License Plate Roundup: Utah

Utah: History and Interesting Facts

Before we rank Utah's license plates, let's recap some state history. In this section, we outline Utah's statehood, nickname, and some of its most notable features—both natural and manmade.

When Was Utah Established as a State?

On January 4, 1896, the 120th anniversary of the United States' independence from English rule, President Grover Cleveland formally admitted Utah into the union as the 45th state. 

Prior to its statehood, the land was part of the Utah Territory—a massive portion comprising most of modern-day Utah, Wyoming, and Nevada. The land was initially acquired during the Mexican-American War. After securing a victory against Mexico, the United States acquired Mexico's northern territory through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

What Is Utah Most Known For?

Utah is best known for its natural beauty, which includes sprawling red rocks, mountains, plateaus, mesas, canyons, volcanoes, and basins. The diverse topography attracts adventurers, off-roaders, and overlanders, especially in areas like Monument Valley and the Bonneville Salt Flats. 

Utah also houses several national parks, including:

• Canyon Lands National Park

• Zion National Park

• Arches National Park

• Bryce Canyon National Park

• Capitol Reef National Park

Regarding manufactured features, Utah is home to the Utah Olympic Park—a mecca for Winter sports fanatics and adrenaline junkies. The state also houses the Sundance Film Festival, which takes place at the Sundance Resort in Salt Lake City.

What Is Utah's Nickname?

In 1959, "The Beehive State" was chosen as Utah's official nickname, representing hard work, perseverance, and endurance. However, the beehive's historical significance in Utah predates its usage as the state's nickname. 

Utah's relationship to the beehive can be traced back to pre-statehood, after approximately 5,000 followers of the Mormon faith settled in what would eventually become Salt Lake City. A beehive was utilized as the emblem for the provisional State of Deseret, a word borrowed from the Book of Mormon meaning "honeybee."

Utah's License Plate Designs

Now that we've uncovered some Utah history, it's time to get into the Beehive State's top license plate designs. This section covers Utah's license plate program and our top ten designs.

Custom, Special, and Other License Plates

Utah's vehicle registration and license plate programs are relatively straightforward. Three standard-issue plate designs are available, and several optional designs and personalizations are available for additional fees.

Regular Passenger, Commercial, and Motorcycle Plates

As of 2024, all registered vehicles in Utah must display only one (rear) license plate after a bill was passed to eliminate the front plate requirement. Previously, front plates were required. 

However, motorists could only be cited for the violation as a secondary offense. In other words, an officer couldn't pull over a motorist for a front plate violation, though they could cite them during a traffic stop for another violation. 

Utah offers three standard-issue license plate designs for newly registered vehicles at no cost. These options include the "In God We Trust," "Life Elevated Skier," and "Life Elevated Arches" designs.

Personalized and Special-Interest License Plates

Like most other states, Utah offers several alternative designs and personalization options for additional fees, both upon purchase and annually. 

Most special interest plates require a one-time donation to select organizations. Alternatively, personalized plates require one-time and annual fees to retain said customized message. Like other states, Utah places some restrictions on personalizations, ensuring no license plates display profane, illegal, vulgar, or derogatory messages toward any person, race, ethnicity, etc.

RealTruck Favorites

Utah offers numerous standard-issue and special-interest license plate designs. Here are our top ten favorite designs currently in production.

Life Elevated Arches

Kicking things off is the Life Elevated Arches plate, which features a blue sky background with Utah's iconic Delicate Arch in the foreground. This 52-ft. arch stands tall in Arches National Park as one of the region's most impressive natural features. 

The Life Elevated Arches license plate is available at no charge.

Utah Honoring Heroes Foundation

Show support for the families of fallen Utah Highway Patrol troopers and Department of Public Safety employees with the Utah Honoring Heroes Foundation license plate. This design is available to any person who makes the required donation. 

Requirements for this design include a 20.50-dollar special plate fee, a 35-dollar initial contribution, and a 35-dollar annual contribution.

Historic Black and White

The Historic Black and White license plate is tough to beat for sleek, subtle styling. Featuring a clean black background with white lettering, this plate is ideal for black vehicles or enthusiasts looking to tone down their vehicle's rear ends. 

Requirements for this design vary depending on whether the vehicle is declared vintage. The design is available free of charge for vehicles produced before 1982. However, newer vehicle drivers must pay a 25-dollar initial contribution, a 25-dollar annual contribution, and a 20.50-dollar special plate fee (16 dollars for motorcycles).

Zion National Park

Support Utah's natural beauty with the Zion National Park license plate. This simple design features a traditional white and blue color theme with a striking graphic depicting Horse Ranch Mountain—the tallest peak in Zion National Park. Funds from this license plate go toward programs supporting conservation in the national park. 

In addition to the standard special plate fee, this design requires a 25-dollar initial contribution and a 25-dollar annual contribution.

Wildlife – Elk

Utah's natural beauty and wildlife are two of its most iconic features. Support native wildlife populations with the Wildlife – Elk plate, featuring an image of the animal paired with "I Support Wildlife" text. The proceeds from a Wildlife – Elk license plate benefit Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources and wildlife conservation efforts. 

In addition to the standard special plate fee, this design requires a 25-dollar initial contribution and a 25-dollar annual contribution.

Special Interest Vehicle

Do you own a special-interest vehicle? Utah defines "special interest" as any vehicle over 20 years of age recognized by the Division Director. Some examples include a no-longer-produced make and model, an experimental vehicle, an educational vehicle, or a vehicle being restored. 

If so, consider the Special Interest Vehicle license plate, which features a classic white and blue color scheme and an image of a mid-century coupe. 

The standard special plate fee is the only other requirement if the vehicle meets the above criteria.

Live On – Suicide Prevention

As an often under-discussed yet crucial topic, mental health needs further research and attention. If you'd like to shed light on the subject, consider the Live On – Suicide Prevention license plate. Proceeds from this license plate directly support the Governor's suicide prevention campaign. 

This license plate, which features a conventional blue and white theme paired with the "Live On" logo, requires the standard specialty plate fee, a 25-dollar initial contribution, and a 25-dollar annual contribution.

NBA – Utah Jazz

Support Utah's standout basketball team with the official NBA – Utah Jazz license plate. This plate features a traditional blue and white color scheme paired with the Utah Jazz official team logo and "Take Note" text. Proceeds from this plate support programs directed toward women and children, co-funded by the NBA. 

In addition to the standard special plate fee, this design requires a 25-dollar initial contribution and a 25-dollar annual contribution.

Life Elevated Skier

Utah drivers can select the Life Elevated Skier license plate for no additional charge. The plate honors Utah resident and three-time Olympian Heidi Voelker, depicting Voelker skiing down the majestic Wasatch Mountains.

In God We Trust

Lastly, we have the last of Utah's standard-issue license plates—the In God We Trust design.  This plate features a classic white and blue color scheme with an American flag logo above "In God We Trust" script. 

Like other standard-issue plates, this design comes at no additional cost.

License Plate Products and Accessories

The Beehive State offers numerous standout license plates. If you reside in Utah, display your ride's license plate using our selection of frames, holders, brackets, and relocation solutions. 

Stay tuned for our next License Plate Roundup feature, where we tackle another state's top license plate artwork. And as always, contact the experts for all product inquiries and order assistance.