On standard-issue Idaho license plates, the letters and accompanying numbers represent a specific county, identifying where the vehicle is registered. This county-coding system has been a feature of Idaho's license plates since 1945.
Understanding Idaho's County-Based Coding System
The unique combination of numbers and letters found on many Idaho license plates serves as a direct indicator of the vehicle's county of registration. This system provides a straightforward way to identify the county from which a vehicle originates.
The specific convention for these codes is based on the alphabetical order of Idaho's counties. Each code consists of two main parts:
- A numerical prefix: This number indicates the county's position in an alphabetical list of all Idaho counties. For example, the first county alphabetically would be assigned the number '1', the second '2', and so on.
- A letter suffix: This letter is simply the first letter of the county's name.
Together, these two elements form a unique county identifier on the license plate.
Decoding the Numbers and Letters
To understand a specific Idaho license plate code, you simply combine the alphabetical position with the county's initial:
- The Number: Represents the county's rank when all Idaho counties are listed alphabetically. For instance, if Ada County is the first county alphabetically, its numerical code is "1".
- The Letter: Corresponds directly to the first letter of that specific county's name. So, for Ada County, the letter would be "A".
Therefore, a plate displaying "1A" signifies registration in Ada County. This system allows for clear, concise county identification.
Examples of Idaho License Plate Codes
Here are a few examples illustrating how the system works, based on the alphabetical order of Idaho counties:
| County Name | Alphabetical Order | First Letter | License Plate Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada County | 1 | A | 1A |
| Adams County | 2 | A | 2A |
| Bannock County | 3 | B | 3B |
| Benewah County | 5 | B | 5B |
| Boise County | 8 | B | 8B |
This system provides an immediate visual cue about a vehicle's origin within the state, reflecting a long-standing tradition in Idaho's vehicle registration.
