Iowa Front License Plate Laws (2026)

Info: Iowa requires two plates: one on the front and one on the rear.

InfoVerified Jun 19, 2026

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Iowa requires two plates: one on the front and one on the rear. Motorcycles, truck tractors, and vehicles from before 1949 are exceptions (Iowa Code 321.37).

Official source: legis.iowa.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Front License Plate in states bordering Iowa

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IllinoisInfo
Illinois requires two plates: passenger cars must display one on the front and one on the rear (625 ILCS 5/3-413).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: ilga.gov · Full Illinois rule →
MinnesotaInfo
Minnesota requires two plates: one on the front and one on the rear. The only exceptions are collector vehicles, farm vehicles, and motorcycles (Minn. Stat. 169.79).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: revisor.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →
MissouriInfo
Missouri requires two plates: passenger cars display one on the front and one on the rear. Antique vehicles are an exception, as are vehicles with no front bracket (RSMo 301.130).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
NebraskaInfo
Nebraska requires two plates: most vehicles display one on the front and one on the rear. See Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-399. A law moving to a single rear plate has passed but is not yet in effect.
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: nebraskalegislature.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
South DakotaInfo
South Dakota requires two plates: one displayed on the front and one on the rear, each conspicuous, upright, and kept clear. A motorcycle displays one plate (SDCL 32-5-98). A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Verified Jul 26, 2026 · Source: sdlegislature.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
WisconsinInfo
Wisconsin requires two plates: when two plates are issued — which is standard for cars — one goes on the front and one on the rear. See Wis. Stat. 341.15(1).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov · Full Wisconsin rule →

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