id-39-0260-2601: Rules Governing License Plate Provisions
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What this rule does
The proposed rule by the Idaho Transportation Department aims to remove references to registration stickers and the expiration of license plates to align with recent legislative changes. It includes a process for public hearings if requested and allows for an economic impact statement to be made at any time regarding the proposed rule.
Plain-language description generated by AI — not the agency’s official summary, which we have not captured for this rule. Read the official text →
The rule, in full
3,670 words as published, May 06, 2026. View the original →
Dear Senators Okuniewicz, Keyser, Rabe, and Representatives Palmer, Mitchell, Gannon: The Legislative Services Office, Research and Legislation, has received the enclosed rules of the Idaho Transportation Department: IDAPA 39.02.60 - Rules Governing License Plate Provisions-Proposed Rule (Docket No. 39-0260-2601). Pursuant to Section 67-454, Idaho Code, a meeting on the enclosed rules may be called by the cochairmen or by two (2) or more members of the subcommittee giving oral or written notice to Research and Legislation no later than fourteen (14) days after receipt of the rules' analysis from Legislative Services. The final date to call a meeting on the enclosed rules is no later than 11/09/2026. If a meeting is called, the subcommittee must hold the meeting within forty-two (42) days of receipt of the rules' analysis from Legislative Services. The final date to hold a meeting on the enclosed rules is 12/07/2026. The germane joint subcommittee may request a statement of economic impact with respect to a proposed rule by notifying Research and Legislation. There is no time limit on requesting this statement, and it may be requested whether or not a meeting on the proposed rule is called or after a meeting has been held. To notify Research and Legislation, call 334-4854, or send a written request to the address on the memorandum attached below. Page 1 of 1 Terri Kondeff Director MEMORANDUM TO: Rules Review Subcommittee of the Senate Transportation Committee and the House Transportation & Defense Committee FROM: Legislative Drafting Attorney - Jennifer Schelhorn DATE: October 22, 2026 SUBJECT: Idaho Transportation Department IDAPA 39.02.60 - Rules Governing License Plate Provisions-Proposed Rule (Docket No. 39-0260-2601) Summary and Stated Reasons for the Rule The Idaho Transportation Department submits Notice of Rulemaking regarding the Rules Governing Li- cense Plate Provisions. The Department states that the rule is intended to eliminate all references to registration stickers and license plate expiration in order to have rule correspond with legislative changes from the 2026 legislative session. Negotiated Rulemaking / Fiscal Impact Negotiated rulemaking was conducted. There is no anticipated fiscal impact. Statutory Authority The proposed rule appears to be within the statutory authority granted to the Department in Sections 49-201, 49-402D, and 49-443, Idaho Code. cc: Idaho Transportation Department Brendan Floyd *** PLEASE NOTE *** Per the Idaho Constitution, all administrative rules may be reviewed by the Legislature during the next legisla- tive session. The Legislature has 3 options with this rulemaking docket: 1) Approve the docket in its entirety; 2) Reject the docket in its entirety; or 3) Reject the docket in part. Paul Headlee, Deputy DirectMatt Drake, Manager Keith Bybee, ManagerApril Renfro, Manager Norma Clark, Manager Legislative Services OffResearch & Legislation Budget & Policy AnalysLegislative AuditsInformation Technology Statehouse, P.O. Box 83720 Tel: 208–334–2475 Boise, Idaho 83720–0054 legislature.idaho.gov IDAPA 39 – IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT 39.02.60 – RULES GOVERNING LICENSE PLATE PROVISIONS DOCKET NO. 39-0260-2601 NOTICE OF RULEMAKING – PROPOSED RULE AUTHORITY: In compliance with Section 67-5221(1), Idaho Code, notice is hereby given that this agency has initiated proposed rulemaking procedures. The action is authorized pursuant to Sections 49-201, 49-402D, and 49- 443, Idaho Code. PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULE: Public hearing(s) concerning this rulemaking will be scheduled if requested in writing by twenty-five (25) persons, a political subdivision, or an agency, not later than October 21, 2026. The hearing site(s) will be accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for accommodation must be made not later than five (5) days prior to the hearing, to the agency address below. DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY: The following is a nontechnical explanation of the substance and purpose of the proposed rulemaking: The department is seeking to eliminate all references to registration stickers and license plate expiration in order to have this rule correspond with legislative changes from the 2026 session. House Bill 533 removed the requirement to issue registration stickers, and House Bill 577 eliminated the ten-year expiration of the physical license plate. These are not regulatory measures. FEE SUMMARY: The following is a specific description of the fee or charge imposed or increased: N/A. FISCAL IMPACT: The following is a specific description, if applicable, of any negative fiscal impact on the state general fund greater than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) during the fiscal year resulting from this rulemaking: N/A. NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING: Pursuant to Section 67-5220(1), Idaho Code, negotiated rulemaking was conducted. The Notice of Intent to Promulgate Rules - Negotiated Rulemaking was published in the May 6, 2026, IdahoAdministrative Bulletin, Vol. 26-5, pages 29-30. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE: Pursuant to Section 67-5229(2)(a), Idaho Code, the following is a brief synopsis of why the materials cited are being incorporated by reference into this rule: N/A. ASSISTANCE ON TECHNICAL QUESTIONS, SUBMISSION OF WRITTEN COMMENTS: For assistance on technical questions concerning the proposed rule, contact Brendan Floyd at 208-334-8474. Anyone may submit written comments regarding this proposed rulemaking. All written comments must be directed to the undersigned and must be delivered on or before October 28, 2026. DATED this 28th Day ofAugust, 2026. Brendan Floyd Policy Specialist Idaho Transportation Department 11331 W. Chinden Blvd. Boise, ID 83714 208-334-8474 Brendan.floyd@itd.idaho.gov IdahoAdministrative Bulletin Page 334 October 7, 2026 – Vol. 26-10 IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Docket No. 39-0260-2601 Rules Governing License Plate Provisions Proposed Rulemaking THE FOLLOWING IS THE PROPOSED TEXT OF DOCKET NO. 39-0260-2601 (Only Those Sections WithAmendmentsAre Shown.) 39.02.60 – RULES GOVERNING LICENSE PLATE PROVISIONS 011. LICENSE PLATE PROVISIONS FOR ALL LICENSE PLATES.
01. Plate Numbering and Lettering. The Department is authorized to assign unique plate letter/
number spacing schemes to ensure unique numbering systems for all license plate programs and to administer this chapter. (7-1-26) a. The Department will determine how many characters are allowed on any given plate. ( ) b. Except for Year of Manufacture plates, the plate number may not duplicate an existing combination in use on the same size plate or replicate a county-designated or law enforcement plate combination. ( )
02. Plate Life Expiration Date. License plates will be valid for the period described in 49-443 (2) and
will expire on the last day of the month, consistent with the month of the registration expiration. (7-1-24) (BREAK IN CONTINUITY OF SECTIONS) 153. PROVISIONS FOR TRANSPORTER PLATES.
01. Purpose. Utility and boat trailers that weigh under two thousand (2,000) pounds unladen may be
moved by a manufacturer, dealer, or an employee of either, or by a transporter service contracted by the vehicle’s manufacturer or dealer upon registration and payment of an annual fifteen dollar ($15) transporter plate fee to the department, or by purchase of a single trip permit. These plates may be used only on boat trailers and utility trailers for demonstration purposes, and may be used while laden for demonstration purposes. (7-1-24)
03. Renewal of Plates Registration. The transporter registration and plate are is valid for one (1) year
from January 1 through December 31 and may be renewed by use of a registration sticker showing the year of validation annually. (7-1-24)( )
04. Use of Plates. Transporter plates may be moved by registrants from one (1) utility or boat trailer
weighing under two thousand (2,000) pounds unladen to another trailer meeting this criteria during the current registration period. Vehicles towing a laden trailer displaying a transporter plate are to be registered within the appropriate gross vehicle weight category for the combined load. Transporter plates are to be displayed on the rear of the trailer. (7-1-26)
05. Possession of Registration. When transporting a vehicle displaying a transporter plate, the
operator of a towing vehicle will carry the transporter registration in the towing vehicle at all times. (7-1-24)
06. Violations. Violations of this section include: (7-1-24)
a. Display of a transporter plate on any vehicle not required to be registered under this Section; and (7-1-24) IdahoAdministrative Bulletin Page 335 October 7, 2026 – Vol. 26-10 IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Docket No. 39-0260-2601 Rules Governing License Plate Provisions Proposed Rulemaking b. Display of a transporter plate on a vehicle not lawfully under the control of the registration holder. (7-1-24)
07. Penalties: (7-1-24)
a. Violation of this section will be a misdemeanor as provided for by Section 49-236, Idaho Code; and (7-1-24) b. The plate and registration of anyone who displays a transporter plate other than provided for by this section may be canceled. (7-1-24) 154. PROVISIONS FOR WRECKER PLATES.
01. Purpose. Wrecker plates are for the exclusive use of businesses engaged in the towing of a
wrecked, abandoned, salvaged, or disabled motorized vehicle. Plates will not be used on vehicles being repossessed. (7-1-24)
02. Numbering of Plates. Plates will be numbered as determined by the department and will display
the abbreviation “WRKR” vertically on the left hand side of the plate. (7-1-24)
03. Renewal of Plates Registration. The wrecker registration and plate are is valid for one (1) year
from January 1 through December 31 and may be renewed by use of a registration sticker showing the year of validation annually. (7-1-24)( )
04. Use of Plates. Plates are not to be displayed on the towing power unit vehicle nor are they to be
used on a vehicle not being towed. Plates are to be displayed on the rear of the towed vehicle in such a manner as to be visible to vehicles approaching from the rear. Wrecker plates may be moved from one (1) towed motorized vehicle to another vehicle under the direct lawful control of the registration holder. (7-1-24)
05. Possession of Registration. When towing a motorized vehicle displaying a wrecker plate, the
operator of the towing vehicle will carry the wrecker plate registration in the towing vehicle. (7-1-24)
06. Acquisition/Renewal of Wrecker Plates. Wrecker plates will be issued and renewed through the
department by physical or electronic mail using an application and renewal process determined by the department. (7-1-26) 155. PROVISIONS FOR SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE PROGRAM PREQUALIFICATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES.
01. Special License Plate Prequalification. A Special Plate Program Application will be provided to
each applicant, detailing the procedures for the prequalification and providing information regarding the steps required to successfully accomplish a special plate program. (7-1-24)
02. Submission to the Legislature. For those Special License Plate Programs with enacting legislation
that fail to meet the requirements of this Section, the Department will report such finding to the chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and the chairman of the House Transportation and Defense Committee of the Idaho State Legislature, and will not proceed with production and sale of the special plates. (7-1-24)
03. Appeals. The appeals process will allow the applicant for a special license plate program to appeal
the Department’s decision to deny the application (See Section 003). The notice of the appeal will be sent in writing via mail, electronic mail or facsimile within twenty (20) days of the denial. (7-1-26)
04. Cancellation of Plate Programs. The Department will notify the plate program sponsor of the
intent to cancel the program due to failure to provide an annual report or low active plate count. Active plate count is determined by the number of current active plates, on actively registered vehicles, for the plate program on file with the Department. (7-1-26) IdahoAdministrative Bulletin Page 336 October 7, 2026 – Vol. 26-10 IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Docket No. 39-0260-2601 Rules Governing License Plate Provisions Proposed Rulemaking i. The Department will notify current registrants of the cancellation of the special plate program of the cancellation, and advise the that registrants may retain and renew the registration with the additional program fees, and retain t applicable program fees. The plates until the physical plates are required to be replaced, however remain valid unless replacement is required pursuant to Section 49-443, Idaho Code. rReplacement plates for the canceled special plate program will not be available, due to loss or damage. (7-1-24)( ) ii. The portion of canceled special plate program fees no longer deposited with the nonprofit agency (who has filed a 501 (c) (3) federal income tax status) program sponsor will be deposited in the state highway account. (7-1-24) iii. Upon mandatory replacement of physical plates as required by statute, the customer may choose another specialty program or standard county plates at the customer’s preference. (7-1-26) ivii. The Department will include in its annual report to the chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and the chairman of the House Transportation and Defense Committee of the Idaho State Legislature any special plate programs that have been canceled during the preceding year. (7-1-24) (BREAK IN CONTINUITY OF SECTIONS) 200. LICENSE PLATE PROVISIONS FOR SPECIALPLATES.
01. Year of Manufacture Plates. (7-1-24)
a. Vehicles manufactured up through 1974, excluding model years 1969, 1971, 1972, and 1973, but including and ending with model year 1974 are eligible for this program. (7-1-24) b. The license plate must be in serviceable condition as originally manufactured, i.e., cannot be marred, bent, faded, or otherwise damaged to the point it is illegible. If the plate is repainted to bring it to a serviceable condition, the colors will match the original colors as closely as possible and will equal or exceed the original quality. The plate number cannot be a duplicate of a previously manufactured an active “year of manufacture” plate still in use. (7-1-24)( ) c. The application for use of the plate will include a statement signed by the applicant attesting that the applicant understands, if the plate use is approved, the plate does not have reflectorized material which meets the requirements of Section 49-443, Idaho Code. The responsibility for any accident or injury arising out of the possible consequence of not having this reflectorized safety feature on the license plate will be borne by the registrant. (7-1-24) dc. “Classic” or “Old Timer” plates may be used in conjunction with this revived plate at the option of the registrant. (7-1-24)
02. Disabled Veteran License Plates. Disabled veteran license plates may, upon the registrant's
request, display the international disability symbol to ensure reciprocal parking privileges in all states and provinces. (7-1-24)
03. Custom Vehicle License Plates. The applicant will pay the initial program fee of $25 and the
annual program fee of $15. (7-1-26) (BREAK IN CONTINUITY OF SECTIONS) 202. PROVISIONS FOR PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATES.
01. Character Limitations. No special characters, or punctuation marks, may be used for personalized
IdahoAdministrative Bulletin Page 337 October 7, 2026 – Vol. 26-10 IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Docket No. 39-0260-2601 Rules Governing License Plate Provisions Proposed Rulemaking messages on license plates. (7-1-24) a. The Department will determine how many characters are allowed on any given plate. (7-1-24)
02. Issue of Personalized Plates. Personalized plates may be issued to vehicles if no specific wording
is required on the plate to identify the purpose for which the vehicle is registered. Personalized plates will not be issued if such plates would jeopardize the integrity of unique plate identification requirements. Examples include but are not limited to: (7-1-24) a. Commercial vehicles registered under, or required to be registered under, the International Registration Plan (IRP), because the designators PRP are required to be printed on the plate; (7-1-24)( ) b. Vehicles for which the designators “PRP” are required to be printed on the plate to identify the use; and (7-1-24) cb. Utility, horse, or enclosed car hauling trailers with RV facilities or boat trailers. (7-1-24)
03. Specific Requests. Requests for specific plate letters and/or numbers will be issued on a first come,
first served basis. In the event of a request for the same plate by more than one (1) individual, the request with the earliest postmark, e-mail transmission time, fax transmission time, or data entry time will prevail. If the postmarks are the same, the date stamped upon arrival will prevail. Applications processed at county assessors’ offices will be considered valid when entered in the system. Telephone requests will not be accepted. (7-1-24)
04. Lack of Current Plates. When an applicant for personalized plates does not have current regular
number plates: (7-1-24) a. The Department may, upon payment of all required fees, issue a proof of registration document consistent with Section 012. (7-1-26)
05. Credits. When personalized plates are issued before an applicant’s current registration is expired,
credit will be given for unexpired registration fees only. (7-1-24)
06. Renewing Plates. The applicant will have the choice of renewing existing personalized plates with
validation stickers or ordering a new set of plates at the time of renewal. If new plates are requested, a plate and mailing fee will be charged in addition to all other fees that are due. Personalized plates will be reissued in accordance with Section 49-443, Idaho Code. (7-1-24)( )
07. Transfer of Plates. When personalized plates are issued, the vehicle’s regular number plates may
be transferred to another vehicle belonging to the owner. If registration credit is given from the regular number plates to the personalized, the regular number plate registration is canceled. (7-1-24)
08. Acceptability of Plates Message. Acceptability of the personalized license plate message and
issuance, denial or cancellation will be determined by the Department based on the following criteria: (7-1-24) a. The characters requested may not duplicate an existing combination in use on the same size plate or replicate an existing law enforcement plate combination. (7-1-24) ba. The message, in any language, may not carry a sexual connotation nor consist of a term that is considered to be one of obscenity, contempt, prejudice, hostility, insult, racial or ethnic degradation, or profanity, as defined by common internet and dictionary resources. (7-1-24) i. The message may not refer to any of the following: bodily functions, bodily fluids, or intimate body parts; sexual preference or orientation; acts of violence; illegal substances or the use thereof. (7-1-24) ii. The message may not represent a group that is commonly known to promote violence, illegal substances or illegal acts. (7-1-24) IdahoAdministrative Bulletin Page 338 October 7, 2026 – Vol. 26-10 IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Docket No. 39-0260-2601 Rules Governing License Plate Provisions Proposed Rulemaking cb. The criteria in Paragraph 202.08.ba. is not to be considered an exhaustive list. A compilation of words, terms or letter/number combinations gathered from the experience of Idaho and other states may also be used as a guide. The Department may also rely on information obtained from law enforcement agencies within or outside of Idaho. (7-1-26)( ) dc. When a complaint is received from the public concerning an issued plate, the name of the complainant will not be recorded nor, if known, revealed. (7-1-24) ed. Final determination regarding applications for questionable messages or cancellation of issued plates will be made by the Division of Motor Vehicles. An applicant does, however, have a right to a hearing on the decision. (7-1-26)
09. Message Preferences.Applicants may submit three (3) message preferences including the specific
meaning of each. The first choice that is available and acceptable will be issued. If none of the preferences are available or acceptable, the applicant will be notified by return mail or email. (7-1-24)
10. Recalled Plates. Personalized plates may be recalled by the Department for the following reasons:
(7-1-24) a. Error in manufacturing; or (7-1-24) b. Clerical error. (7-1-24) c. Unacceptable personalized messages as outlined in Paragraph 202.08.ba. (7-1-26)( )
11. Unexpired Fees. If a set of personalized plates is recalled or rejected, the personalized plate
program fee, will not be refunded but may be transferred to a new issue of personalized plates. (7-1-26)
12. Expired Plates. Personalized plates that have their registration expire will become immediately
available for reissue to another applicant. There is no grace period. (7-1-24) (BREAK IN CONTINUITY OF SECTIONS) 300. PROVISIONS FOR SAMPLE PLATES. Sample plates are issued at on the “Scenic Idaho/Famous Potatoes” red, white, and blue plate or Special Program License plates as follows: (7-1-24)( )
01. Plate Size. Plates must adhere to license plate manufacturing standards in size and display the
abbreviation SAMP in the sticker box lower right-hand corner on both passenger car and motorcycle license plates. (7-1-26)( )
02. Personalized Sample Plates. Personalized Sample plates are issued on both plate sizes. (7-1-24)
a. The acceptability screening process in Subsection 202.08 applies. (7-1-26) b. The Department will adopt written policy for the issuance of duplicate and replacement sample plates with personalized character combinations. (7-1-24) c. The department may include other special license plate programs for sample plate sale, when not prohibited by code, or that would not cause a compromise of a special eligibility plate program. (7-1-24) (BREAK IN CONTINUITY OF SECTIONS) IdahoAdministrative Bulletin Page 339 October 7, 2026 – Vol. 26-10 IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Docket No. 39-0260-2601 Rules Governing License Plate Provisions Proposed Rulemaking 405. EXEMPT PLATE DISPLAY. Exempt license plates will be displayed in accordance with Section 49-428, Idaho Code. The designator “EXMP” will be provided with each exempt plate and be attached to the plate(s) in the space provided for this purpose. The department may have the EXMP designator printed in the appropriate space on the plate as an alternative to the sticker. (7-1-26)( ) 406. -- 407. (RESERVED) 408. EXEMPT PLATE STATUS.
01. Non-Expiring Plates. Exempt plates are non-expiring and require no annual renewal. (7-1-24)
021. Transfer of Plates. Exempt plates may be transferred between vehicles. If an exempt plate is transferred to another vehicle, a transfer request must be made to the Department. (7-1-24) 032. Reissue of Plates. Exempt plates will also be assessed personalization and program fees upon each reissuance, if applicable. (7-1-24)( ) 409. UNDERCOVER PLATE STATUS.
01. Expiration of Plates Registration. Undercover license plates will expire annually or biennially
based upon the application of the authorized agency remain valid unless replacement is required pursuant to Section 49-443, Idaho Code. Registration status will appear as valid, until expiration date. Renewals must be made to the Department upon expiration of the undercover license plate registration. (7-1-24)( )
02. Transfer of Plates. Undercover license plates may be transferred between vehicles. If an
undercover license plate is transferred to another vehicle, a transfer request must be made to the Department’s Vehicle Services Section/Special Plates Unit. (7-1-24)
03. Reissue of Plates. Undercover plates will be reissued in accordance with Section 49-443(2), Idaho
Code. (7-1-24) IdahoAdministrative Bulletin Page 340 October 7, 2026 – Vol. 26-10
Documents
- Full text (state register) · May 06, 2026
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