There's a big business that most prudent Idahoans avoid, yet we can't seem to avoid it because we see it everywhere. Some folks are so addicted to buying this product that it's the first thing they purchase when they move to Idaho.

The business is the license plate business. Although it is disappointing when people move to our state and keep their former state license plates, why would anyone who moved to Idaho be proud of their California, Washington, or Delaware plates?

Drivers of vehicles large and small usually buy plates with a number dictated by the state. Some who believe in causes, want to support a cause or want to let people know they're in state government or served in the military buy a specialized plate.

One wonders why people spend so much money on things they never see. Perhaps it's vanity, pride, or an important message.

The more specialized the plate, the higher the cost, and the higher the cost to renew it every few years. Others who move to Idaho pay extra to have personalized plates that celebrate a name, a place, or perhaps their favorite team.

I once saw a big crimson pickup truck with Roll Tide plates.

We can confirm that this person is not a Boise State football fan! The state of Idaho requires fans of specialized plates to meet specific criteria.

There are 24 special program plates.

From the state's website:

The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers special license plates for:

  • Special interests, including charities.
  • Organizations, including colleges.
  • Military veterans.
  • Historic and custom vehicles.

For example, special interest plates are available for:

  • Agriculture.
  • Idaho Mountain Biking.
  • The Potato.
  • Support Our Troops.
  • White Water Rafting.
  • Youth.

Here is the link if you're considering the cost of a personal or specialized plate.

Here's a link for you to go through the process of looking at a personalized plate.

Should These 7 Offensive Idaho License Plates Have Been Denied

Creative or offensive - what do you think about these 7 personalized license plates?

Gallery Credit: Credit N8

A.I. Designed Idaho's New License Plate

Should we trust artificial intelligence to come up with the next license plate that'll be placed on pretty much every vehicle in the state? Let's see what it came up with.

Gallery Credit: Chris Cruise // Townsquare Media

Which Of These 37 Idaho Specialty License Plates Are the Most Popular?

We reached out to the Idaho Transportation Department to find out which of Idaho's specialty license plates were the most popular. They sent us the number of plates that were registered for the Fiscal Year 2022 and, if the data was available, the amount of funds they raised for their respective causes.

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

The Worst Idaho License Plate Rejections from 2023

You can get dinged on your submission form for a personalized license plate in Idaho for a lot of reasons. Most of these are obvious and others you may have to think about for a moment. If some of them don't make sense, then congrats on having a more pure mind than the rest of us.
That being said - DISCLAIMER - these plates were rejected for a reason. You may be offended by them and it isn't too late to turn back.

Gallery Credit: Credit N8

More From Idaho’s Talk Station