Duration Guide

How Long Does a Roadside Memorial Sign Stay Up?

From 1 year (Florida) to 10 years (Wyoming) to permanent (Arizona, Colorado, Montana). Complete state-by-state duration breakdown with renewal options and costs.

Duration Ranges Widely — From 1 Year to Permanent

The length of time a state maintains a roadside memorial sign is one of the most important factors when choosing a program. The range is striking: Florida maintains signs for only 1 year (with one free renewal for 2 years total), while Wyoming maintains them for 10 years. Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Alabama, and Idaho maintain signs permanently — once installed, the state maintains the sign indefinitely.

Duration and Renewal Table — All 50 States

StateDurationRenewal Available?Renewal Fee
AlabamaPermanentN/AFree
ArizonaPermanent (reviewed)N/AFree
Arkansas2 yearsYesAsk ARDOT
California2 yearsYes~$450+
ColoradoPermanentN/AFree
Connecticut2 yearsAsk ConnDOTVaries
Delaware3 yearsAsk DelDOTVaries
Florida1 year + 1 renewal = 2 years maxOnce onlyFree
Georgia2 yearsAsk GDOTVaries
IdahoPermanentN/AFree
Illinois3 yearsYesAsk IDOT
Indiana2 yearsAsk INDOTVaries
Iowa2 yearsYesAsk Iowa DOT
Kentucky2 yearsAsk KYTCVaries
Louisiana2 yearsN/AFree program
Maryland2 yearsYesAsk MDOT SHA
Minnesota3 yearsAsk MnDOTVaries
MontanaPermanentN/AFree
Nevada3 yearsAsk NDOTVaries
New MexicoNMDOT maintainedN/AFree
North Carolina2 yearsYesAsk NCDOT
Ohio2 yearsYesAsk ODOT
South Carolina2 yearsYes$50 renewal
South DakotaUntil naturally wornYesFree
Texas2 yearsYes$350 full fee
Utah2 yearsYesAsk UDOT
Washington5 yearsYes$750 renewal
West Virginia3 yearsYes (3 more years)$200
Wyoming10 yearsYes$50

Best Duration-to-Cost Programs

When you factor duration against cost, these programs stand out:

  • Wyoming: Free for 10 years. The single best value by any measure. $50 renewal after that.
  • Montana, Colorado, Alabama, Idaho: Free or low-cost with permanent maintenance. Zero ongoing cost after installation.
  • Washington: $175 for 5 years, $75 to renew — strong long-term value at $35/year.
  • Illinois: $50 for 3 years — lowest per-year cost of any non-free program at $16.67/year.
  • South Carolina: $100 for 2 years, $50 to renew — affordable ongoing cost.

What Happens When a Sign's Term Ends?

Most states notify the family 30–60 days before the term ends and offer a renewal option. Texas offers the physical sign to the family after removal. Wyoming gives families the option to keep the sign after 10 years. If you are approaching a renewal deadline, contact your DOT district office at least 60 days before expiration.

FAQ

Wyoming (10 years) has the longest defined term. Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and New Mexico maintain signs permanently — until the sign deteriorates or creates a safety concern. South Dakota automatically installs signs after every fatal crash and maintains them until they naturally wear out.
Florida has the shortest defined term — 1 year, with one free renewal for a 2-year maximum. After 2 years, the sign is removed with no further renewal. This is offset by the program being free and open to any traffic fatality.
Texas explicitly offers the sign to the family after the 2-year term. Wyoming gives families the option after 10 years. For other states, ask your DOT district office as the term approaches — some districts accommodate this request even without a formal policy.
Informational only. Rules and requirements change. Always confirm current information with your state DOT district office before acting.

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