Our Impact
Together we can do so much.
Celebrating Scenic Idaho
The iconic Scenic Idaho Red, White, and Blue license plate was created for use by the
Centennial Foundation to raise funds for the celebration of Idaho’s 100th anniversary as a state
(See Our History for more information). The trademark and copyright were assigned to Idaho
Heritage Trust in 1991, and the plate became the standard in our state in 1992.
The Scenic Idaho Red, White, and Blue plate with its embossed trees, mountains, and color
gradients has its own place in history as the most intricate license plate ever produced at the
time. New stamping and embossing technology had to be developed and implemented in all the
state’s plate manufacturers. These innovations led the Scenic Idaho plate to be named ‘Plate of
the Year’ for Best New License Plate by The Automobile License Plate Collectors Association in
both 1987 and 1991.
Until April of 2026, the State paid the Trust a fifty-cent-per-plate royalty fee for the use of our
trademarked image. While these fees provided the bulk of IHT’s funding to date, we are excited
to introduce you to…
Celebrating Scenic Idaho
As The United States of America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of
Independence, we were provided a unique opportunity to reflect upon our beginnings as a
nation, territory, and state. Historic preservation and the communication of our shared history is
central to commemorating these milestones, as we saw with IHT’s creation as a lasting legacy
of Idaho’s Centennial Celebration.
To commemorate America’s 250th birthday, IHT designed a new Limited Edition Specialty
‘Heritage’ License Plate, which was released by Idaho Department of Transportation in April of
2026. The release of the specialty Heritage Plate marks the end of our trademark agreement
with the State of Idaho for the use of the Scenic Idaho design. IHT will now be funded by a
portion of the Specialty Plate fee, $25 for new plates and $15 for subsequent renewals, which
will go directly to IHT to support our mission to serve all Idahoans by preserving our cultural
legacy.
Support IHT’s mission and help us continue to protect the history that’s important to you by
purchasing your Heritage Plate today at all Idaho DMV locations or online at
itd.idaho.gov/dmv/.
$7.0 Million
Given Since 1990
900+ Projects
RECEIVED FUNDING
Idaho Heritage Trust fulfills our mission by providing Grants and Technical Assistance to
preservationists in every nook and cranny of the Gem State. We have learned from our
founders’ example that listening is the best place to start. We employ similar grassroots efforts
and work on behalf of all Idahoans to honor the legacy of our ancestors, enrich our present, and
ensure our collective heritage will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Upon our incorporation, former Governor Robert Smylie remarked, “I dare say the Trust will
make a consequential mark on the history of the next century.” More than 30 years, 900
projects, and $7 million in grant awards later, we believe IHT is well on our way to fulfilling the
spirit and will of the Centennial Commission and 50th Legislature to safeguard Idaho’s
heritage for the next 100 years.
Additionally, our grants must be matched dollar-for-dollar, meaning an excess of $10 million has
been invested in preservation projects throughout Idaho when factoring in the remarkable work
of our grantees. We would like to thank them for their passion and dedication to our shared
mission of serving all Idahoans by preserving Idaho’s culture and history.