If you’ve ever been on a long American road trip, you know the classic 'License Plate Game.' States and Plates takes that nostalgic pastime and turns it into a well-organized digital companion. It’s less of a 'game' in the traditional sense and more of a high-quality tracker and educational tool, which is perfect for families or travelers looking to kill time on the interstate.
The app is exceptionally clean, featuring beautiful illustrations of each state's plate and fun facts about all 50 states. I particularly liked the 'Map' view, which colors in states as you find them, giving a great visual sense of progress across the country. It turns a boring stretch of highway into a competitive scavenger hunt. While it's a niche app, it executes its specific purpose better than almost anything else in the category.
I don't quite understand why we need an app for something that requires looking out the window. States and Plates does exactly what it says: it's a list of states. You tap one when you see a plate. As a 'game,' it’s non-existent; it’s a utility. The UI is clean enough, but the 'educational' facts feel like they were pulled straight from a Wikipedia sidebar.
Back in my day, we used a pen and a piece of paper, and it worked just fine. Adding a 'score' to spotting a plate doesn't magically turn this into a compelling gaming experience. If you’re a parent trying to keep kids quiet in the back seat, maybe this has some value, but calling it a 'game' is a stretch even for the App Store. It’s functional, but entirely uninspired. 52—it does the job, but it’s not exactly 'fun.'
Performance: Simple 2D interface; no lag or crashes reported.
Buy if: You are a parent looking for a quiet way to occupy children on a cross-country drive.
Skip if: You are looking for an actual game to play while stationary.
Available on: iPhone, iPod
Version 2.6.2Fri Jul 01 2016
This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
Fix several bugs, including the Sound On/Off switch. Some state fact corrections and a new Vanity Insanity puzzle for North Dakota.
States & Plates is the one that tracks the plates you find, calculates distances, let's you challenge friends, keep score and more!
Created for those who love the License Plate Game! Ideal for road trips!
Here's what users are saying:
"This is the best designed license plate game out there..." - Thinkdifferentz
"Great App! My kids love the fun facts..." - Setluiazrbteth
"I just got this app and I think it would be fun to use on a summer road trip!" - Cbearswaffle
"Well made app." - Hobby boyqwr
Features:
50 beautifully designed license plate views, unique to each state
Overview map to easily see the plates you have found
Includes vanity plate puzzles for all 50 states (Vanity Insanity)
In-App purchase for more vanity plate puzzles
Tweet and challenge friends and family right from inside the app
Cool metrics like Days Since Last Plate found and Farthest Plate Found
Game Center leader boards for Highest Score, Farthest Plate and Fastest to find all 50 states
Loaded with interesting state facts
Learn state capitals, mottoes, flags and more
Ad Free!
Note: If you are experiencing problems with the app, please send a Tweet @statesandplates or email us at statesandplates@gmail.com.
Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.States & Plates is the one that tracks the plates you find, calculates distances, let's you challenge friends, keep score and more!
Created for those who love the License Plate Game! Ideal for road trips!
Here's what users are saying:
"This is the best designed license plate game out there..." - Thinkdifferentz
"Great App! My kids love the fun facts..." - Setluiazrbteth
"I just got this app and I think it would be fun to use on a summer road trip!" - Cbearswaffle
"Well made app." - Hobby boyqwr
Features:
50 beautifully designed license plate views, unique to each state
Overview map to easily see the plates you have found
Includes vanity plate puzzles for all 50 states (Vanity Insanity)
In-App purchase for more vanity plate puzzles
Tweet and challenge friends and family right from inside the app
Cool metrics like Days Since Last Plate found and Farthest Plate Found
Game Center leader boards for Highest Score, Farthest Plate and Fastest to find all 50 states
Loaded with interesting state facts
Learn state capitals, mottoes, flags and more
Ad Free!
Note: If you are experiencing problems with the app, please send a Tweet @statesandplates or email us at statesandplates@gmail.com.





States and Plates is the premium companion for the classic license plate game. Track your sightings with a simple tap, view beautiful plate artwork, and learn interesting facts about each state. With built-in maps and progress tracking, it's designed to make long car journeys educational and entertaining for the whole family.
High-quality plate illustrations
Educational facts for every state
Interactive US map tracker
Multiple player profiles
Check the map view to see which regions you've missed. Often, seeing a plate from a distant state like Alaska or Hawaii is the rarest find, so keep your eyes peeled in tourist heavy areas!
When you see a plate, find the state in the list and tap it to 'collect' it. The app will record the date and show you how many more you need to reach 50.
No, the app works entirely offline, making it perfect for remote highway stretches.