Wyoming License Plate Types
Every state in America has its own unique license plate system, and Wyoming is no different. The state offers many plate types to fit different vehicles and needs—whether you drive a passenger car, a truck, or a motorcycle.
Before you visit an office, it’s smart to check if your preferred letter/number combination is available with a Wyoming license plate lookup. That way you won’t be disappointed at the counter.
License plates do more than decorate a vehicle—they’re critical for identifying vehicles. Law enforcement, businesses, and individuals use plate information to verify ownership, help locate stolen vehicles, and support investigations. WYDOT (Wyoming Department of Transportation) issues all plates and ensures rules are followed.
The Two Main Categories of Wyoming License Plates
Standard License Plates
These are the most common plates and don’t cost more than standard registration fees.
Specialty License Plates
These have special designs and typically include an additional $30 fee on top of regular registration.
Standard License Plate Types
Passenger Vehicle Plates
The classic Wyoming passenger plate features the Bucking Horse and Rider. You can choose up to 5 characters (letters and/or numbers) and use spaces only—no other punctuation.
Truck and Trailer Plates
Trucks and trailers have different registration needs than passenger vehicles.
Truck Plates
Issued to vehicles generally weighing 1,001–26,000 lbs (permit class-dependent). Most pickups and work vans use truck plates. If registered as commercial, you must provide an annual odometer reading.
Trailer Plates
Trailers receive their own plates through WYDOT since their requirements differ from powered vehicles.
Motorcycle Plates
Motorcycles require a rear plate only. Character rules mirror passenger plates (up to 5 characters, spaces only).
Prestige License Plates
Prestige plates add personalization for an extra $30.
Up to 5 characters (letters and/or numbers).
Only spaces allowed—no other punctuation or symbols.
All letters must be capital; numbers are Arabic numerals (0–9).
No more than three W’s or M’s repeated.
Combinations that are vulgar/offensive are prohibited. Each approved combo is unique and can’t be duplicated.
Specialty & Personalized Plates
Specialty plates also carry an extra $30 fee and allow personalization up to 4 characters (letters A–Z, numbers 0–9, and spaces only; no symbols). Check availability with WYDOT before you apply.
Amateur Radio Plates
Available to applicants with valid FCC permits; can be issued for:
One passenger vehicle
One pickup truck
Military Plates
Offered to current and former service members. Options include:
Disabled Veteran
National Guard
Pearl Harbor Survivor
Pioneer
Prisoner of War
Purple Heart
Veteran
Gold Star
Other Specialty Options
Firefighter
EMT
University of Wyoming
Embossed Application
How to Apply for Wyoming License Plates
Choose your plate type: Standard, Prestige, or Specialty.
Check availability: Verify your desired combination with WYDOT.
Gather documents: Proof of ownership (title/bill of sale), proof of insurance, ID, and any required eligibility documents (e.g., military, FCC).
Pay fees: Regular registration + $30 for Prestige/Specialty.
Visit a WYDOT office: Staff will help complete your application.
Character Limits & Punctuation Rules
Standard: up to 5 characters
Prestige: up to 5 characters
Specialty: up to 4 characters
Punctuation: spaces only — no dashes, periods, or symbols
Annual Requirements
Some registrations (e.g., commercial trucks) require updates like an annual odometer reading. Be sure to follow ongoing requirements for your plate type.