Slogans

Note: On this page I use the terms “slogan,” “nickname,” and other similar terms interchangeably. States have multiple slogans but I have tried to indicate in italics the most common or traditional one, which may not correspond to the one most often used on a state’s license plates.

States promote tourism and exhibit state pride by placing slogans on their license plates. Here’s a look at some from every state that have appeared on general issue passenger plates.

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming District of Columbia

NOTE: This page is currently undergoing a redesign, hence the differing formats in text

Alabama

Heart of Dixie

1955:      First usage of “HEART OF DIXIE.”
1967: This plate is part of a long-running format, with a heart graphic + ALABAMA + two-digit year on the bottom, and “HEART OF DIXIE” on the top.
1976:      “HEART OF DIXIE” is moved inside the heart for the first time.
2002:      “Stars Fell On” references a popular song from the 1930s.
2007:      “God Bless America” optional plate debuts.
2016:      A statehood Bicentennial optional is offered through 2020.

1955:      First usage of “HEART OF DIXIE.”
1967: This plate is part of a long-running format, with a heart graphic + ALABAMA + two-digit year on the bottom, and “HEART OF DIXIE” on the top.
1976:      “HEART OF DIXIE” is moved inside the heart for the first time.
2002:      “Stars Fell On” references a popular song from the 1930s.
2007:      “God Bless America” optional plate debuts.
2016:      A statehood Bicentennial optional is offered through 2020.

Streak: “Heart of Dixie” and an accompanying heart graphic (1955 – Present)

Alaska

The Last Frontier

1966: Centennial of the Alaska Purchase plate has the slogan “NORTH TO THE FUTURE.” This slogan reappears from 1971-1975.
1968:      “THE GREAT LAND” is used for the only time.
1981:      First usage of “The Last Frontier.”
1998:      Alaska Gold Rush Centennial optional introduced for a six-year run.
2006: The 1981 base is modified, with the slogan capitalized and embossed.
2009:      An optional celebrating 50 years of statehood available through 2011.
2019:      The latest optional is called the “Alaska Artistic License.”

1966: Centennial of the Alaska Purchase plate has the slogan “NORTH TO THE FUTURE.” This slogan reappears from 1971-1975.
1968:      “THE GREAT LAND” is used for the only time.
1981:      First usage of “The Last Frontier.”
1998:      Alaska Gold Rush Centennial optional introduced for a six-year run.
2006: The 1981 base is modified, with the slogan capitalized and embossed.
2009:      An optional celebrating 50 years of statehood available through 2011.
2019:      The latest optional is called the “Alaska Artistic License.”

Arizona

Grand Canyon State

1940: First usage of “GRAND CANYON STATE.”
1996: The slogan is reduced in size and moves to the right to accommodate a desert scene.

1940: First usage of “GRAND CANYON STATE.”
1996: The slogan is reduced in size and moves to the right to accommodate a desert scene.

Streak: “Grand Canyon State” (1947 – Present)

Not Pictured: 1939 (400^th anniversary of explorer Marcos De Niza’s arrival in Arizona).

Arkansas

The Natural State

1948:      “OPPORTUNITY LAND” appears in the first of two consecutive years.
1950:      “LAND OF OPPORTUNITY” is on the bottom of every plate through 1967, then returns in the 1970s and 1980s.
1989:      “The Natural State” debuts and, in 1995, becomes the official state nickname.

1948:      “OPPORTUNITY LAND” appears in the first of two consecutive years.
1950:      “LAND OF OPPORTUNITY” is on the bottom of every plate through 1967, then returns in the 1970s and 1980s.
1989:      “The Natural State” debuts and, in 1995, becomes the official state nickname.

Not Pictured: 1935 (“CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION”).

California

The Golden State

1939:      “WORLD’S FAIR” recognizes the Golden Gate International Exposition.
1987:      The sun plate, which debuted in 1982 as an extra-cost optional, is the only standard plate issued for the first 10 months of this year. It is the only time California’s official nickname, “The Golden State,” has appeared on a plate.
1998:      The slogan “SESQUICENTENNIAL – 150 YEARS” is added for a period of three years.
2012:      The website “dmv.ca.gov” is added for an indefinite period.

1939:      “WORLD’S FAIR” recognizes the Golden Gate International Exposition.
1987:      The sun plate, which debuted in 1982 as an extra-cost optional, is the only standard plate issued for the first 10 months of this year. It is the only time California’s official nickname, “The Golden State,” has appeared on a plate.
1998:      The slogan “SESQUICENTENNIAL – 150 YEARS” is added for a period of three years.
2012:      The website “dmv.ca.gov” is added for an indefinite period.

Colorado

The Centennial State

1954: “COLORFUL” appears as it does throughout much of the 1950s, and again in 1973 and 1974.
1975: 100^th anniversary of statehood. A red, white, and blue color scheme simultaneously acknowledges the U.S. Bicentennial.

1954: “COLORFUL” appears as it does throughout much of the 1950s, and again in 1973 and 1974.
1975: 100^th anniversary of statehood. A red, white, and blue color scheme simultaneously acknowledges the U.S. Bicentennial.

Connecticut

Constitution State

1974: First usage of “CONSTITUTION STATE.”

Streak: “Constitution State” (1974 – Present)

1974: First usage of “CONSTITUTION STATE.”

Streak: “Constitution State” (1974 – Present)

Delaware

The First State

1962:      First usage of “THE FIRST STATE.”
1969:      The current base debuts. It is similar to the 1962 base though the shade of teal has varied.

Streak:   “The First State” (1962 – Present)

1962:      First usage of “THE FIRST STATE.”
1969:      The current base debuts. It is similar to the 1962 base though the shade of teal has varied.

Streak:   “The First State” (1962 – Present)

Florida

Sunshine State

1949:      First usage of “SUNSHINE STATE.”
1965:      400^th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine.
1994:      Counties have the option of replacing the county name with “SUNSHINE STATE.”
1997:      Plates are more mixed between those with county names and those with the slogan. This continues onto the next base seven years later.
2009:      “In God We Trust” optional debuts.

1949:      First usage of “SUNSHINE STATE.”
1965:      400^th anniversary of the founding of St. Augustine.
1994:      Counties have the option of replacing the county name with “SUNSHINE STATE.”
1997:      Plates are more mixed between those with county names and those with the slogan. This continues onto the next base seven years later.
2009:      “In God We Trust” optional debuts.

Not Pictured: 1951 (“KEEP FLORIDA GREEN”).

Georgia

Peach State

1940:      First usage of “PEACH STATE.”
1963:      This plate appears in the midst of a 12-year run of a singular format (with one exception, when the state name and slogan switched places).
1997:      The state song, “Georgia on My Mind,” is partially transferred to a plate.
2012:      “Peach State” returns after a more than forty-year hiatus.

Streak:   “Peach State” (1947 – 1970)

1940:      First usage of “PEACH STATE.”
1963:      This plate appears in the midst of a 12-year run of a singular format (with one exception, when the state name and slogan switched places).
1997:      The state song, “Georgia on My Mind,” is partially transferred to a plate.
2012:      “Peach State” returns after a more than forty-year hiatus.

Streak:   “Peach State” (1947 – 1970)

Hawaii

Aloha State

1961: First usage of “ALOHA STATE.” Four years earlier, a base debuted with just “ALOHA.”

Streak: “Aloha State” (1961 – Present)

1961: First usage of “ALOHA STATE.” Four years earlier, a base debuted with just “ALOHA.”

Streak: “Aloha State” (1961 – Present)

Idaho

Famous Potatoes

1940:      “50 YEARS OF STATEHOOD.”
1948:      A baked potato decal is paired with the slogan “World Famous POTATOES.”
1957:      The start of a more than two-decade stretch of plain white on green or green on white plates with the slogan “FAMOUS POTATOES.”
1992:      The current base retains “FAMOUS POTATOES” while reintroducing the “Scenic” lead.

Streak:   “Famous Potatoes” (1957 – Present)

1940:      “50 YEARS OF STATEHOOD.”
1948:      A baked potato decal is paired with the slogan “World Famous POTATOES.”
1957:      The start of a more than two-decade stretch of plain white on green or green on white plates with the slogan “FAMOUS POTATOES.”
1992:      The current base retains “FAMOUS POTATOES” while reintroducing the “Scenic” lead.

Streak:   “Famous Potatoes” (1957 – Present)

Not Pictured: 1928 (“Potatoes” after the state name, with an accompanying graphic of a large baked potato behind the serial); early to mid-1940s (“Scenic” lead-in); 1947 (“Vacation Wonderland” with graphic of a skier).

Illinois

Land of Lincoln

1954:      First usage of “Land of Lincoln.”
1955:      The first in a long run of plates in the same format, with an italicized slogan that sits at the bottom in odd years, and the top in even years.
1968: Statehood Sesquicentennial. An “18” in each upper corner is intended to be read together as “1818,” the year of Illinois statehood.
1979:      The slogan is minimized compared to previous years.
2001:      Abraham Lincoln is added as a graphic to accompany the long-standing slogan. He appears again on the current base.

Streak:   “Land of Lincoln” (1954 – Present)

1954:      First usage of “Land of Lincoln.”
1955:      The first in a long run of plates in the same format, with an italicized slogan that sits at the bottom in odd years, and the top in even years.
1968: Statehood Sesquicentennial. An “18” in each upper corner is intended to be read together as “1818,” the year of Illinois statehood.
1979:      The slogan is minimized compared to previous years.
2001:      Abraham Lincoln is added as a graphic to accompany the long-standing slogan. He appears again on the current base.

Streak:   “Land of Lincoln” (1954 – Present)

Indiana

Hoosier State

1956:      A run of safety-conscious slogans (with one exception) begins. The slogans are “DRIVE SAFELY” and “SAFETY PAYS.”
1959: “LINCOLN YEAR” refers to the Sesquicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Lincoln lived in Indiana from the age of seven to the age of 21.
1966:        Statehood Sesquicentennial.
1976:      The U.S. Bicentennial base is the first in a series of plates with no repeating slogans. The Centennial of the George Rogers Clark expedition, the first and only use of the traditional “HOOSIER STATE” slogan, “WANDER” (which was the focus of a tourism campaign), and the state’s official motto, “The Crossroads of America” are amongst the slogans.

1956:      A run of safety-conscious slogans (with one exception) begins. The slogans are “DRIVE SAFELY” and “SAFETY PAYS.”
1959: “LINCOLN YEAR” refers to the Sesquicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Lincoln lived in Indiana from the age of seven to the age of 21.
1966:        Statehood Sesquicentennial.
1976:      The U.S. Bicentennial base is the first in a series of plates with no repeating slogans. The Centennial of the George Rogers Clark expedition, the first and only use of the traditional “HOOSIER STATE” slogan, “WANDER” (which was the focus of a tourism campaign), and the state’s official motto, “The Crossroads of America” are amongst the slogans.

Iowa

Hawkeye State

1953: For the first and, so far, only time in its history, Iowa includes a slogan on a license plate, dubbing itself “THE CORN STATE.”

Kansas

The Sunflower State

1948:      First usage of “THE WHEAT STATE.” This slogan continues uninterrupted through 1959.
1960:      Both the 1960 and 1961 plates carry the statehood “CENTENNIAL 1961” slogan.
1965:      First usage of “MIDWAY USA,” which remains in place through 1970.
1975:      Some issues from this year and the year prior have the slogan “WHEAT CENTENNIAL,” referring to the introduction of hard red winter wheat to the state.

1948:      First usage of “THE WHEAT STATE.” This slogan continues uninterrupted through 1959.
1960:      Both the 1960 and 1961 plates carry the statehood “CENTENNIAL 1961” slogan.
1965:      First usage of “MIDWAY USA,” which remains in place through 1970.
1975:      Some issues from this year and the year prior have the slogan “WHEAT CENTENNIAL,” referring to the introduction of hard red winter wheat to the state.

Kentucky

Bluegrass State

1951:      “TOUR” is inserted before the state name from 1951 through 1957.
1982:      The 1978 base’s unusual design has an elongated sticker box and the state abbreviation in the upper corners. In 1982 and 1983, the expiration sticker contains the slogan “BLUEGRASS STATE.”
1988:        “Bluegrass State” is on the bottom of the Churchill Downs base.
2003:      A plate with a smiling sun has a second slogan, “It’s that friendly.”
2005:      A new base includes a tourism branding and logo entitled “Unbridled Spirit,” in addition to “BLUEGRASS STATE.”
2011:      “In God We Trust” optional debuts.

Streak:        “Bluegrass State” (1988 – Present)

1951:      “TOUR” is inserted before the state name from 1951 through 1957.
1982:      The 1978 base’s unusual design has an elongated sticker box and the state abbreviation in the upper corners. In 1982 and 1983, the expiration sticker contains the slogan “BLUEGRASS STATE.”
1988:        “Bluegrass State” is on the bottom of the Churchill Downs base.
2003:      A plate with a smiling sun has a second slogan, “It’s that friendly.”
2005:      A new base includes a tourism branding and logo entitled “Unbridled Spirit,” in addition to “BLUEGRASS STATE.”
2011:      “In God We Trust” optional debuts.

Streak:        “Bluegrass State” (1988 – Present)

Not Pictured: 1929 & 1930 (“FOR PROGRESS”); 2021 base (similar to Unbridled Spirit base, but without branding and “BLUEGRASS STATE” more prominent)

Louisiana

Sportsman’s Paradise

1958:        Louisiana’s first slogan on a plate is “Sportsmen’s Paradise.”
1964:      First usage of “SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE.”
1974:      “BAYOU STATE” debuts and continues through 1980.
1983:      “World’s Fair” plate released in advance of the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.
2002:        Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase.
2011:      A limited-run plate celebrates the Bicentennial of statehood.
2014:      Another limited-run Bicentennial plate commemorates the Battle of New Orleans.

1958:        Louisiana’s first slogan on a plate is “Sportsmen’s Paradise.”
1964:      First usage of “SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE.”
1974:      “BAYOU STATE” debuts and continues through 1980.
1983:      “World’s Fair” plate released in advance of the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition.
2002:        Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase.
2011:      A limited-run plate celebrates the Bicentennial of statehood.
2014:      Another limited-run Bicentennial plate commemorates the Battle of New Orleans.

Maine

Vacationland

1936: First usage of “VACATIONLAND.”

Streak: “Vacationland” (1936 – Present)

1936: First usage of “VACATIONLAND.”

Streak: “Vacationland” (1936 – Present)

Maryland

Old Line State

2005 Near the tail-end of the 2006 base, Maryland adds a web address.
2010 Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and “The Star Spangled Banner.” The plate depicts Fort McHenry; the events of that time and place inspired the writing of the National Anthem.

Not Pictured: 1934 (300^th anniversary, or “TERCENTENARY,” of settlement); 1942 & 1945 bases (“DRIVE CAREFULLY”).

2005 Near the tail-end of the 2006 base, Maryland adds a web address.
2010 Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and “The Star Spangled Banner.” The plate depicts Fort McHenry; the events of that time and place inspired the writing of the National Anthem.

Not Pictured: 1934 (300^th anniversary, or “TERCENTENARY,” of settlement); 1942 & 1945 bases (“DRIVE CAREFULLY”).

Massachusetts

The Bay State

1993: The inclusion of “The Spirit of America” is the first, and to date only, time Massachusetts has had a slogan on a standard general issue.

Michigan

Great Lake State

1954:      First usage of “WATER WONDERLAND,” repeated through 1964.
1965:      First usage of “WATER-WINTER WONDERLAND,” also seen the next two years.
1968:      First usage of “GREAT LAKE STATE.” It applies to almost every plate through the 1979 base.
1984:      “GREAT LAKES” appears on a base which is on cars as late as 2008.
2006:      Base with a website slogan.
2014:      In synchrony with a new tourism campaign, “PURE” is put in front of the state name with a stylized “M.” The website is also changed.

1954:      First usage of “WATER WONDERLAND,” repeated through 1964.
1965:      First usage of “WATER-WINTER WONDERLAND,” also seen the next two years.
1968:      First usage of “GREAT LAKE STATE.” It applies to almost every plate through the 1979 base.
1984:      “GREAT LAKES” appears on a base which is on cars as late as 2008.
2006:      Base with a website slogan.
2014:      In synchrony with a new tourism campaign, “PURE” is put in front of the state name with a stylized “M.” The website is also changed.

Minnesota

Land of 10,000 Lakes

1949:      Territory Centennial.
1950:      First usage of “10,000 LAKES.”
1978:      Debut of a graphic base, with the slogan in all lowercase.
1987:        “EXPLORE” is added before the state name.
2009:      The phrase “.com” is added after the state name to comprise the tourism website when all the elements are put together.

Streak:   “10,000 Lakes” (1950 – Present)

1949:      Territory Centennial.
1950:      First usage of “10,000 LAKES.”
1978:      Debut of a graphic base, with the slogan in all lowercase.
1987:        “EXPLORE” is added before the state name.
2009:      The phrase “.com” is added after the state name to comprise the tourism website when all the elements are put together.

Streak:   “10,000 Lakes” (1950 – Present)

Mississippi

The Magnolia State

1977: “The Hospitality State” is placed inside a magnolia flower on the state’s first graphic plate.

2012: On a base which honors Mississippi’s musical culture, a gold banner with the words “Birthplace of American Music” and a guitar in the style of one played by Mississippi native B.B. King are featured.

Missouri

Show-Me State

1976:      The U.S. Bicentennial plate has the slogan “200YRS” crammed into the upper left corner along with the state abbreviation.
1980:      First usage of “SHOW-ME STATE.”
2009:      The dash from the slogan is removed.
2018:        Statehood Bicentennial.

Streak:   “Show-Me State” or “Show Me State” (1980-2017)

1976:      The U.S. Bicentennial plate has the slogan “200YRS” crammed into the upper left corner along with the state abbreviation.
1980:      First usage of “SHOW-ME STATE.”
2009:      The dash from the slogan is removed.
2018:        Statehood Bicentennial.

Streak:   “Show-Me State” or “Show Me State” (1980-2017)

Montana

Big Sky Country

1949:      First usage of “THE TREASURE STATE,” repeated through 1956.
1963:        “TREASURE STATE” returns, this time without “THE.”
1967:      First usage of “BIG SKY COUNTRY,” continued through 1975.
1976:      On the U.S. Bicentennial base the slogan shortens to “BIG SKY.”
1987:        Statehood Centennial optional.
2006:      The slogan “Big Sky Country” returns for the first time in 30 years.
2010:      The current base is introduced, considered a “retro” plate as it recalls the slogan “TREASURE STATE” and mimics the style of the 1975 plate.
2012:      Some older bases are offered as optionals, now flat with tweaked designs.

1949:      First usage of “THE TREASURE STATE,” repeated through 1956.
1963:        “TREASURE STATE” returns, this time without “THE.”
1967:      First usage of “BIG SKY COUNTRY,” continued through 1975.
1976:      On the U.S. Bicentennial base the slogan shortens to “BIG SKY.”
1987:        Statehood Centennial optional.
2006:      The slogan “Big Sky Country” returns for the first time in 30 years.
2010:      The current base is introduced, considered a “retro” plate as it recalls the slogan “TREASURE STATE” and mimics the style of the 1975 plate.
2012:      Some older bases are offered as optionals, now flat with tweaked designs.

Nebraska

Cornhusker State

1956:      First usage of “THE BEEF STATE,” which repeats through 1965.
1966:        Statehood Centennial base.
1969:      The 1969 base uses the same format as its predecessor, except it has the slogan “CORNHUSKER STATE.”
1976:      U.S. Bicentennial base.
2002:      After six base plates with no slogan at all, a new base is issued which features a state website, the first of three consecutive bases to do so.
2017: Sesquicentennial base, with a depiction of a statue that sits atop the capitol, and the corresponding dates.

1956:      First usage of “THE BEEF STATE,” which repeats through 1965.
1966:        Statehood Centennial base.
1969:      The 1969 base uses the same format as its predecessor, except it has the slogan “CORNHUSKER STATE.”
1976:      U.S. Bicentennial base.
2002:      After six base plates with no slogan at all, a new base is issued which features a state website, the first of three consecutive bases to do so.
2017: Sesquicentennial base, with a depiction of a statue that sits atop the capitol, and the corresponding dates.

Nevada

The Silver State

1985: First usage of “THE SILVER STATE.”
2016: The current base includes the “Home Means Nevada” against a multi-colored mountain range.

1985: First usage of “THE SILVER STATE.”
2016: The current base includes the “Home Means Nevada” against a multi-colored mountain range.

New Hampshire

The Granite State

1957:      First usage of “SCENIC”, repeated through 1970 on plates alternating between white-on-green and green-on-white; the exception is 1963 when the slogan is “PHOTOSCENIC.”
1971:      First usage of “LIVE FREE OR DIE,” the state motto.

Streak:   “Live Free or Die” (1971 – Present)

1957:      First usage of “SCENIC”, repeated through 1970 on plates alternating between white-on-green and green-on-white; the exception is 1963 when the slogan is “PHOTOSCENIC.”
1971:      First usage of “LIVE FREE OR DIE,” the state motto.

Streak:   “Live Free or Die” (1971 – Present)

New Jersey

Garden State

1959: First usage of “GARDEN STATE.”

Streak: “Garden State” (1959 – Present)

1959: First usage of “GARDEN STATE.”

Streak: “Garden State” (1959 – Present)

New Mexico

Land of Enchantment

1941:      First usage of “THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT.”
1952:      The slogan is shortened to “LAND OF ENCHANTMENT.”
2010:        Statehood Centennial optional.
2016:      The slogan on the Centennial optional plate is changed to “LAND OF ENCHANTMENT.”
2017:      New Mexico presents a third option with a plate that hails the state as the “Chile Capital of the World.”

Not Pictured:        1932 (“SUNSHINE STATE”); 1940 (400^th anniversary of the Coronado Expedition)

Streak:   Land of Enchantment (1952 – Present)

1941:      First usage of “THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT.”
1952:      The slogan is shortened to “LAND OF ENCHANTMENT.”
2010:        Statehood Centennial optional.
2016:      The slogan on the Centennial optional plate is changed to “LAND OF ENCHANTMENT.”
2017:      New Mexico presents a third option with a plate that hails the state as the “Chile Capital of the World.”

Not Pictured:        1932 (“SUNSHINE STATE”); 1940 (400^th anniversary of the Coronado Expedition)

Streak:   Land of Enchantment (1952 – Present)

New York

Empire State

1951:      First usage of “THE EMPIRE STATE.”
1957:      The slogan is modified to “EMPIRE STATE.” In sum, “The Empire State” and “Empire State” are on every plate from 1951 to 1963.
1964:      New York has another World’s Fair, and again it shows on the license plate but without a year. The fair runs two seasons and motorists renew this plate with a vertical sticker.
2001:      After 36 years without a slogan, a base depicting Niagara Falls, New York City, and other features of the state brings back “THE EMPIRE STATE.”
2010:      History repeats itself as the slogan shortens from “THE EMPIRE STATE” to “EMPIRE STATE.”
2020:      A new base retains the imagery of the 2001 base but changes the slogan to the state motto, “EXCELSIOR.”

Not Pictured:        1939 (“World’s Fair 1939”); 1940 (“World’s Fair 1940”).

1951:      First usage of “THE EMPIRE STATE.”
1957:      The slogan is modified to “EMPIRE STATE.” In sum, “The Empire State” and “Empire State” are on every plate from 1951 to 1963.
1964:      New York has another World’s Fair, and again it shows on the license plate but without a year. The fair runs two seasons and motorists renew this plate with a vertical sticker.
2001:      After 36 years without a slogan, a base depicting Niagara Falls, New York City, and other features of the state brings back “THE EMPIRE STATE.”
2010:      History repeats itself as the slogan shortens from “THE EMPIRE STATE” to “EMPIRE STATE.”
2020:      A new base retains the imagery of the 2001 base but changes the slogan to the state motto, “EXCELSIOR.”

Not Pictured:        1939 (“World’s Fair 1939”); 1940 (“World’s Fair 1940”).

North Carolina

Tar Heel State

1954:      First usage of “DRIVE SAFELY.” It repeats from 1956 through 1963.
1975:      U.S. Bicentennial base features the slogan “FIRST IN FREEDOM.”
1982:      The current base is introduced, which includes the slogan “First in Flight” in recognition of the Wright Brothers’ successful flight in Kitty Hawk. The base has had a few variations over the years.
2015:      An alternate base is introduced that celebrates the Bicentennial of the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The plate brings back the “FIRST IN FREEDOM” slogan, with the dates of the signing.

Not Pictured:        2019 (“IN GOD WE TRUST” optional plate, which includes the state motto “To Be Rather Than to Seem”).

Streak:   “First in Flight” (1982 – Present)

1954:      First usage of “DRIVE SAFELY.” It repeats from 1956 through 1963.
1975:      U.S. Bicentennial base features the slogan “FIRST IN FREEDOM.”
1982:      The current base is introduced, which includes the slogan “First in Flight” in recognition of the Wright Brothers’ successful flight in Kitty Hawk. The base has had a few variations over the years.
2015:      An alternate base is introduced that celebrates the Bicentennial of the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. The plate brings back the “FIRST IN FREEDOM” slogan, with the dates of the signing.

Not Pictured:        2019 (“IN GOD WE TRUST” optional plate, which includes the state motto “To Be Rather Than to Seem”).

Streak:   “First in Flight” (1982 – Present)

North Dakota

Peace Garden State

1956:      First usage of “PEACE GARDEN STATE.”
1987:      A base celebrates the “CENTENNIAL” while putting the standard slogan in smaller font – a practice employed ever since.
2016:      The current base, featuring the phrase “LEGENDARY” at the top and “PEACE GARDEN STATE” tucked into the left corner, debuts; it is the third straight double-slogan plate.

Streak:   “Peace Garden State” (1956 – Present)

1956:      First usage of “PEACE GARDEN STATE.”
1987:      A base celebrates the “CENTENNIAL” while putting the standard slogan in smaller font – a practice employed ever since.
2016:      The current base, featuring the phrase “LEGENDARY” at the top and “PEACE GARDEN STATE” tucked into the left corner, debuts; it is the third straight double-slogan plate.

Streak:   “Peace Garden State” (1956 – Present)

Ohio

The Buckeye State

1938:        Northwest Territory Sesquicentennial.
1973:      The slogan asks, “SEAT BELTS FASTENED?” It’s repeated on the 1974 base.
1991:      After a 16-year break from slogans, “the heart of it all!” makes an appearance on a new base.
1998:      First usage of “BIRTHPLACE OF AVIATION.” Ohio is the home state of the Wright Brothers and Neil Armstrong.
2002:        Statehood Bicentennial.
2010:      A base with a farm scene and cityscape has “Beautiful” before the state name while retaining “Birthplace of Aviation.”
2013:      The so-called “Pride” base contains 46 different words or phrases printed over the entire background in light gray.
2022:      The newest Ohio plate, which has elements similar to the “Beautiful” base, debuts.

Not Pictured:        1953 (Sesquicentennial, indicated by dates only).

1938:        Northwest Territory Sesquicentennial.
1973:      The slogan asks, “SEAT BELTS FASTENED?” It’s repeated on the 1974 base.
1991:      After a 16-year break from slogans, “the heart of it all!” makes an appearance on a new base.
1998:      First usage of “BIRTHPLACE OF AVIATION.” Ohio is the home state of the Wright Brothers and Neil Armstrong.
2002:        Statehood Bicentennial.
2010:      A base with a farm scene and cityscape has “Beautiful” before the state name while retaining “Birthplace of Aviation.”
2013:      The so-called “Pride” base contains 46 different words or phrases printed over the entire background in light gray.
2022:      The newest Ohio plate, which has elements similar to the “Beautiful” base, debuts.

Not Pictured:        1953 (Sesquicentennial, indicated by dates only).

Oklahoma

Sooner State

1955:      “VISIT” serves as a lead-in to the state name through 1962.
1967:      First usage of “IS OK.” Repeated through 1975 and appears on three of five after that.
1976:      U.S. Bicentennial.
1982:      An exclamation mark is added to the slogan.
1989:      The slogan is modified again, to just “OK!”
1994:        Oklahoma drops the “OK!” in favor of “NATIVE AMERICA” to match the graphic.
2017:      The current base includes the tourist-centric slogans “EXPLORE” and “TRAVELOK.COM.”

Not Pictured:        2022 (“EXPLORE” removed from 2017 base).

1955:      “VISIT” serves as a lead-in to the state name through 1962.
1967:      First usage of “IS OK.” Repeated through 1975 and appears on three of five after that.
1976:      U.S. Bicentennial.
1982:      An exclamation mark is added to the slogan.
1989:      The slogan is modified again, to just “OK!”
1994:        Oklahoma drops the “OK!” in favor of “NATIVE AMERICA” to match the graphic.
2017:      The current base includes the tourist-centric slogans “EXPLORE” and “TRAVELOK.COM.”

Not Pictured:        2022 (“EXPLORE” removed from 2017 base).

Oregon

The Beaver State

NOTE: This is a trailer coach, not a passenger; however the passenger version is similar with the state name spelled out in full, preceded by the month of expiration (no center sticker box).

1959: The inclusion of “PACIFIC WONDERLAND” is the first, and to date only, time Oregon has had a slogan on a standard general issue.

Pennsylvania

Keystone State

1971: Pennsylvania’s first slogan is for the U.S. Bicentennial base. The plate is unusual compared to other states’ U.S. Bicentennials in that it’s released five years early, lacks screened graphics, and does not have a red, white, and blue color scheme.
1977:      First usage of “KEYSTONE STATE.”
1983:      A base debuts with the memorable slogan “You’ve Got a Friend in.” Later the slogan reverts to “KEYSTONE STATE.”
1999:      The first graphic base features a website for a slogan, as does the 2004 follow-up.

1971: Pennsylvania’s first slogan is for the U.S. Bicentennial base. The plate is unusual compared to other states’ U.S. Bicentennials in that it’s released five years early, lacks screened graphics, and does not have a red, white, and blue color scheme.
1977:      First usage of “KEYSTONE STATE.”
1983:      A base debuts with the memorable slogan “You’ve Got a Friend in.” Later the slogan reverts to “KEYSTONE STATE.”
1999:      The first graphic base features a website for a slogan, as does the 2004 follow-up.

Rhode Island

Ocean State

1967:        “DISCOVER” appears for the first and only time on a base plate.
1972:      First usage of “OCEAN STATE.”
1980: Sometimes this base adds a year in one corner, other times it does not, and the state name and slogan are either embossed or screened and vary in font.
1996:      The current base has the state name and slogan in larger letters, with a graphic of a wave.

Not Pictured:        1936 (“300^TH YEAR” denoting 300 years of settlement, though there were four different sizes of this plate and one did not have the slogan).

Streak:   “Ocean State” (1972 – Present)

1967:        “DISCOVER” appears for the first and only time on a base plate.
1972:      First usage of “OCEAN STATE.”
1980: Sometimes this base adds a year in one corner, other times it does not, and the state name and slogan are either embossed or screened and vary in font.
1996:      The current base has the state name and slogan in larger letters, with a graphic of a wave.

Not Pictured:        1936 (“300^TH YEAR” denoting 300 years of settlement, though there were four different sizes of this plate and one did not have the slogan).

Streak:   “Ocean State” (1972 – Present)

South Carolina

Palmetto State

1970:      “300 YEARS” of settlement.
1976:      U.S. Bicentennial.
1999:      After a string of no-slogan plates, a new base reads “Smiling Faces. Beautiful Places.”
2003:      The first of two “In God We Trust” optionals debuts.
2017: Introduction of the current base, which features the state motto “While I Breathe, I Hope.”

Not Pictured:        1930 (“IODINE”), 1931 (“THE IODINE STATE”), 1932 (“THE IODINE PRODUCTS STATE”)

1970:      “300 YEARS” of settlement.
1976:      U.S. Bicentennial.
1999:      After a string of no-slogan plates, a new base reads “Smiling Faces. Beautiful Places.”
2003:      The first of two “In God We Trust” optionals debuts.
2017: Introduction of the current base, which features the state motto “While I Breathe, I Hope.”

Not Pictured:        1930 (“IODINE”), 1931 (“THE IODINE STATE”), 1932 (“THE IODINE PRODUCTS STATE”)

South Dakota

Mount Rushmore State

1987:      Some motorists have the option of applying a decal that reads “Celebrate the Century” to the statehood Centennial plate, which has the corresponding dates under the state name.
1991:      First usage of “GREAT FACES. GREAT PLACES.”
Streak:   “Great Faces. Great Places.” (1991 – Present)

Not Pictured:        1939 (“RUSHMORE MEMORIAL”)

1987:      Some motorists have the option of applying a decal that reads “Celebrate the Century” to the statehood Centennial plate, which has the corresponding dates under the state name.
1991:      First usage of “GREAT FACES. GREAT PLACES.”
Streak:   “Great Faces. Great Places.” (1991 – Present)

Not Pictured:        1939 (“RUSHMORE MEMORIAL”)

Tennessee

Volunteer State

1977:      First usage of “Volunteer State.”
1994:      The state “BicenTENNial” plate, which cleverly incorporates the state abbreviation into the slogan, is the first of two consecutive double slogan plates. “Volunteer State” remains, albeit smaller than the last time it appeared.
2000:      A base with the tourism slogan “Sounds good to me” coupled with “Volunteer State” debuts.
2006:        Tennessee issues a fully-graphic base that has the “The Volunteer State” in small letters above the state name. Later, the additional slogan of a tourism website is added, and after that, a “In God We Trust” option is offered to create a triple-slogan plate.

Streak:   “The Volunteer State” (1995 – Present)

1977:      First usage of “Volunteer State.”
1994:      The state “BicenTENNial” plate, which cleverly incorporates the state abbreviation into the slogan, is the first of two consecutive double slogan plates. “Volunteer State” remains, albeit smaller than the last time it appeared.
2000:      A base with the tourism slogan “Sounds good to me” coupled with “Volunteer State” debuts.
2006:        Tennessee issues a fully-graphic base that has the “The Volunteer State” in small letters above the state name. Later, the additional slogan of a tourism website is added, and after that, a “In God We Trust” option is offered to create a triple-slogan plate.

Streak:   “The Volunteer State” (1995 – Present)

Texas

The Lone Star State

1968: “Hemisfair,” a World’s Fair held in San Antonio, becomes the state’s first slogan on a plate.
1985:      The first of several red, white, and blue base plates notes the Sesquicentennial of the founding of the Republic of Texas (i.e., independence from Mexico) with the corresponding dates surrounding a mini-state map and the slogan “SESQUICENTENNIAL” on the bottom.
1992:      First usage of “THE LONE STAR STATE.” A star had been featured on many Texas plates already, but never an accompanying slogan.
1995:      For a limited run, some motorists received the “150 YEARS OF STATEHOOD” plate.
1999:      A scenic base featuring a cowboy and a space shuttle debuts, continuing “THE LONE STAR STATE” slogan.

1968: “Hemisfair,” a World’s Fair held in San Antonio, becomes the state’s first slogan on a plate.
1985:      The first of several red, white, and blue base plates notes the Sesquicentennial of the founding of the Republic of Texas (i.e., independence from Mexico) with the corresponding dates surrounding a mini-state map and the slogan “SESQUICENTENNIAL” on the bottom.
1992:      First usage of “THE LONE STAR STATE.” A star had been featured on many Texas plates already, but never an accompanying slogan.
1995:      For a limited run, some motorists received the “150 YEARS OF STATEHOOD” plate.
1999:      A scenic base featuring a cowboy and a space shuttle debuts, continuing “THE LONE STAR STATE” slogan.

Utah

The Beehive State

1986:      A double slogan base debuts, featuring the slogan “GREATEST SNOW ON EARTH” on the bottom and “Ski” before the state name.
1997:      The statehood Centennial plate, which started in 1992 as an extra-cost optional, becomes a standard base to be issued at the same time as the Ski plate. It shows the Delicate Arch.
2008:      Two new bases replace the existing Ski and Arch plates. The “GREATEST SNOW ON EARTH” slogan is retained on the Ski plate, but both feature the newly-designated tourism slogan “LIFE ELEVATED.”
2017:      Utah offers a third standard issue, the “In GOD We Trust” design. The plate also includes the slogan “UNITED WE STAND.” Similar to the first Arch plate, it used to be an extra-cost option.

Not Pictured:      1940s (“CENTER SCENIC AMERICA”); 1947 (“THIS IS THE PLACE”); 1948 “(THE FRIENDLY STATE”)

1986:      A double slogan base debuts, featuring the slogan “GREATEST SNOW ON EARTH” on the bottom and “Ski” before the state name.
1997:      The statehood Centennial plate, which started in 1992 as an extra-cost optional, becomes a standard base to be issued at the same time as the Ski plate. It shows the Delicate Arch.
2008:      Two new bases replace the existing Ski and Arch plates. The “GREATEST SNOW ON EARTH” slogan is retained on the Ski plate, but both feature the newly-designated tourism slogan “LIFE ELEVATED.”
2017:      Utah offers a third standard issue, the “In GOD We Trust” design. The plate also includes the slogan “UNITED WE STAND.” Similar to the first Arch plate, it used to be an extra-cost option.

Not Pictured:      1940s (“CENTER SCENIC AMERICA”); 1947 (“THIS IS THE PLACE”); 1948 “(THE FRIENDLY STATE”)

Vermont

Green Mountain State

1957:      The slogan “SEE” accompanies the state name. Vermont uses it through 1976 with just one exception.
1977:      “GREEN MOUNTAINS” gets a callback.
1985:      The slogan is modified to “Green Mountain State” on a new base which is still on the roads today.

Not Pictured:      1948-50 (“GREEN MOUNTAINS”)

1957:      The slogan “SEE” accompanies the state name. Vermont uses it through 1976 with just one exception.
1977:      “GREEN MOUNTAINS” gets a callback.
1985:      The slogan is modified to “Green Mountain State” on a new base which is still on the roads today.

Not Pictured:      1948-50 (“GREEN MOUNTAINS”)

Virginia

Old Dominion

2002 Virginia’s first slogan is a decal that reads “1607 400^th Anniversary 2007.” It refers to Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the United States. A few years later the state issues another Jamestown anniversary plate which actually says “JAMESTOWN.”
2014 The current base debuts. It features the tourism slogan “VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS,” which has been used by the state since 1969.

2002 Virginia’s first slogan is a decal that reads “1607 400^th Anniversary 2007.” It refers to Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the United States. A few years later the state issues another Jamestown anniversary plate which actually says “JAMESTOWN.”
2014 The current base debuts. It features the tourism slogan “VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS,” which has been used by the state since 1969.

Washington

Evergreen State

1987:        Statehood Centennial.
1998:      The Mt. Rainier base gets a facelift, and “EVERGREEN STATE,” the first non-anniversary slogan, appears on a Washington base. It is the current design.

Not Pictured:        1939 (“1889 GOLDEN JUBILEE 1939”)

1987:        Statehood Centennial.
1998:      The Mt. Rainier base gets a facelift, and “EVERGREEN STATE,” the first non-anniversary slogan, appears on a Washington base. It is the current design.

Not Pictured:        1939 (“1889 GOLDEN JUBILEE 1939”)

West Virginia

Mountain State

1963:        Statehood Centennial.
1964:      The Centennial slogan repeats, with colors reversed.
1965:      First usage of “MOUNTAIN STATE.” The format remains the same through 1970, again with colors reversed from one year to the next.
1971:      The 1970 design is repeated on a base plate, only this time with the colors the same and the dates removed.
1976:      First usage of “Wild, Wonderful.” The phrase originated late 1969/early 1970, and by 1975 adorned the state’s welcome signs.
2000:      The current plate, featuring a tourism website as a slogan, debuts.

Streak:   “Wild, Wonderful” (1976 – Present)

1963:        Statehood Centennial.
1964:      The Centennial slogan repeats, with colors reversed.
1965:      First usage of “MOUNTAIN STATE.” The format remains the same through 1970, again with colors reversed from one year to the next.
1971:      The 1970 design is repeated on a base plate, only this time with the colors the same and the dates removed.
1976:      First usage of “Wild, Wonderful.” The phrase originated late 1969/early 1970, and by 1975 adorned the state’s welcome signs.
2000:      The current plate, featuring a tourism website as a slogan, debuts.

Streak:   “Wild, Wonderful” (1976 – Present)

Wisconsin

America’s Dairyland

1940: Wisconsin introduces the slogan “AMERICA’S DAIRYLAND.”

Streak: “America’s Dairyland” (1940 – Present)

1940: Wisconsin introduces the slogan “AMERICA’S DAIRYLAND.”

Streak: “America’s Dairyland” (1940 – Present)

Wyoming

Equality State

1975: The U.S. Bicentennial base contains the festive slogan “THE SPIRIT OF ’76 – In the American West!”
1988: Statehood Centennial.

1975: The U.S. Bicentennial base contains the festive slogan “THE SPIRIT OF ’76 – In the American West!”
1988: Statehood Centennial.

District of Columbia

1954:      First usage of “NATION’S CAPITAL.” It repeats through 1974 and reappears from 1979 through 1984.
1975:      U.S. Bicentennial base.
1985:      A new base begins with the slogan “A Capital City.” The base has evolved over the years, including with the current politically-minded slogan “TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION.”

1954:      First usage of “NATION’S CAPITAL.” It repeats through 1974 and reappears from 1979 through 1984.
1975:      U.S. Bicentennial base.
1985:      A new base begins with the slogan “A Capital City.” The base has evolved over the years, including with the current politically-minded slogan “TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION.”

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