Key Facts
Personalized Plates in Idaho
Automotive enthusiasts love it when their cars reflect their personality, and personalized license plates are one of the brightest ways to do this. However, in the state of Idaho, over 600 drivers who tried to express themselves through custom plates were denied this year.
Like most other states, Idaho allows drivers to customize license plates. The application fee is $25, and annual renewal costs $15, making them practically free since regular plates cost about the same. However, as with everything else, there are certain restrictions.
What is Prohibited?
Idaho law prohibits the use of punctuation, special symbols, the letter “Q”, as well as any language considered obscene, offensive, racially or sexually biased, or sexually suggestive. References to bodily functions, acts of violence, illegal substances, or intimate body parts are also banned.
So what did Idaho residents try to put on their license plates in 2025? Some tried to bypass the rules using profanity. For example, 1DA H0E, N0TDAH0, YUTHAH0, 0F0XGVN, 5HIT5HW, and BDASM0M were rejected. Sexual innuendos were also a major issue.
Track your Idaho license plate order online! Our new service lets you monitor your plate’s shipping status through the DMV online portal. It’s also saving money on shipping costs! More info: https://t.co/BkjAsATSqs pic.twitter.com/N8N9CqRD3T — Idaho Transportation Department (@IdahoITD) June 18, 2024
Examples of Rejected Plates
0GWANG, 2INCHPP, B00BIEZ, 8HER0UT, MSTRBTR, and BJ69R were also rejected by the state. Bodily functions that everyone knows proved too provocative. Among them were 1FARTD, 0LEFART, and B00GIE1. Yes, even “Boogie 1” was deemed too crude for public roads.
According to the Idaho Statesman, the DMV checks each application in two stages: first by technical staff, then by managers. If an application is rejected, applicants can submit up to three alternative options and have the right to appeal through an official hearing.
So, while locals may be ready to submit the form and pay the fees, they don’t get complete freedom in choosing license plates.
Have you ever had a personalized license plate? Was your application rejected? Share your stories!
Categories of Rejected Plates
Rejected for using acronyms or leetspeak for profanity:
- 1DA H0E
- N0TDAH0
- YUTHAH0
Rejected for including or referencing profanity:
- 0F0XGVN
- 0MGFNG0
- 5HIT5HW
- 1BDBTCH
- BDASM0M
- CVNT
- DUCK0FF
- FTHMKDS
- EFFGAS
- 1FA2F0
- F B G M
- L8 ASF
Rejected for referencing intimate body parts:
- 0GWANG
- 2INCHPP
- 0MYBALZ
- 4DZNUTS
- B00BIEZ
- 2HUNG
- D33ZNTS
- G SPOT
- PSYWGN
Rejected for sexual connotations:
- 8HER0UT
- BCKSHTZ
- BJ69R
- BI0WME
- BJ4GAS
- HRNY
- IEATA33
- MSTRBTR
Rejected for dirty jokes or memes, such as “Hawk Tuah Girl”:
- HAWK 2A
- H0KTUAH
- HWK2AH
Rejected for referencing bodily functions:
- 1FARTD
- 0LEFART
- B00GIE1
- G2P00P
- UFARTD
- HUF4RTD
Rejected for referencing drug use:
- 0PIATE
- 2FADED
- 42020
- 7THC
- BAK3D
- EGHTBAL
- GRAMZZZ
- LSDREAM
- PERC30
- WASTED
Rejected for including insults and hostile terms:
- ATFSUX
- NFASUX
- FYIUSUC
- GBCK2CA
- IDJ1TS
- UR UGLY
Rejected for referencing acts of violence:
- FIGHTME
- CRDKLR
- HTNRUN
- KLMALL
- RUN0VRU
- VI0LENT
Rejected for referencing sexual preferences and orientation:
- IMSTR8
- SAPPIC
- PLYAM
- SPRLSBN
Rejected for violating multiple rules:
- 208DTF
- A55M4N
- FCKMAGA
- FDTFDT
This situation in Idaho demonstrates how sensitive society can be to the symbols we use in public space. Personalized license plates, while seeming like minor details, can become powerful means of self-expression, but can also violate norms of decency and safety. Idaho’s experience shows that even in a country that values individuality, there are limits set to protect societal values. It also reminds us of the importance of balance between freedom of speech and social responsibility, especially in an era where every symbol can carry deep meaning.