Montana's License Plate History

It's wild to see the evolution of Montana's license plates over the past 100 years.

Montana License Plates

We have a few options.

If you are new to Montana, you might have noticed you have a few options when registering your vehicle.

Montana Department of Motor Vehicles

Montana has over 200 license plates to choose from. There are five standard plates, multiple college plates, several military plates, but most plates that support nonprofits, schools, and conservation groups across Montana.

Anywhere you go in Montana, there's a solid chance you won't see the same license plates on the same two cars.

Credit: Montana Department of Motor Vehicles

Why is Montana one of the few states that offers so many license plates? How did license plates first look in Montana?

We have our answer.

Before we reveal the history of license plates in Montana, here are the 20 Best License Plate Designs in Montana.

20 Best Montana License Plate Designs

If you want to switch up your Montana license plate, here are a few options.

Gallery Credit: Will Gordon

History of Montana's License Plates

We had no idea.

The history of Montana's license plates is long and a fun journey.

Montana's different license plates are on display thanks to LicenseplateTok. Check out this video.

@licenseplatetok Replying to @Hannah License Plate Map, episode 38: Montana 🌤️ #foryoupage #fyp #licenseplatetok #montana #yellowstone #billings #bozeman #missoula ♬ original sound - Ethan the License Plate Guy

He is making an entire United States out of every state's license plate and describing the history of how plates have changed.

Montana's license plate history is fascinating. Our first license plates had holes to help with radiator airflow. Who knew you could make license plates that could help your car function better?

Also, did you know the infamous county numbering system didn't start until 1934? Something that many Montanans learn while in grade school has been around for almost 100 years.

Maybe this story will help you understand and love Montana a little bit more.

What's your favorite license plate in Montana?

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We have a few to choose from.

20 License Plates Banned In Montana

This is just a small glimpse at banned license plates in the state of Montana. There are well over 4000 that could be added to this list.

Now why some of these are banned is beyond me. I don't find any of them offensive, that's for sure; the state of Montana has the right to refuse:

"any combination of letters or numbers, or both, that may carry connotations offensive to good taste and decency or which are misleading or a duplication of license plates provided elsewhere."- Montana Motor Vehicle Department

What plates are banned in your state? Hopefully, they are not as picky as Montana.

Gallery Credit: Megan Shaul, Will Gordon