States have done a fine job contributing to causes with license plates, and a shining example of this is breast cancer awareness plates. Funds from these plates go towards research and supportive programs, while bringing it into the social consciousness.
These plates honor, celebrate, or are designed for first responders. Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Minnesota (Law Enforcement Memorial Association) all pay homage to fallen heroes; Idaho benefits fire education and safety in the Boise area; Maine, Minnesota, Montana (firefighter), Nevada, and Virginia are for responders themselves; and Mississippi and Tennessee encourage appreciation of nurses.
A common optional type is the “In God We Trust” plate. In some states these are a no-cost optional, meaning motorists can choose the design for free. Some states (e.g., Florida, Georgia, Tennessee) simply apply the slogan to the regular plate, while others (e.g. Arkansas, Kansas, Virginia) have a unique design.
Plates issued to people living in tribal territories include examples above. Note that Oklahoma’s Cherokee Nation plate is now available to all motorists.
Veteran plates in a variety of forms are issued by all states. Sometimes they have decals or stickers to indicate branch of service and/or war(s) served in.
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