Yellow plates are used by a handful of states, mostly in the upper Midwest and Mountain West

Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota are the three states that currently issue yellow license plates to most of their vehicles. A few other states have used yellow plates historically or use them for specific vehicle types, but these three are the main ones you will see on regular passenger cars. The yellow color is not a federal requirement — each state chooses its own plate design, colors, and format.

Wyoming has used yellow plates since the 1930s and continues to do so today. North Dakota and South Dakota both adopted yellow plates in the 1980s. The choice to use yellow instead of the more common white or light blue background comes down to state tradition and visibility — yellow plates stand out on the road, which some states believed would improve safety.

Key Takeaways

  • Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota issue yellow license plates to regular passenger vehicles.
  • Yellow plates have been used in these states for decades, with Wyoming adopting them in the 1930s and the Dakotas in the 1980s.
  • States choose their own plate colors and designs; there is no federal rule requiring any particular color.
  • A few other states use yellow plates only for specific vehicle categories, such as commercial or government vehicles, rather than all cars.

Why Wyoming chose yellow and kept it

Wyoming's yellow plates are the oldest continuous use of this color in the United States. The state introduced them in the 1930s and has maintained the design through multiple updates. The bright yellow background makes Wyoming plates when ready recognizable, and the state has never switched to a different color scheme.

The original reasoning behind the yellow choice is not fully documented in public records, but visibility and distinctiveness were likely factors. Yellow stands out against most road conditions and weather, which can help law enforcement and other drivers spot vehicles more easily. Once a state establishes a plate color, changing it is expensive and disruptive — every vehicle owner would need a new plate — so states tend to stick with their historical choice unless there is a strong reason to change.

North Dakota and South Dakota adopted yellow in the 1980s

Both North Dakota and South Dakota moved to yellow plates in the 1980s, making them relative newcomers to this color compared to Wyoming. The timing suggests these states may have been influenced by Wyoming's long-standing use or by their own assessment that yellow plates offered practical benefits for their roads and climate.

Like Wyoming, both states have continued using yellow plates through subsequent design updates. The plates remain yellow even as the states have added new features, such as wildlife imagery or updated fonts. Changing a state's plate color is a major undertaking that requires legislation, public notice, and coordination with the Department of Motor Vehicles, so once a state settles on a color, it rarely changes without significant pressure.

Other states that use yellow plates for specific vehicles

A few states issue yellow plates for certain vehicle categories rather than all cars. New Mexico uses yellow plates for commercial vehicles and government-owned cars, while regular passenger vehicles get standard plates. Some states also use yellow or gold plates for vehicles owned by government agencies, historical vehicles, or specialty categories.

These limited uses of yellow are different from Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota, where yellow is the standard color for nearly all registered vehicles. If you see a yellow plate in a state other than these three, it usually indicates something specific about the vehicle's purpose or status rather than being the default plate color.

How plate colors are chosen and changed

Each state has the authority to design its own license plates, including choosing the background color, text color, and layout. There is no federal mandate for plate appearance — the only requirement is that plates be readable and display the state name and registration information. States can change their plate design, but doing so requires legislative action and a rollout period where old and new plates coexist.

When a state does change its plate color, the transition typically takes several years. The state issues new plates to vehicles as they renew registration, rather than requiring all owners to replace plates at once. This gradual approach spreads the cost and avoids a sudden shortage of plates. Because of this expense and complexity, states rarely change their plate color unless there is a compelling reason — such as a security upgrade, a major design overhaul, or a change in state law.

What the yellow plates look like

Wyoming's yellow plates feature black text on a bright yellow background, with the state name "Wyoming" at the top and the distinctive bucking horse symbol. The format is the standard U.S. size of 12 inches by 6 inches. North Dakota and South Dakota plates follow a similar design with yellow backgrounds and black or dark text, though each state includes its own imagery and formatting.

All three states update their plate designs periodically to add new features, such as wildlife images, county codes, or special registration categories. Despite these updates, the yellow background has remained constant. The plates are issued by each state's Department of Motor Vehicles and are required on all registered vehicles in that state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all vehicles in Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota have yellow plates?

Most do, but there are exceptions. Specialty plates — such as those for disabled drivers, historical vehicles, or special interest groups — may use different colors or designs. Government vehicles and commercial vehicles may also have variations. However, the standard plate issued to most passenger car owners in these three states is yellow.

Can I get a yellow plate if I live in a different state?

No. License plates are issued by the state where a vehicle is registered, and you must register your vehicle in the state where you live or where the vehicle is primarily kept. You cannot choose to have a yellow plate from another state. If you move to Wyoming, North Dakota, or South Dakota, you would register your vehicle there and receive that state's standard plate.

Why don't more states use yellow plates?

Most states chose white or light blue backgrounds decades ago, and changing that choice is expensive and complicated. Once a state establishes a plate color, it becomes part of the state's identity, and there is little incentive to change. Yellow plates are also less common in modern design trends, so newer states have tended toward white or blue instead.

Are yellow plates harder to read or see?

Yellow plates are actually quite visible, especially in low light or bad weather. The high contrast between the yellow background and black text makes them straightforward to read from a distance. Some research suggests that yellow plates may offer visibility advantages, though this is not the only factor states consider when choosing plate colors.

What if I see a yellow plate in a state that doesn't normally use them?

It is likely a vehicle registered in Wyoming, North Dakota, or South Dakota that is temporarily in another state. People travel across state lines regularly, so you may see out-of-state plates anywhere. The vehicle's owner is required to follow the registration laws of their home state, not the state they are visiting.