History Of Missouri License Plates
The History of Missouri License Plates
Missouri’s journey to statehood and its fascinating history with license
plates provide a captivating look into both the evolution of transportation and
local culture. Missouri, the 24th state to join the Union, achieved statehood
on August 10, 1821. Over the years, its vehicle registration system and license
plate designs have transformed significantly, reflecting changes in technology,
law, and design trends. In this article, we will explore the rich history of
Missouri license plates, their development, and some intriguing facts and
trivia along the way.
Missouri’s Entry Into the Union
Before delving into the story of Missouri license plates, it is essential
to understand the state’s historical context. Missouri became the 24th state on
August 10, 1821, as part of the Missouri Compromise. This pivotal agreement
allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state while Maine entered as a
free state, maintaining the balance of power between slave and free states in
the Senate.
As the state grew, so did its infrastructure and transportation systems.
By the early 20th century, the advent of automobiles necessitated the creation
of a formal vehicle registration system. Missouri’s license plates offer a
window into the state’s adaptation to modern technology and its distinctive
cultural identity.
The Early Years of License Plates in
Missouri
The first automobile license plates in the United States appeared in the
early 1900s, and Missouri was no exception to this trend. Initially, vehicle
owners were responsible for creating their own plates. It was somewhat of a
mixed bag across the state because in 1901, there were silver discs issued that
had black numbers. The use of these was by no way standardized. But by 1907,
the state required all vehicles to display an assigned number with white
letters on a black background. The numbers were to be 3 inches tall and 3/8
inches wide, and to be made of leather. But here again, these early plates were
often made by the vehicle owner of leather, wood, or metal. Sometimes it bore
the owner’s initials or numbers painted on them.
Finally, in 1911, Missouri got its act together and implemented its first
official state-issued license plates. These plates were a made of 2 ply steel,
and it was yellow with white numbers. And starting in 1916, a simpler single
sheet of embossed steel was used to simplify the manufacturing process of the state
plates.
And to make this just a little more complicated in the absence of standardization.
Cities in Missouri in many cases took the lead in pushing to collect taxes
to both build roads and enforce local laws and ordinances. They wanted to identify its people and enforce the speed of
vehicles by using City Resident license plate tags that were attached to the state
issued plates. Just imagine the large amount of real estate all of these antique license plates took on the front of the car. And here again, the materials used varied greatly. Early plates
were made of porcelain enamel and were quite durable, though they were also
prone to chipping. Examples of these types of license plates include the City
of St Louis in 1902 and Kansas City in 1908. Today, these old and vintage
plates are sought after by collectors for their antique charm and historical
significance.
Standardization and Evolution
From 1911 to 1917, Missouri issued a single license plate. This changed
in 1918 when pairs of license plates were issued. In 1942 due to World War II,
some of the license plates were actually made of a soybean material. This was due
to metal shortages and the United States needing all metal to be used for
weapons and armaments. In 1943, a metal tab was issued. And a single license
plate was the rule from 1944 to 1971. In 1972, Missouri then went back to pairs
of license plates and this continues today.
In the 1920s, the standardization of license plates became a priority
across the United States. But Missouri was doing its own thing and had many
shapes and sizes of license plates and with varying font styles. In 1934 and
1935, Missouri plates were big and had a bit of an art-deco look to them. Of
course, Missouri had adopted the practice of issuing annual plates with unique
colors and designs to help law enforcement identify the year of registration at
a glance. But that didn’t mean they had a standard size or shape. During this
period, plates were primarily made from steel and embossed for added
durability.
Missouri license plates from the late-20th century started incorporating
slogans and symbols that represented the state’s identity. The famous phrase
“Show Me State,” referencing Missouri’s unofficial nickname, was featured on
plates starting with the maroon base plate with white numbers in 1980. This
phrase became synonymous with the state and added a touch of local pride to the
license plates and the residents of the state. Collectors of genuine Missouri
plates value these designs for their historical and aesthetic appeal.
Specialty and Vanity Plates
The rise of specialty and vanity plates brought new opportunities for Missouri drivers to express their individuality. In the 1970s and 1980s, the state began offering specialty plates to support causes, organizations, and universities. From plates promoting wildlife conservation to those celebrating local sports teams, Missouri’s specialty plates allow residents to showcase their interests and affiliations. In a twist, politicians in Missouri recognized how much people loved their license plates. Low number license plates were often and usually issued to and reserved for the upper class citizens who were rewarded for who they knew or who they contributed to. So if you had a “low number plate”, this meant you were an “important person”. Yes, you just can’t make this stuff up! These were technically issued as “vanity” license plates. A similar type of "caste" system also developed in the State of Delaware whose slogan is the "First State". We do have old and vintage Delaware license plates for sale with this slogan listed in our store.
Vanity plates, which feature personalized alphanumeric combinations, also became popular. Missouri’s Department of Revenue introduced these options to accommodate drivers looking for a unique touch on their vehicles. Expired specialty plates are often considered collectible due to their uniqueness and connection to specific causes or periods. You can explore the Missouri vanity license plates that we have in stock currently and compare both layout and designs between Missouri and other states.
Modern Innovations
Today, Missouri license plates combine functionality with advanced
technology. The plates are manufactured using lightweight aluminum and
incorporate reflective materials to improve visibility. This innovation helps
law enforcement and enhances safety on the road. However. Sometimes the State
Police in Missouri use their strong voice in the legislature to object to license plate
designs based on “non-scientific judgement calls”. In other words, subjective
decisions are made.
A prime example of this is when, in 2016, the state was asking the public
for their input on the upcoming license plate issue, slated to hit the roads in
January 2019. It would celebrate Missouri’s Bicentennial. How do I know this? I
was on the committee assigned to make the final selection!
Residents had overwhelmingly selected a great deep dark blue license
plate design with white numbers. They wanted something new and cool to be identified
with. But alas, it was not to be. At the very last minute – in spite of all the
money the state had spent for publicity, and all the planning since 2016. The
State Police claimed that it was not as easy to read at night as the design
that they decided to go with. Which was really not much different than the white
plates with blue numbers combination already on the road since 1998. The
Governor of the State of Missouri caved in and here we are. There were a lot of
unhappy folks for sure.
In another irony, Tennessee, the Volunteer State, liked the combination of the deep dark blue with white numbers so much that its residents had a true voice in the selection. And starting in January 2022, the cool new license plates hit the roads in Tennessee. Their law enforcement officials, of course, have reported no issues with seeing the license plate numbers at night. Tennessee stole Missouri’s thunder! We do have this newest edition Tennessee license plate for sale, available now.
Additionally, Missouri has embraced digital registration systems, making
it easier for residents to renew their plates and customize their designs. The
state’s current standard plate design, introduced in 2019, features the
Missouri state seal and a blue-and-white gradient background. This modern
design pays homage to the state’s heritage while maintaining a sleek and
contemporary appearance. For collectors, these designs represent a blend of
modernity and authenticity.
Fun Facts About Missouri License
Plates
- Missouri’s
First Plate Number: The first official Missouri
license plate issued in 1911 was a simple numeric plate with a low number.
- Longest-Running
Slogan: The “Show Me State” slogan has been featured on Missouri plates for
decades and remains a beloved symbol of state pride.
- Bicentennial
Plates: In 2021, Missouri celebrated its 200th anniversary of statehood
with a commemorative license plate featuring a special design highlighting
its bicentennial. Genuine bicentennial plates have become prized among
collectors. But these were issued and hit the road starting in 2019.
Missouri License Plate Trivia
- Question: What year did
Missouri issue its first official license plates?
- Answer: 1911.
- Question: What material
were early Missouri plates made of?
- Answer: Early plates
were made of porcelain enamel, later transitioning to steel and aluminum.
- Question: Which phrase,
often associated with Missouri’s identity, appears on its license plates?
- Answer: “Show Me
State.”
- Question: What year was
Missouri’s bicentennial celebrated with a special plate design?
- Answer: 2021, but it
was actually on the roads starting in January 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Missouri License Plates
Q: How can I order a personalized license plate in Missouri?
A: To order a personalized plate, visit the Missouri Department of
Revenue website. You can choose your preferred alphanumeric combination,
provided it is available and adheres to state guidelines.
Q: Are there any restrictions on vanity plate combinations? Can I run an
old plate on my old vehicle?
A: Missouri prohibits offensive or inappropriate combinations on vanity
plates. The state reserves the right to reject any application that does not
meet its standards. And the state does allow for Year of Manufacture or YOM use
of license plates that are at least 25 years old, provided that letter and
number combination on the vintage and antique license plate is not already in
use.
Conclusion
The history of Missouri license plates is a testament to the state’s evolution, from its early days of self-made tags to its modern, reflective designs. Each plate tells a story of technological advancement, cultural pride, and individual expression. Whether you’re a resident proudly displaying the “Show Me State” slogan or a collector of vintage, antique, or expired plates, Missouri’s license plates offer a fascinating glimpse into the state’s past and present. And don't miss our real, old, vintage and antique Missouri license plate sale. ShopLicensePlates is your warehouse of genuine and authentic license plates from the USA, Canada, Mexico and the World. Capture your piece of history today!