License Plate Roundup: Missouri

As RealTruck’s License Plate Roundup series continues its journey across the map, we’re heading straight to the heart of the Midwest. Missouri sits at the crossroads of American history, culture, and travel—serving as a literal and symbolic gateway to the West. From river towns and rolling hills to major metropolitan areas and iconic highways, the Show Me State has long played a defining role in United States history. 

In this feature, we’re taking a closer look at Missouri’s background, notable landmarks, and some of the most distinctive license plate designs available to residents. Whether you’re a native Missourian or a recent transplant, the roundup offers a look into Missouri’s past and present—one license plate at a time. 

Before diving into Missouri’s standout license plates, let’s take a quick look at how the state came to be and what makes it so unique—from its complicated path to statehood to its cultural contributions and breathtaking landmarks. 

Missouri became the 24th state on August 10, 1821. Its path to statehood was long and arduous, shaped by the national argument between Northern and Southern states. With the Missouri Compromise of 1820, Missouri was admitted as a Southern state, while Maine entered the union as a free state, maintaining the balance between the parties.

Missouri is known primarily for its role as the gateway to westward expansion. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis stands as the nation’s tallest monument, symbolizing Missouri’s position at the edge of the frontier. The state was also a key stop on the Lewis and Clark expedition and later became vital to Route 66 travel. 

Culturally, the state is intertwined with author Mark Twain, world-famous Southern barbecue, jazz music, and brewing history, as the home of Anheuser-Busch. Whether you’re a literary fanatic, a beer lover, or a Jazz aficionado, Missouri has a little bit of something for everyone. 

Missouri is known as “The Show-Me State,” a nickname that stems from the state’s reputation for skepticism. While the exact origin of the name is unknown, the phrase essentially represents Missourians’ preference for proof over hollow promises.

Missouri offers an impressive lineup of specialty license plates that reflect the state’s conservation efforts, auto culture, sports, and landmarks. Most specialty plates use a similar acquisition system that involves one-time payments, annual fees/donations, or both. Check out some of our favorite Missouri license plates below. 

Support pollinators and Missouri’s agricultural future with the Bee Friendly license plate. This design promotes awareness of beekeeping and the vital role bees play in food production.

The Bee Friendly license plate is available for a specialty plate fee of $15.

Perfect for automotive enthusiasts, the Cars and Coffee Foundation plate celebrates car culture while supporting charitable causes tied to the automotive community.

The Cars and Coffee license plate is available for a specialty plate fee of $15.

Missouri’s Conservation plates highlight the state’s commitment to wildlife and habitat preservation. Drivers can choose from designs featuring bass, bluebirds, or deer.

The Conservation license plate is available for a specialty plate fee of $15.

Show your support for wetland conservation and waterfowl habitat with the Ducks Unlimited license plate.

The Ducks Unlimited license plate is available for a specialty plate fee of $15.

One of Missouri’s most recognizable landmarks, the Gateway Arch pays tribute to the iconic St. Louis monument and its role in American history.

The Gateway Arch license plate is available for a specialty plate fee of $15.

Missouri is defined by its rivers, and the Great Rivers State plate highlights the importance of clean waterways and river conservation efforts.

The Great Rivers State license plate is available for a specialty plate fee of $15.

Support youth development and agricultural education with the Missouri 4-H license plate.

The Missouri 4-H license plate is available for a specialty plate fee of $15.

Celebrate Missouri’s stretch of America’s most famous highway with the Route 66 license plate—perfect for road trip fans and classic car owners alike.

The Route 66 license plate is available for a specialty plate fee of $15.

Hockey fans can rep their team year-round with the St. Louis Blues specialty plate.

The St. Louis Blues license plate is available for a specialty plate fee of $15.

One of baseball’s most storied franchises, the St. Louis Cardinals, offers plate options that let fans show their loyalty on the road.

The St. Louis Cardinals license plate is available for a specialty plate fee of $15.

With so many license plates available, Missouri drivers have no shortage of ways to personalize their ride’s number plate. Keep your license plate protected with RealTruck’s selection of frames, holders, brackets, and relocation solutions. 

Stay tuned for the next stop in our License Plate Roundup series as we explore another state’s most eye-catching designs. As always, contact the experts to find the right products for your truck, Jeep®, or SUV.