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Idaho License Plate Display Law — 2025 Guide

Q: What is the Idaho license plate format?

Idaho uses the format 1A 12345 for standard passenger plates.

Conditional

Quick Answer

As of July 1, 2025, Idaho only requires a front plate if the vehicle has a factory bracket.

The Law at a Glance

Statute

Idaho S.B. 1180 (2025)

Mounting

Conditional

Plate Format

1A 12345

Penalty

No fine if vehicle has no factory bracket.

Plate Design

Red-on-white 'Famous Potatoes' design.

Recent Changes

**Major 2025 change**: Effective July 1, 2025, front plate exempt for vehicles without factory bracket.

State-Specific Notes

Idaho was the first state to put a slogan on its license plate (1928).

Plate Design Details

First Issued

1991 (embossed); 2008 (screened); 2020 (current format)

Plate Style

Screened serial; reflective sheeting

Full Design

Black on reflective white with red gradient and dark blue mountain scene — 'Scenic Idaho' top, 'Famous Potatoes' bottom

Current Format

Coded by county: A 1234U, A A123U, K AB12U, 0A 1234U, 0A A123U, 0A AB12U, 0A ABC1U, 10B 1234U, 10B A234U

Letter Exclusions

Standard county-coded format uses U as suffix. Ada County (1A) now uses V as suffix since they ran out of U-series plates. Canyon County (2C) uses P suffix instead of U.

Historical Plates Still Valid

Earlier 1991–2008 embossed plates with format A 123456, 0A 12345, 0A B1234, 0A BC123, 10B 1234, 10B A123 remain valid. 2008–2020 screened version of same design also valid.

Notable Facts

Idaho was the first U.S. state to put a slogan on its license plate (1928, 'Idaho Potatoes', evolved to today's 'Famous Potatoes'). Idaho's county-coded format uses single letter or number-letter combinations for each county in alphabetical order (1A = Ada County, 1T = Teton County, V = Valley County, etc.).

How atroq Frames Stay Compliant in Idaho

atroq frames in Idaho are engineered to comply with all display requirements. The frame's recessed sticker windows keep renewal stickers visible. The frame's thickness does not obscure the alphanumeric serial, state name, or the issuing jurisdiction. atroq's universal mounting fits Idaho's standard 6 × 12 inch passenger plates. Frame requirements vary by vehicle type — review the Idaho statute or contact atroq if uncertain.

Design your Idaho-compliant frame

Premium custom license plate frames built for Idaho's display requirements. MOQ 500. From $1.30 / frame.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a front license plate required in Idaho?

Conditionally. Idaho generally requires both front and rear plates, but with exceptions. As of July 1, 2025, Idaho only requires a front plate if the vehicle has a factory bracket.

What is the Idaho license plate format?

Idaho uses the format 1A 12345 for standard passenger plates.

Are there any recent Idaho license plate law changes?

**Major 2025 change**: Effective July 1, 2025, front plate exempt for vehicles without factory bracket.

Are decorative license plate frames legal in Idaho?

Yes. Decorative frames are legal in Idaho as long as they do not obscure the alphanumeric serial, the state name, or any registration sticker. atroq frames are designed to comply with Idaho display requirements.

What size are Idaho license plates?

Idaho issues plates in the U.S. standard 6 × 12 inches (150 × 300 mm) for passenger vehicles, matching the 1956 SAE / Automobile Manufacturers Association dimensional agreement.

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