New PA License Plate: See Reaction To Redesign

PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania license plates seldom are significantly redesigned. The last time they received an overhaul was 25 years ago.

So it's no surprise that social media erupted with reaction - both favorable and unfavorable - to Gov. Josh Shapiro's announcement on Tuesday that the plates are about to receive a major makeover.

In 2025, the current design and its blue, white and gold colors will be phased out. In its place will be an all-white plate with blue numerals bearing the slogan "Let Freedom Ring" in red. The new plates also will sport an illustration of the Liberty Bell.

People immediately took to Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, as soon as they got a glance at the new plate. Among the positive responses:

"Pennsylvania went from possibly having the worst license plate in the country with one that doesn't make me want to pry out my eyes with a vegetable peeler - progress!"

"New PA license plate is slick, not going to lie. Wish the font for 'Pennsylvania' matched the bottom (Let Freedom Ring), but I'll take it over the blue/yellow gradients."

"Pittsburgh residents having to have the Liberty Bell on their license plates did make me giggle just a bit."

"I love the new PA license plate for America's 250th celebration in 2026. Looking forward to ordering one, but I'll always be fond of the blue and gold designs."

"I am getting myself one of these as soon as they are available! Finally it appears my state is coming out of the darkness!"

"It's not bad. Anything is better than that puke plate we have now."

Of course, the redesign had its critics as well:

"Why does PA struggle so much with making attractive license plates? So many fantastic artists in our state and this is really the best we can do?"

"Not a fan."

"Keystone should always be on it."

"This looks like a plate made for Philadelphia, by Philadelphia. Better design, but doesn't take the whole state into consideration."

"It should just have the keystone on it to represent the entire state, not just Philly."

"Note: License plates are produced by Fayette (County) State Prison inmates. Staring at 'Let Freedom Ring' all day might be considered cruel and unusual (punishment)."