Iowa picks a new license plate design through a public contest every few years
Iowa holds a design competition to select a new license plate that will appear on vehicles registered in the state. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) runs the contest, which is open to the public. Winning designs become the official plate that new registrations receive, though existing plates remain valid until renewal.
The most recent design competition took place in 2023, with the state accepting submissions from Iowa residents and design professionals. The winning design was selected through a combination of public voting and evaluation by a panel of judges who considered factors like visibility, durability, and how well the design represents Iowa.
If you are renewing your registration or getting new plates, you will receive whichever design is currently in use. You cannot request an older design, and you cannot keep your old plates indefinitely—Iowa requires you to use the current design when you renew.
Key Takeaways
- Iowa's license plate design is chosen through a public competition run by the Iowa Department of Transportation every several years.
- The winning design becomes mandatory for all new and renewed registrations, though older plates remain legal until their expiration date.
- Past competitions have included designs featuring corn, wildlife, and state landmarks that reflect Iowa's identity.
- You cannot request a specific older design when you renew—you will receive the current official plate.
- The design process considers how well the plate will be readable on the road and how durable it will be over time.
What happens when Iowa holds a design competition
The Iowa DOT announces the competition through press releases and the department's website. Residents and designers have a set window—usually several months—to submit their designs. Submissions must follow specific technical requirements: the design must fit the standard license plate dimensions, include space for the state name and registration numbers, and be readable from a distance.
Once the submission period closes, a panel reviews all entries. The panel typically includes DOT staff, graphic designers, and sometimes representatives from the public or state government. They narrow the field to finalists based on how well each design meets the technical requirements and how effectively it represents Iowa's character.
The final step is usually public voting. The Iowa DOT posts the finalist designs online and allows residents to vote for their favorite. The design with the most votes, combined with the panel's assessment, becomes the winner. The state then begins the process of manufacturing plates with the new design and rolling them out as people renew their registrations.
How the new design affects your registration renewal
When you renew your registration, you will automatically receive plates in the current design. There is no option to choose an older design or to keep your existing plates if they are expired. Iowa law requires all active registrations to display the current plate design.
If your current plates are still valid and you are not renewing yet, you can continue using them. Once your registration expires and you renew, the old plates must be turned in or destroyed, and you will receive new ones in the current design. Some people keep old plates as souvenirs after turning in their active registration, though this is not an official program.
The cost of new plates is included in your renewal fee. You do not pay extra for the design change. If you need replacement plates before your renewal date—because yours are damaged or stolen—you will receive the current design at that time as well.
Past Iowa license plate designs and what they represented
Iowa's license plates have changed several times over the decades. Earlier designs featured straightforward text and numbers with minimal imagery. In more recent years, the state has moved toward designs that highlight Iowa's agriculture, natural resources, or landmarks.
The design that was in use before the 2023 competition featured corn imagery and the phrase "The Corn State," reflecting Iowa's role as a major corn-producing state. Before that, plates included designs with wildlife or state symbols. Each design was chosen to be distinctive enough that Iowa plates would be recognizable on the road, while still meeting the technical requirements for readability and durability.
The specific designs change based on what the winning submissions look like and what the judging panel believes best represents the state at that moment. There is no fixed rotation—the state does not return to old designs once a new one is adopted.
Where to find information about Iowa's current plate design
The Iowa Department of Transportation website (iowadot.gov) is the official source for information about the current license plate design and any upcoming design competitions. The site includes images of the current plate, details about what the design represents, and announcements when a new competition is being held.
If you are renewing your registration online through the Iowa DOT or through your county treasurer's office, you will see what your new plates will look like before you complete the renewal. If you renew in person at a county office, staff can show you the current design.
Local news outlets in Iowa often cover the announcement of a new design winner and the rollout of new plates. If you want to stay informed about future competitions, you can check the Iowa DOT website periodically or sign up for email updates if the department offers them.
What makes a license plate design work on the road
A license plate must be readable from a distance—typically at least 40 feet away—for law enforcement and traffic cameras to capture it clearly. This means the design cannot be too busy or use colors that blend together. The text and numbers must have enough contrast with the background, and the overall layout must leave room for the state name, registration numbers, and any required symbols.
Durability is another key factor. License plates are exposed to weather, road salt, UV light, and physical wear. A design that looks good in a competition but fades or peels after a year will create problems for drivers and enforcement. The judging panel considers whether the design can be printed and maintained reliably across thousands of plates.
Iowa's design competitions take these practical requirements seriously. Finalists are evaluated not just on how attractive they are, but on whether they will actually work as a functional piece of vehicle identification. This is why some creative submissions may not make it to the final round—they may be beautiful but not practical for a license plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old license plates when I renew my registration?
No. When you renew your registration in Iowa, you must turn in your old plates and receive new ones in the current design. You cannot request to keep the old design or reuse your existing plates. Some people save old plates as keepsakes after renewal, but they are no longer legal for active registration.
Do I have to pay extra for the new plate design?
No. The cost of new plates is included in your standard registration renewal fee. There is no additional charge for receiving the current design instead of an older one.
When is the next Iowa license plate design competition?
The Iowa Department of Transportation does not announce competitions on a fixed schedule. The state typically holds a competition every several years when it decides a design refresh is needed. Check the Iowa DOT website or contact your county treasurer's office to learn whether a new competition is planned.
What if I do not like the new plate design?
You will still receive the current design when you renew. Iowa does not offer options for different designs based on personal preference. If you want to provide feedback about a design or suggest ideas for future competitions, you can contact the Iowa Department of Transportation directly through their website.
Are old Iowa license plates worth anything to collectors?
Some older Iowa plates may have value to collectors, depending on their age and condition. However, this is a separate market and not something the state manages. If you have old plates you want to sell, you would need to research collector markets independently.