If you’ve driven through the American South or the Midwest lately, you’ve probably seen it. A standard-issue vehicle tag with those four famous words centered right at the bottom or top. It’s the license plate In God We Trust option, and honestly, it’s one of the most polarizing pieces of aluminum in the history of U.S. transportation. Some people see it as a simple nod to national heritage. Others see it as a blatant violation of the separation of church and state. It’s complicated.
Politics aside, these plates are everywhere.
Mississippi made it the default back in 2019. Think about that. Most states make you pay extra for a "specialty" plate if you want to make a statement, but in some places, the religious motto is the baseline. You actually have to opt out if you don't want it. That shift sparked a massive legal firestorm that is still smoldering in courtrooms today.
The Weird History of How It Got on Your Bumper
The phrase "In God We Trust" didn't just appear on cars overnight. It’s been the official national motto since 1956—signed into law by Eisenhower during the Cold War as a way to distinguish the U.S. from "godless" communism. But putting it on a car? That’s a relatively recent phenomenon.
Indiana was one of the early pioneers. Back in the mid-2000s, they introduced the plate, and it wasn't long before other states realized there was a massive demand for it. It turns out, people really like expressing their faith while sitting in gridlock on the I-65.
But here is where it gets tricky: the money.
In many states, specialty plates act as fundraisers. You pay an extra $25 or $30, and that cash goes to a specific cause—like saving the whales or supporting local schools. With the license plate In God We Trust, the "cause" is often just the general fund or, in some cases, specific veteran programs. But because it’s a national motto, several states have argued it shouldn't be treated as a specialty "political" or "religious" plate at all. It’s just... the motto.
Why the Courts Can't Seem to Agree
You can’t talk about this without mentioning the First Amendment.
Groups like the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) have been fighting these plates for years. Their argument is pretty straightforward: the government shouldn't be in the business of forcing citizens to display a religious message on their private property. Remember Wooley v. Maynard? That was the 1977 Supreme Court case where a Jehovah’s Witness in New Hampshire covered up the "Live Free or Die" motto on his plate because it violated his beliefs. He won.
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The court basically said the state can’t turn your car into a "mobile billboard" for its ideological messages.
Fast forward to today. States like Mississippi and Utah have navigated this by offering "standard" alternatives. If you don't want the license plate In God We Trust, you can usually get one with a different design at no extra cost. This is the legal loophole that keeps these plates on the road. As long as the state isn't forcing you to say it, the courts generally let it slide.
The Mississippi Stand-Off
Mississippi’s 2019 redesign was a turning point. They put the state seal—which includes the motto—right in the center of the standard plate.
A group of plaintiffs, including atheists and members of the Satanic Temple, sued. They argued that even if an alternative exists, the default plate still promotes a specific religious viewpoint. However, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals didn't buy it. They ruled that because drivers have the option to choose a different plate without a fee, their rights aren't being violated.
It’s a "take it or leave it" system that somehow satisfies the letter of the law while still annoying a whole lot of people.
It's Not Just About Religion (It's About Branding)
Look, if we’re being real, these plates are also a branding exercise for states.
Florida offers over 100 different specialty plates. You can get a plate that supports the Miami Heat, protects sea turtles, or honors the military. Adding an license plate In God We Trust option is, for many DMVs, just another way to cater to a huge demographic of their population.
In some states, the "In God We Trust" plate is actually the most popular specialty plate offered. In Tennessee, for instance, the numbers are staggering. People choose it because it feels traditional. It feels "American" to them in a way that a generic blue-and-white tag doesn't.
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- The Cost Factor: In most states, if it's a specialty plate, you're looking at an annual fee ranging from $15 to $50.
- The Design: It’s usually clean. No flashy logos. Just the motto and maybe a state silhouette.
- The Optics: It’s a very visible way to signal values without saying a word.
The Pushback You Might Not Expect
Surprisingly, the opposition isn't always from atheists. I've talked to plenty of people who are deeply religious but hate these plates.
Why? Because they feel it cheapens the faith.
There's an argument that putting a sacred motto on a piece of metal that gets covered in road salt, bird droppings, and exhaust fumes is actually a bit disrespectful. Some theologians argue that the "civil religion" represented by the license plate In God We Trust is a hollowed-out version of actual faith—a political badge rather than a spiritual one.
Then there’s the "Target" factor. In some highly partisan areas, having that plate is like wearing a jersey. It invites road rage or, at the very least, snap judgments from other drivers.
Where Can You Get One?
If you're looking to grab one of these, you're probably in luck if you live in the South or Midwest.
- Florida: They’ve had a version of this for years. It’s actually quite popular and supports the Florida Sheriffs Association in some counties.
- Utah: They recently made it a standard option.
- Indiana: One of the highest adoption rates in the country.
- South Carolina: They have a "In God We Trust" plate, but it’s been through some serious legal hoops regarding whether the funds go to Christian organizations.
The process is usually the same as any other tag. You go to the DMV (or the "Office of Motor Vehicles," depending on your state's naming convention), pay your registration, and request the specific design. Some states require you to wait until your current registration expires; others let you swap it out whenever for a "replacement" fee.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Legal Side
There is a huge misconception that the Supreme Court has "banned" religious plates.
Nope.
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In fact, the 2015 case Walker v. Texas Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans actually gave states more power over what goes on plates. The Court ruled that license plates are "government speech," not "private speech." This sounds like a win for those who want religious mottos, but it’s a double-edged sword. If the plate is government speech, the state can choose to put "In God We Trust" on it, but they can also choose to reject messages they don't like.
It’s why you don’t see many "In Satan We Trust" plates, even though groups have tried to get them made to prove a point about equality. Since the state is the "speaker," they have a lot of leeway in what they say.
Actionable Steps for Drivers
If you are considering getting a license plate In God We Trust, or if you're stuck with one you don't want, here is the move.
First, check your state's DMV website for the "Standard Plate" vs. "Specialty Plate" distinction. If you live in a state like Mississippi where it's the default, you need to explicitly ask for the "Standard" or "Plain" alternative during your renewal window. Don't wait until the clerk has already printed your sticker.
Second, if you're in a state where this is a specialty plate, look at where the money goes. Some states funnel that extra $25 into a general highway fund, while others might give it to a specific non-profit. If you care about where your "donation" is headed, do five minutes of Googling on your state's specific plate programs.
Third, be aware of the "message" you're sending. In a perfect world, a license plate wouldn't be a political statement, but in 2026, everything is a statement. If you're cool with that, go for it. If you prefer to stay under the radar, the plain old mountain sunset or "Ocean State" blue is probably a safer bet for your bumper.
The license plate In God We Trust isn't going anywhere. It’s too popular, it makes too much money for some states, and the current legal climate is generally favorable toward "ceremonial deism." Whether you think it's a beautiful expression of national identity or a constitutional headache, it's a fascinating look at how we navigate the messy intersection of faith and public life—one car length at a time.
Key Takeaways for Your Next DMV Visit
- Check the Fees: Specialty plates are almost always an annual recurring cost, not a one-time buy.
- Know Your Rights: You are never legally forced to display a religious motto on your car; there is always a "plain" alternative available, though you might have to ask for it.
- Verify the Beneficiary: Use the official state DMV portal to see exactly which department or charity receives the proceeds from the motto plates.
- Monitor Expiration: If you're switching from a standard to a specialty plate mid-year, you may have to pay a pro-rated fee plus a plate replacement charge.