It’s hard to ignore a vanity license plate when you see one on the road. Unlike the rest of us who settle for a random combination of letters and numbers, some people seize the opportunity to make a bold statement with their car tags. Whether it’s meant to impress, entertain, or simply show off, vanity plates never fail to grab attention.

While some drivers use their personalized plates to spark laughter or showcase their creativity, others prefer to flaunt their wealth and status in the most extravagant way possible. Either way, spotting an unusual license plate can be a fun distraction during a long drive, don’t you think?

Despite efforts from the DMV and other licensing authorities to keep things professional and limit overly creative plate designs, people have found ways to push the boundaries and sneak clever phrases past regulations.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most ingenious, funny, and even outrageously expensive vanity license plates ever created. From dad jokes to pop culture references, these plates are sure to bring a smile to your face. Stick around until the end to see which plate holds the title for the world’s most expensive vanity plate!

A Look at the Most Creative License Plates

1. The Origins of License Plates in the U.S.

According to Chrysler Capital, the first license plates in the U.S. were made from iron coated in porcelain enamel. Delaware remains the only state that still offers porcelain plates, with a price tag of $110 per plate.

Because porcelain was fragile and easily damaged, manufacturers experimented with alternatives like cardboard, leather, and even pressed soybeans. Needless to say, those materials didn’t last long on the road.

2. The First Custom License Plate

The first license plate with graphics was introduced in Idaho in 1928, featuring—you guessed it—a potato.

Pennsylvania followed up in 1931 with the first-ever personalized license plate. “As Americans grew wealthier, custom plates became increasingly popular,” according to LicensePlates.tv.

Vanity plates became such a hit that states began charging extra fees for them, raking in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. This money has since been used to fund education, wildlife conservation, and other public projects.

3. Who Makes License Plates?

Most states manufacture their license plates using prison labor, with a few exceptions. Oregon, Hawaii, and Alaska are the only three states that rely on private companies to produce their plates.

Fun fact: U.S. Postal Service vehicles don’t have license plates at all!

4. Which State Has the Most Vanity Plates?

Vanity plates are legal in every U.S. state, but some states embrace them more than others. Virginia takes the lead with the highest percentage of personalized plates, followed by New Hampshire and Illinois.

Surprisingly, Texas has the lowest number of custom plates. What does that say about Texans? Maybe they just prefer to let their trucks do the talking.

5. The Most Expensive License Plate Ever Sold

Now, let’s get to the real jaw-dropper—the world’s most expensive vanity plate.

A license plate featuring just the characters “P7” was sold for a mind-blowing $15 million in August 2023. The proceeds went to charity, making it both a ridiculously expensive plate and a generous donation. But here’s the kicker—there’s no real meaning behind “P7.” The buyer simply paid for the exclusivity!

This plate now holds the record as the priciest vanity plate ever sold. It may not have a clever joke or hidden message, but it certainly makes a statement.

6. The Funniest License Plates Spotted on the Road

From puns to hidden messages, some people take their license plates to the next level. Here are a few clever examples that have caught drivers’ attention:

• “BKSEAT” – A perfect pick for a chauffeur-driven car.
• “LOL GAS” – A fitting choice for an electric vehicle.
• “U WISH” – Seen on a flashy sports car.
• “NO TAG” – Confusing for law enforcement but hilarious for everyone else.
• “404 CAR” – Tech lovers will appreciate this reference to an internet error message.

7. The License Plate That Went Viral

Recently, a Kia Sportage parked at a shopping center in Perth gained internet fame because of its controversial plate. The plate cleverly disguised a phrase that might have been deemed offensive, sparking a debate online about what should and shouldn’t be allowed.

While some people thought it was hilarious, others believed it crossed the line. Either way, it served as a reminder that license plates, no matter how small, can make a big impact.

What’s Your Favorite Vanity Plate?

From historic porcelain plates to million-dollar tags, there’s no denying that license plates can be more than just identifiers—they’re a form of self-expression. Whether they’re funny, flashy, or just plain absurd, custom plates have a way of making us smile.

Which of these license plates do you find the most amusing? Have you ever spotted an outrageous vanity plate on the road? Share this article with your friends and drop your favorite plate in the comments below!