Missourians have options when it comes to specialty license plates - michael towner

​Missourians have options when it comes to specialty license plates. A new "Back the Blue" plate authorized by legislation earlier this month adds to the nearly 200 designs already listed in the Department of Revenue's repertoire. Missourians will get their first opportunity to see the new Back the Blue license plate at a special unveiling ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, September 10 on the State Capitol grounds. State Rep. Sara Walsh, who sponsored the Back the Blue bill (HB 898), said the unveiling ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial, which is located on the river side of the Capitol. Some, like those denoting military veterans, firefighters, and people with disabilities, are only available to qualifying Missourians. But dozens are available now to anyone with the money for a donation and the Department of Revenue's fee.
With a $25 annual donation and a $15 annual department fee, a Missouri State grad or fan can show their school spirit, for example. Fans of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield can get a plate denoting their support for preserving Springfield's place in Civil War history for the same price. Some of these plates are more popular than others, though.
Here are the top 10 available solely with a donation and/or fee, according to the Department of Revenue:

​1. Children's Trust Fund  (6,682), donations support the state's efforts to prevent child abuse throughout Missouri.

​2. University of Missouri-Columbia (2,406 plates), help "provide precious scholarship funds for deserving students."

​3. God Bless America (1,614) available via a donation to the World War I Memorial Trust Fund that the Department of Revenue collects.

​4. St. Louis Cardinals (1,526) Cardinal plates easily beat out the Royals' 582, the Blues' 441, and the Chiefs' 226.

​5. Conservation Heritage Foundation (Deer) (1.023) The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, which defines its mission as advancing "the conservation and appreciation of forest, fish and wildlife resources," boasts multiple popular plates with drawings of various wildlife, the deer plate is the fan favorite and comes in fifth. 

​Don’t Tread on Me (6th with 954), Breast Cancer Awareness (7th with 892), Bluebird (8th with 852), I’m Pet Friendly (9th with 764) and Kansas City Royals round off 10th place with 582 plates.