Vehicle registration plates of Arkansas
The U.S. state of Arkansas first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1911. Prior to 1911, plates were issued by cities.
Plates are currently issued by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Only rear plates have been required since 1944.
Passenger baseplates
1911 to 1967
In 1956, the United States, Canada, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for license plates for vehicles at in height by in width, with standardized mounting holes. The 1956 issue was the first Arkansas license plate that fully complied with these standards: the 1947, 1952 and 1955 issues were all 6 inches in height by 12 inches in width, but had non-standard mounting holes.| Image | Dates issued | Design | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1911 | Black serial on white porcelain plate with border line; vertical "ARK" and "1911" at left and right respectively | none | 1234 | 1 to approximately 1600 | ||
| 1912 | White serial on black porcelain plate with border line; vertical "ARK" and "1912" at left and right respectively | none | 1234 | 1 to approximately 2500 | ||
| 1913 | Yellow serial on green porcelain plate; vertical "ARK" and "1913" at left and right respectively | none | 1234 | 1 to approximately 3600 | ||
| 1914 | Embossed black serial on white plate; vertical "ARK" and "1914" at left and right respectively | none | 1234 | 1 to approximately 5200 | The 1914 plate is quite rare, as motorists had to turn in the plate in order to get the 1915 renewal plate. | |
| 1915 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate; vertical "ARK" and "1915" at left and right respectively | none | 1234 | 1 to approximately 8000 | ||
| 1916 | Embossed black serial on orange plate with border line; vertical "ARK" and "1916" at left and right respectively | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 15500 | ||
| 1917 | Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; vertical "ARK" and "1917" at left and right respectively | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 27000 | ||
| 1918 | Embossed black serial on light green plate with border line; vertical "ARK" and "1918" at left and right respectively | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 41000 | ||
| 1919 | Embossed light green serial on black plate with border line; vertical "ARK" and "1919" at left and right respectively | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 44000 | ||
| 1920 | Embossed dark blue serial on light blue plate with border line; vertical "ARK" and "1920" at left and right respectively | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 59000 | ||
| 1921 | Embossed silver serial on black plate with border line; vertical "ARK" and "1921" at left and right respectively | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 71000 | ||
| 1922 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; vertical "ARK" and "1922" at left and right respectively | none | 12-345 | 1 to approximately 77-000 | ||
| 1923 | Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; vertical "ARK" and "1923" at left and right respectively | none | 123-456 | |||
| 1924 | Embossed dark blue serial on gray plate with border line; "ARK" within state outline and "24" at right | none | 123-456 | |||
| 1925 | Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "ARK" within state outline and "25" at right | none | 123-456 | |||
| 1926 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ARK 26" at right | none | 123-456 | |||
| 1927 | Embossed yellow serial on green plate with border line; "ARK 27" at right | none | 123-456 | |||
| 1928 | Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; vertical "FRONT" or "REAR" used as separator; "ARK 28" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 177-000 | ||
| 1929 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; vertical "FRONT" or "REAR" used as separator; "ARK 29" at right | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 225-000 | ||
| 1930 | Embossed yellow serial on dark blue plate with border line; vertical "FRONT" or "REAR" used as separator; "30 ARK" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 208-000 | ||
| 1931 | Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; vertical "FRONT" or "REAR" used as separator; "ARK 31" at right | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 189-000 | ||
| 1932 | Embossed slanted gold serial on black plate with border line; slanted "ARK 32" centered at top | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 170-000 | ||
| 1933 | Embossed green serial on black plate with border line; vertical "ARK" and "1933" at left and right respectively | none | 123-456 | |||
| 1934 | Embossed red serial on white plate with border line; vertical "1934" and "ARK" at left and right respectively | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 178-000 | ||
| 1935 | Embossed dark blue serial on light yellow plate with border line; vertical "ARK" and "1935" at left and right respectively | "CENTENNIAL" and "CELEBRATION 36" centered at top and bottom respectively | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 173-000 | Commemorated Arkansas' 100 years of statehood. | |
| 1936 | Embossed dark blue serial on white plate with border line; vertical "1936" used as separator; "ARKANSAS" centered at top | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 179-000 | First use of the full state name. | |
| 1937 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; vertical "37" used as separator; "ARKANSAS" centered at top | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 183-000 | ||
| 1938 | Embossed white serial on red plate with border line; "ARKANSAS" within winged graphic centered at bottom; "38" within state outline at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 177-000 | ||
| 1939 | Embossed black serial on silver plate with border line; vertical "39" used as separator; "ARKANSAS" centered at top | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 187-000 | ||
| 1940 | Embossed red serial on silver plate with border line; "ARK 1940" and "EXPIRES 12-31-40" centered at top and bottom respectively | none | 123-456 | 1 to 200-000; 300-001 to approximately 301-000 | ||
| 1941 | Embossed green serial on silver plate with border line; vertical "41" used as separator; "ARKANSAS" centered at top | "OPPORTUNITY LAND" centered at bottom | 123-456 | 1 to 200-000; 300-001 to approximately 334-000 | ||
| Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; "1942" and "ARKANSAS" centered at top and bottom respectively | none | 123-456 | 1 to 200-000; 300-001 to approximately 390-000 | Revalidated for 1943 with windshield stickers, due to metal conservation for World War II. | ||
| 1944 | White serial on black fiberboard plate; "19 ARK. 44" centered at top | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 224-000 | Manufactured on fiberboard due to ongoing metal conservation for World War II. | |
| 1945 | Embossed golden yellow serial on black plate with border line; "19 ARK. 45" centered at top | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 218-000 | ||
| 1946 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "19 ARK. 46" centered at top | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 222-000 | ||
| 1947 | Embossed red serial on unpainted aluminum plate with border line; "19 ARKANSAS 47" at top | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 245-000 | ||
| 1948–49 | Embossed black serial on unpainted aluminum plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 1948" centered at top | "OPPORTUNITY LAND" centered at bottom | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 345-000 | Revalidated for 1949 with aluminum tabs. | |
| 1950 | Embossed white serial on dark green plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 1950" centered at top | at bottom | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 374-000 | ||
| 1951 | Embossed dark green serial on white plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 1951" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 375-000 | ||
| 1952 | Embossed white serial on brown plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 1952" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 380-000 | ||
| 1953 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 1953" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 394-000 | ||
| 1954 | Embossed white serial on dark green plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 1954" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 393-000 | ||
| 1955 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 1955" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 399-000 | ||
| 1956 | Embossed black serial on pale green plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 1956" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 422-000 | ||
| 1957 | Embossed red serial on white plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 1957" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 1-12345 10-1234 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1958 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 58" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 1-12345 10-12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1959 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 59" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 1-12345 10-12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1960 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 60" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 1-12345 10-12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1961 | Embossed red serial on gray plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 61" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 1-12345 10-12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1962 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 62" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 1-12345 10-12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1963 | Embossed white serial on dark blue plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 63" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 1-123456 10-12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1964 | Embossed red serial on white plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 64" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 1-123456 10-12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1965 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 65" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 1-123456 10-12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1966 | Embossed red serial on reflective white plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 66" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 1-123456 10-12345 | Coded by county of issuance | ||
| 1967 | Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate with border line; "ARKANSAS 67" centered at top | "LAND OF OPPORTUNITY" at bottom | 1-123456 10-12345 | Coded by county of issuance |
1968 to present
Non-passenger plates
Optional plates
College and university plates
| Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| Arkansas School for the Deaf | ? to present | Red on blue fade to white background with ASL "I Love You" sign at left. | A/D 1234 | ? to present | ||
| Arkansas State University | ? to present | Red on reflective white with ASU graphic at left. | 2ABC | 2AAA to present | Issued concurrently. | |
| Arkansas State University | ? to present | Red on reflective white with red wolf graphic at left. | 2ABC | ? to present | Issued concurrently. | |
| Arkansas Tech University | 2006–present | Green on reflective yellow. | 10ABC | 10AAA to present | The image at the Arkansas DFA website shows "Technical" instead of "Tech." | |
| College of the Ouachitas | ? to present | Black on multicolor background with COTO logo at left. | O/C 1234 | ? to present | As of 2016 only 18 of these plates had been issued. | |
| Harding University | c. 2009 to present | Black on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | 15ABC | 15AAA to present | ||
| Henderson State University | ? to present | Black on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | 7ABC | 7AAA to present | ||
| Hendrix College | ? to present | Black on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | 11ABC | 11AAA to present | ||
| Lyon College | c. 2008 to present | Black on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | 13ABC | 13AAA to present | ||
| Mid-South Community College | ? to present | Black on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | M/C ABCD | ? to present | As of 2016 only 18 of these plates had been issued. This college was renamed Arkansas State University Mid-South as of July 1, 2015. | |
| National Park Community College | ? to present | Black on reflective blue to white fade background and multicolored graphic at left. | N/P ABCD | ? to present | As of 2016 only 12 of these plates had been issued, which was the fewest of any of the colleges or universities. | |
| Northwest Arkansas Community College | ? to present | Black on reflective white and green and multicolored graphic at left. | N/W ABCD | ? to present | As of 2016 only 50 of these plates had been issued. | |
| Ouachita Baptist University | ? to present | Black on reflective yellow fade background. | 8ABC | 8AAA to present | ||
| Ouachita Baptist University | ? to present | Black on reflective white background. | 8ABC | 8AAA to present | ||
| Southern Arkansas University | ? to present | Black on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | 5ABC | 5AAA to present | ||
| Southern Arkansas University | ? to present | Black on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | S/A ABCD | S/A AAAA to present | ||
| University of Arkansas at Fayetteville | ? to ? | Red on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | 1ABC | 1AAA to ? | No longer issued, but still valid. | |
| University of Arkansas at Fayetteville | ? to present | Red on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | U/A ABC | U/A AAA to present | As of September 2017 all three plate types are still shown on the Arkansas DFA website with the later two still being issued. | |
| University of Arkansas at Fayetteville | ? to present | Red on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | Y/A 12A | Y/A 01A to present | As of September 2017 all three plate types are still shown on the Arkansas DFA website with the later two still being issued. | |
| University of Arkansas at Fort Smith | ? to present | Black on blue and white striped background and UAFS logo at right. | F/S ABCD | ? to present | ||
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | ? to present | Red on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | 4ABC | 4AAA to present | ||
| University of Arkansas at Monticello | ? to present | Black on multicolored background. | 9ABC | 9AAA to present | ||
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | ? to present | Black on multicolored background. | 6ABC | 6AAA to present | ||
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | ? to present | Black on multicolored background with UAMS logo right. | M/S ABCD | ? to present | ||
| University of Central Arkansas | ? to present | Blue on reflective white with white and red UCA graphic. | 3ABC | 3AAA to present | ||
| University of Central Arkansas | ? to present | Black on reflective white with purple and white graphic. | 3ABC | 3AAA to present | ||
| University of the Ozarks | c. 2008 to present | Black on reflective multicolored graphic. | 12ABC | 12AAA to present |
Military and veteran plates
Organization and specialty plates
Beginning in 2000, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has released one wildlife-themed plate design each year, to be issued for one calendar year, although remaining stock is sometimes issued past the end of a particular plate design's year of release. Note that some plates that were originally issued without prefixes now have them, and that prefixes now include, and.| Image | Type | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| Arkansas Rice Council | ? to present | Black on reflective blue and white sky background with rice plant graphic and duck. | R/C ABCD | R/C AAAA to present | ||
| Arkansas Sheriffs' Association | ? to present | Black on reflective white background with association logo at left. | A/S ABCD | A/S AAAA to present | ||
| Arkansas State Parks | March 2012 – present | Golden yellow on multicolored graphic with Mather Lodge at Petit Jean State Park. | P/K ABCD | P/K AAAA to present | ||
| Arkansas State Parks | ? to present | Black on white background with multicolored graphic of hikers graphic at left. | P/K ABCD | P/K AAAA to present | ||
| Autism Awareness | ? to present | Black on blue to white fade background with autism puzzle pieces inside state outline. | A/U ABCD | A/U AAAA to present | ||
| Boy Scout, Girl Scout, and Orphanages | ? to present | Red on white background with "BS & O" at bottom. | ABC 123 | ? | The AR DFA states that these plates are for any Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Orphanages, or Boy or Girl Clubs which are a member of or affiliated with Boys or Girls Clubs of America. | |
| Boy Scouts of America | ? to present | Green on tan background with Boy Scout logo on red, white and blue stripes at right. | B/P ABCD | B/P AAAA to present | ||
| Cattlemen Foundation | ? to present | Red on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | C/F ABCD | C/F AAAA to present | ||
| Civil Air Patrol | ? to present | Red on reflective white with Civil Air Patrol logo at left. | CA 123 | CA 001 to present | ||
| Court Appointed Special Advocates | 2015–present | Black on reflective blue to white fade with multicolored CASA graphic at left. | C/A ABCD | C/A AAAA to present | ||
| Choose Life | ? to present | Black on reflective yellow with blue and red graphics. | C/L ABCD | C/L AAAA to present | ||
| Committed to Education | ? to present | Black on white reflective background with books, apple and worm at left. | ABCD | AAAA to present | ||
| Committed to Education | ? to present | Bright blue on light blue reflective background with "A+" inside state shape at right. | ABCD | AAAA to present | ||
| Department of Conservation Districts | ? to present | Black on reflective white background with landscape graphic at left and "For Love of the Land" at bottom. | C/D ABCD | C/D AAAA to present | ||
| Down Syndrome Awareness | ? to present | Black on reflective blue to white fade background with diamond graphic. | 123 ABC | ? | ||
| Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | ? to present | Black on reflective white with graphic of Dr. King at left. | M/K ABCD | M/K AAAA to present | ||
| Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission | ? to present | Black on reflective blue to white fade with diamond background. | 123 ABC | ? to present | ||
| Ducks Unlimited | ? to present | Black on multicolored background and Ducks Unlimited shield at left. | 1ABCD | 1AAAA to present | No longer issued, but still valid. | |
| Ducks Unlimited | ? to present | Black on multicolored background and flying duck at left. | 1ABCD | 1AAAA to present | ||
| Ducks Unlimited | ? to present | Black on multicolored background and standing duck at right. | 1ABCD | 1AAAA to present | ||
| Emergency Medical Services | ? to present | Red on reflective white with multicolored graphic at left. | E/M ABCD | E/M AAAA to present | ||
| Firefighter | ? to present | Blue on reflective white with logo and legends displayed on stickers. | AB123 | ? | ||
| Firefighters' Memorial | ? to present | Black on multicolored fire background. | F/F ABCD | F/F AAAA to present | ||
| Freemason | ? to present | Black on reflective blue to white fade with diamond background. | 123 ABC | ? to present | ||
| Golf Association | ? to present | Red on reflective white with green graphic at right. | G/A ABC | G/A AAA to present | ||
| Hospice & Palliative Care Association | ? to present | Black on reflective white with Hospice & Palliative Care Association logo at left. | H/P ABCD | H/P AAAA to present | ||
| Humane Society of the Ozarks | ? to present | Red on white background with "Get Rescued" and "Adopt A Pet" at bottom. | 123 ABC | ? | ||
| In God We Trust | ? to present | Black on light blue with multicolored image of Arkansas State Capitol. | A/R ABCD | A/R AAAA to present | ||
| Justice of the Peace | ? to present | Blue on white background with "Justice of the Peace" at bottom. | ABC 123 | ? | ||
| Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity | ? to present | Black on orange to white fade background with fraternity crest at left. | I/U ABCD | I/U AAAA to present | ||
| Municipal Police Association | ? to present | Black on white background with black and blue state outline and background at left. | L/O ABCD | L/O AAAA to present | ||
| National Multiple Sclerosis Society | ? to present | Black on blue to white fade background with diamond. | 123 ABC | ? | ||
| National Wild Turkey Federation | ? to present | Black on multicolored background and wild turkey graphic at left | B/L ABCD | B/L AAAA to present | ||
| Omega Psi Phi Fraternity | ? to present | Black on purple to white fade background with fraternity crest at left. | A/O ABCD | A/O AAAA to present | ||
| Organ Donor Awareness | ? to present | Black on white background with green ribbon and red heart at left. | O/D ABCD | O/D AAAA to present | ||
| Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity | ? to present | Blue on white background with fraternity seal at right. | H/U ABCD | H/U AAAA to present | ||
| Professional Firefighter | April 2008 – present | Black on reflective red to white fade background with logo of Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association | P/F ABCD | P/F AAAA to present | ||
| Realtor | ? to present | Blue on reflective white with Realtor logo at right | R/A ABC | R/A AAA to present | ||
| Search and Rescue | ? to present | Red on reflective white with SAR logo at left. | SA 123 | SA 001 to present | ||
| Sheep Dog Impact Assistance | ? to present | Black on blue to white fade background with diamond and Sheep Dog wording at bottom. | 123 ABC | ? | ||
| Wildlife — American Black Bear | 2008 | Black on multicolored background. | 12AB | |||
| Wildlife — Bald eagle | 2013 | Black on multicolored background. | G/F ABC | G/F AAA to present | ||
| Wildlife — Black crappie | 2012 | Black on multicolored background. | G/F ABC | G/F AAA to present | ||
| Wildlife — Black Labrador | 2010 | Black on multicolored background. | G/F ABC | G/F AAA to present | - | |
| Wildlife — Diana fritillary butterfly | 2009 | Black on multicolored background. | G/F ABC | G/F AAA to present | ||
| Wildlife — Eastern Wild Turkey | 2003 | Black on multicolored background. | AB12 | AA01 to ? | ||
| Wildlife — Elk | 2007 | Black on multicolored background. | 12AB | 01AA to ? | ||
| Wildlife — Ivory-Billed Woodpecker | 2006 | Black on multicolored background. | 12AB | 01AA to ? | ||
| Wildlife — Largemouth Bass | 2002 | Black on multicolored background. | AB12 | AA01 to ? | ||
| Wildlife — Mallard | 2004 | Black on multicolored background. | AB12 | AA01 to ? | ||
| Wildlife — Northern Cardinal | 2016 | Black on multicolored background. | AB12 | AA01 to ? | ||
| Wildlife — Rainbow Trout | 2005 | Black on multicolored background. | AB12 | ? | ||
| Wildlife — Red Fox | 2017 | Black on multicolored background. | G/F AB12 | G/F AA01 to present | ||
| Wildlife — Ruby-Throated Hummingbird | 2001 | Black on light blue with multicolored image of hummingbird and flower. | AB12 12AB G/F ABC | ? | Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 2001 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the first and, to date, only time Arkansas has been so honored. | |
| Wildlife — Smallmouth Bass | 2015 | Black on multicolored background. | G/F AB12 | G/F AA01 to present | ||
| Wildlife — Squirrel | 2014 | Black on multicolored background. | G/F AB12 | G/F AA01 to present | ||
| Wildlife — White-Tailed Deer | 2000 | Black on multicolored background. | AB12 | AA01 to ? | Possibly no longer available, but is still shown on the AR DFA website. | |
| Wildlife — White-Tailed Deer | 2011 | Black on multicolored background. | G/F AB12 | G/F AA01 to present |