What "In God We Trust" plates are and how to get one

"In God We Trust" license plates are specialty plates that display the national motto instead of or alongside your state's standard plate design. They are available in roughly half of U.S. states, though the exact design, cost, and process vary by state. Most states that offer them charge an additional fee beyond your regular registration renewal, typically between $15 and $50 per year.

To get one, you order it during your vehicle registration renewal or as a separate transaction through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some states let you order online; others require you to visit in person or mail in a form. The plate itself arrives by mail within two to four weeks in most cases.

These plates are optional — you can keep your standard plate if you prefer. They do not change your registration status, insurance coverage, or legal standing. They are purely a choice about what your plate looks like.

Key Takeaways

  • Not all states offer "In God We Trust" plates; check your state DMV website to see if yours does before you start the process.
  • Most states charge an extra annual fee ($15 to $50) on top of your regular registration renewal cost.
  • You can order one during your normal registration renewal or request it separately, depending on your state's rules.
  • The plate arrives by mail and takes two to four weeks; you keep your current plate until the new one arrives.

Which states offer "In God We Trust" plates

Approximately 24 to 26 states currently offer some version of an "In God We Trust" specialty plate. The list includes Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. A few others have introduced them in recent years, and some have discontinued them.

Because state programs change — plates are added, removed, or redesigned — your first step is to visit your state's official DMV website and search for "specialty plates" or "In God We Trust." The site will tell you whether your state offers it, what it costs, and how to order. Do not rely on a national list; your state's own DMV is the only source that is current.

How to order during registration renewal

If your vehicle registration is coming due, you can often request an "In God We Trust" plate at the same time. When you renew online, by mail, or in person, look for a section labeled "specialty plates," "optional plates," or "plate designs." Select the "In God We Trust" option and pay the additional fee. Your new plate will be mailed to you, and your registration will be processed normally.

The timing matters: your new plate must arrive before your current registration expires. If you are renewing close to your expiration date, order early. If the new plate does not arrive in time, you can continue using your old plate legally until the new one shows up, but contact your DMV if more than four weeks pass without delivery.

Ordering a specialty plate between renewals

Some states let you switch to an "In God We Trust" plate without waiting for your registration to renew. You can request it mid-cycle by visiting your DMV in person, calling, or submitting a form online. You will pay the specialty plate fee, and sometimes a small processing fee, but your registration expiration date stays the same.

Check your state DMV website for the exact process — some states handle mid-cycle requests online, while others require a visit or mailed form. If you are unsure whether your state allows it, call your local DMV office directly. They can tell you the fastest route and what documents or information you need to bring.

Cost and what it covers

The annual fee for an "In God We Trust" plate ranges from about $15 to $50 per year, depending on your state. This is charged every year when you renew your registration, not as a one-time cost. Some states include the fee in your total renewal bill; others charge it separately.

The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing the plate. It does not cover registration itself — you still pay your regular registration fee. If you switch back to a standard plate later, the specialty plate fee stops; you only pay it in years when you have the specialty plate on your vehicle.

What happens if you move to a different state

If you move and register your vehicle in a new state, you will need to get new plates that comply with your new state's requirements. Your old "In God We Trust" plate from your previous state is no longer valid for registration purposes, even if your new state also offers the plate.

When you register in your new state, you can order an "In God We Trust" plate if that state offers it. The process is the same as ordering one for the first time. Your old plate should be returned to your previous state's DMV or disposed of according to their instructions — check that state's DMV website for the return process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get an "In God We Trust" plate, or is it optional?

It is completely optional. You can keep your standard state plate if you prefer. The specialty plate is only for people who want it. Choosing not to get one does not affect your registration or legal standing.

Can I order an "In God We Trust" plate online?

Many states allow online ordering during registration renewal, but not all. Check your state DMV website to see if online ordering is available. If not, you can usually order by mail or in person at a DMV office.

What if my state does not offer "In God We Trust" plates?

If your state does not currently offer them, you cannot get one through your DMV. Some states have considered adding them in the past or may add them in the future, so check your state's DMV website periodically if you are interested.

How long does it take to receive the plate after I order it?

Most states mail plates within two to four weeks of your order. If you do not receive it within that timeframe, contact your DMV to check the status. You can continue using your old plate legally until the new one arrives.

Will getting an "In God We Trust" plate affect my insurance or registration?

No. The plate is purely cosmetic and does not change your registration status, insurance rates, or legal obligations. Your vehicle is registered the same way regardless of which plate design you choose.