/pubs/specplat.htm.

Information on Donate Life plates, organ donation: http://www.DonateLifeNM.org