If you’re ever driving through Montana, you may notice the colorful Montana license plate options on all the cars.
Montana has 235 different license plate designs, with roughly 14 new designs introduced annually. Each specialty plate is connected to a specific non-profit organization or unique cause.
We put together a list of our 10 favorite Montana license plate designs below. Plus, find a link at the end to see all 235 of these inspiring government documents.
What does the current Montana license plate look like?
The current Montana license plate features a solid blue background with a white state outline, a small white cow skull in the center, the words “Treasure State” across the top, and white numbers across the middle.
This design harkens back to a vintage 1970s Montana license plate design.
Why are there so many Montana license plate designs?
In 2001, Montana introduced a specialty license plates program to help support various non-profit organizations and other causes across the state. The first two plates created by the program paid homage to Lewis & Clark and Glacier National Park.
Today, the program features 235 different designs, with more added each year.
Support for non-profits
The price you pay for these specialty designs goes to the non-profit connected to that plate.
Since the program’s start, Montana’s custom license plates have generated incredible revenue for different causes throughout the state, including veterans programs and environmental preservation efforts. In 2021, the program brought in over $5 million in revenue for various organizations.
If you have an idea for a Montana license plate design, we have good news for you. Any non-profit organization can submit an application for their design for a fee plus a donation.
Our 10 favorite Montana license plate designs
1. Community Food and Agriculture Coalition
There’s just something bright, colorful, and uplifting about this Montana license plate option. The bees, pees, and mountains make for a cozy outdoor setting.
The Community Food and Agriculture Coalition works to preserve farmland, educate local agriculture producers, and help ensure all Montanans have access to food. All proceeds from this design support the coalition.
2. Montana Agricultural Heritage Foundation
We can’t help but think of John Deer when we look at this one, and we suspect that’s no accident.
All proceeds from this beautiful plate support the Montana Agricultural Heritage Foundation, which plays a key role in the preservation and promotion of agricultural heritage. Their efforts revolve around research, education, and community support.
3. Alliance for the Wild Rockies
MT DOJ – Alliance for the Wild Rockies
This plate features a stunning winter landscape straight from the Montana backcountry. The bobcat on the side adds a delightful touch. The snow ghosts have us thinking it’s from the Whitefish area.
Proceeds from this plate support the Alliance for the Wild Rockies, which works to preserve and promote ecological integrity throughout the Wild Rockies Bio-region. They work at a legislative level, applying conservation biology and sustainable economics.
4. Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation
From the bright colors of the water and the unmistakable trout, to the grizzly bear riding the trout’s nose with the summer sun in the corner, this plate caught our attention in a great way.
Proceeds from this plate support the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation (ABWF), an organization for the stewardship of the Absaroka Beartooth wilderness.
The ABWF works to foster an appreciation for Montana’s wild lands, engaging citizens by offering hands-on experiences, such as volunteer trail maintenance projects and educational programs.
5. Biomimicry Institute
The ode to bees and their beauty really caught our eye here. We love the simple color palette of bright blue and gold. The digital honeycomb pattern is a pleasant touch.
Proceeds for this Montana license plate design support the Biomimicry Institute. Biomimicry is founded on a simple, but profound principle: they look to nature, emulating its core designs and principles to solve challenges in the civilized world.
6. Elizabeth Custer Library and Museum
This plate supports the Elizabeth Custer Library and Museum in Garryowen, Montana, which stores original manuscripts and artifacts from George and Elizabeth Custer.
That electric pink sky creates a pleasant mood that we couldn’t pull our eyes off.
7. Fossil Rims
This beautiful Montana license plate design references the numerous dinosaur fossils discovered in Montana that have helped shape our understanding of prehistoric times.
Proceeds from this plate support the Fossil Rims Museum in Billings, Montana, which offers various educational activities, presentations, and programs connected to paleontology in Montana.
8. Garnet Preservation Association, Inc
One of the most intriguing aspects of Montana’s local history is Montana’s numerous ghost towns. One of the state’s most well-preserved ghost towns is Garnet, pictured in this design.
The proceeds from this Montana license plate design support the Garnet Preservation Association, whose mission is to preserve Montana’s ghost towns and educate the public on their key place in the state’s history.
The Garnet Preservation Association gives 25 percent of the proceeds from this license plate design to other groups across the state working to preserve and restore Montana’s ghost towns.
9. Montana Natural History Center
The earthen color palette and beautiful owl perched in a tree easily make this one of our favorite Montana license plate designs.
Proceeds from this design support one of the most engaging and immersive museums in the state, the Montana Natural History Center (MNHC) in Missoula, Montana. Its exhibits include a children’s microscope area, a replica of a T. rex skull, and much more.
10. Glacier National Park Conservancy
Glacier National Park is one of the best places for stargazing in Montana, and the colors and starscape on this design truly pay homage to the park’s beauty.
All funds generated by sales of this license plate support the Glacier National Park Conservancy, which works to preserve and protect Glacier National Park.
Why are some Montana license plates black?
Montana’s specialty license plates program features over 200 different designs, some of which are dark or black in color. If you see a black license plate from Montana, this means the owner of the car chose that specific Montana license plate design.
How much are personalized license plates in Montana?
The price for personalized license plate numbers (vanity plates) in Montana is $25, plus $10 for each renewal or transfer.
The fee for Montana specialty license plate designs varies depending on the design. Prices usually range from $10 to $60, including production and administration fees.
See all 235 Montana license plate designs
This page from Dirt Legal displays nearly all of Montana’s license plate designs with images.
Check out these 10 banned Montana license plate numbers
Car owners in Montana can choose any combination of personalized license plate numbers, except these.
