Only One State Prints “USA” on Its License Plate

New Mexico is the only U.S. state whose standard license plates explicitly include “USA,” a design choice meant to distinguish the state from the neighboring country of Mexico. This distinctive labeling appears on modern New Mexico plates, reflecting decades of practice aimed at avoiding confusion in mail, shipping, tourism, and commerce.

Why New Mexico Includes “USA”

New Mexico’s decision to print “USA” on its plates stems from persistent mix-ups with the country of Mexico. Residents and businesses long reported misdirected mail and shipments, as well as confusion among visitors unfamiliar with the state’s status within the United States. Adding “USA” serves as a clear, visual affirmation that New Mexico is a U.S. state, reducing errors in logistics and identity.

How It Appears on Today’s Plates

On contemporary New Mexico plates, the state name typically appears alongside “USA,” often paired with the state’s iconic Zia symbol and the motto “Land of Enchantment.” Several current and recent standard designs—whether the brighter yellow background or the turquoise-themed issue—retain the “New Mexico USA” text. Specialty designs, such as the popular chile-themed plate, have also incorporated the “USA” label to maintain consistency and clarity.

The following points highlight what observers can expect to see and why it matters.

• The text “New Mexico USA” is unique among states; other standard state plates do not print “USA.”
• The practice has been in place for decades and continues on modern standard-issue and widely used optional designs.
• The labeling helps prevent misrouting in postal and freight systems and clarifies the state’s identity for travelers.
• U.S. territories and Washington, D.C., have their own identifiers, but among the 50 states, New Mexico stands alone in using “USA” on the plate face.

Taken together, these details explain why “USA” remains a persistent and practical feature on New Mexico license plates and why no other state has adopted the same convention.

Common Misconceptions

People sometimes assume Washington, D.C., or states with prominent national slogans might also print “USA” on their plates. They do not. Others conflate New Mexico with Mexico, which is precisely the misunderstanding the “USA” label seeks to prevent. The addition is less about branding and more about logistical clarity and public recognition.

Summary

Answer: New Mexico. It is the only U.S. state that prints “USA” on its standard license plates, a long-standing measure to avoid confusion with the country of Mexico and to ensure clarity in mail, shipping, and travel.

What does it mean if a license plate says US government?

A US government license plate signifies a motor vehicle is owned or leased by the federal government and used for official business. These plates contain an agency code, allowing authorities to verify the vehicle’s authenticity, identify the responsible agency for security or incident investigation, and prevent unauthorized use. They ensure compliance with federal regulations and streamline the management of the government’s motor vehicle fleet, which is otherwise exempt from state registration requirements. 
Key Characteristics and Purposes

• Official Identification: The primary purpose is to identify a vehicle as government property, alerting local law enforcement and the public to its official status. 
• Agency Codes: Plates feature an initial letter or number code that designates the specific owning federal agency, which is detailed in the General Services Administration’s (GSA) FMR Bulletin B-11. 
• Security: They aid in identifying and tracking government vehicles, preventing misuse or theft, and ensuring they are used only by authorized personnel. 
• Incident Response: In the event of an incident, the plate number can be used to identify the responsible employee and the government agency involved. 
• Fleet Management: They facilitate the management of the government’s motor vehicle fleet, which is a requirement under federal regulations. 
• Federal Exemption: Government vehicles are exempt from state registration, so these special plates serve as the necessary indicator of their official status. 
• Strict Usage: These plates are exclusively for government-owned or leased vehicles and cannot be used for private purposes or transferred to other vehicles. 

Who has license plate 1 in the US?

In most states the No. 1 plate is assigned to the Governor’s limousine, while No. 2 is provided to the Lieutenant Governor. North Dakota has a unique approach to providing low numbers to their elected officials, as their Governor gets plates No.

Why do New Mexico plates say USA?

The country abbreviation “USA” was added to New Mexico license plates in 1969 to help remind ignorant Americans that the 47th state has been a part of the United States since 1912.

What state has the USA on its license plate?

New Mexico
New Mexico is the only state that specifies “USA” on its license plates, so as to avoid confusion with the country Mexico, which it borders to the southwest.