Take a look at Utah's new specialty license plates
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Image: Courtesy of the Utah Vehicle Division
Utah drivers now have dozens of new ways to customize their license plates.
Why it matters: The state's specialty plates have undergone a major overhaul, with newly released designs highlighting the Great Salt Lake, Utah's universities, our professional sports teams and more.
Catch up quick: A 2024 state law established a design review board for license plates because some lawmakers felt they lacked a consistent visual identity that tied them together, Jason Gardner, deputy executive director of the Utah State Tax Commission, told Axios.
- Previously, specialty plates were created with minimal oversight, resulting in a mixed range of designs — and quality.
What they're saying: "They were kind of all over the map. Some designs were really nice, and some looked like someone had just taken clip art and thrown it on a license plate," he said.
- The new plates were designed by a graphic design contractor, who spent the past year working on them.
- They debuted July 1.
How it works: Specialty license plates raise funds for specific organizations or causes and cost more than a standard plate.
- For example, proceeds from the Great Salt Lake plate help fund conservation efforts.
Zoom in: The minimalist black plate with white lettering is by far the state's most popular specialty plate, Gardner said, generating millions of dollars for the Utah Historical Society.
- Roughly 200,000 vehicles displayed the Utah Historical Society plate as of six months ago, compared with about 10,000 bearing the firefighter support plate.
Before you get one: Gardner highly encourages people seeking a specialty plate to apply online rather than visiting a Utah Division of Motor Vehicles office, since the locations don't carry the plates in office and have to mail them anyway.
My thought bubble: I'm having trouble deciding between the Utah Historical Society plate and the Utah Valley University plate — a nod to my alma mater.