Look closely, and you’ll see it! When I saw it, it gave me chills!
Vanity license plates have long sparked mixed reactions. While most drivers get random plates, some choose custom ones to “make their vehicles stand out.” These plates offer “little roadside entertainment” with humor or creativity, though some find them unnecessary.
Historically, license plates started as iron covered with porcelain enamel. Delaware still sells “porcelain plates, which start at around $110.”
Early designs evolved: Idaho’s 1928 plate featured a potato, and Pennsylvania issued the first personalized plate in 1931.
Today, vanity plates fund public programs through “hundreds of millions of dollars” in fees.
Most states produce plates using inmate labor, while only Alaska, Hawaii, and Oregon outsource production. Vanity plate popularity varies, with Virginia leading and Texas the least.
High-end auctions show their value—“P7” sold for $15 million in 2023, raising money for charity. Though simple, its rarity made it priceless, highlighting vanity plates as unique symbols of personality and exclusivity.
