Do you glance at license plates when you’re out and about? I do. I notice and enjoy license plates no matter where I am in the world. Especially in the United States, license plate designs and logos are fascinating because they vary so much. And you can personalize the heck out of license plates. They come in distinct colors and often have the state motto on them.
Today, license plates have gotten incredibly complex. States now offer a vast menu of personalized plate options for a dizzying array of organizations, professions, sports teams, causes, and other groups.
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How Many License Plate Designs Are There In The U.S.?
This article counted and looked at all the offerings!
There are currently 8,331 different vehicle license plates offered by the 50 states and the District of Columbia. And that number is likely to change, along with some of the license plate designs as well.
Members of the military and veterans have been able to pick customized plates. You can also pick plates to raise funds for various foundations through registration fees.
Many people, such as doctors, first responders, and even amateur radio operators have long been able to pick a plate reflecting their affiliations. In several states if you are a realtor, accountant, architect, chiropractor, pharmacist, or optician you can share your profession with a customized plate. Proof of service and professional credentials are required to qualify for many of these plates.
How about the face of Dolly Parton on Tennessee’s “Dollywood Foundation For Children” plate? Or an Alice Cooper license plate, “Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock” plate (raising funds for his non-profit that provides free music lessons for kids).
You can search all 8331 license plates here and read the full story that goes with this data.
Which State Offers The Most License Plate Options?
Can you guess which state leads the pack when it comes to the number of license plates it offers drivers?
Here’s a hint: it ranks 19th in population 🙂 Their options are both creative and inspiring!
Hawaii offers the fewest number of plates, with just 14 designs to pick from (plus decals with messages drivers can attach). But a small number of plates offered doesn’t mean lower quality plates. In 2022, the Automobile License Plate Collector’s Association chose Hawaii’s beautiful “Polynesian Voyaging” as the “Best New Plate”. The “Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park” is also quite beautiful.
Some of the most popular special plates feature animals and messages about nature conservation. License plates have been the subject of dozens of legal cases challenging the messages imprinted on them by the state.
License plate fees are major sources of revenue for state motor vehicle departments. Florida pulled in over $44 million just from specialty license plates in the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
Who Makes All These License Plates?
Yes, license plates are still made by cheap prison labor in most states. 80% of all license plates issued in the U.S. today were made by state prisoners, with only 12 states opting out of the practice.
Final Thoughts
The world of license plates is way more vast and interesting than I would have imagined. Take a look for yourself. I’m certain you’ll find some fascinating tidbits of information and who knows, next time you might even opt for a license plate you never even knew existed!
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1 comment
Canada has much higher costs because only Ontario uses prisoners. Other provinces use expensive union workers.