License Plate Game Rules & Score Sheet

The license plate game is the original free road trip game: spot plates, collect states, and argue about whether a trailer hitch counts. Below are the classic rules, a printable checklist, a few twists to keep it fresh, and a next-step recommendation when you want something with a little more dice and drama.

How to play the license plate game

1. Spot a plate. Every time someone sees an out-of-state license plate, call it out. The first person to spot it claims that state.
2. No double claims. Each state counts once per game. If someone already has New York, another player can't claim it again — but spotting a different New York plate can still be called for bragging rights.
3. Keep score. The player with the most unique states at the end of the trip wins. For a longer game, assign bonus points for rare plates (Hawaii, Alaska, Yukon) or distant provinces.

Free printable state checklist

Print this 50-state list before you leave, or save it to your phone. Mark each state as you spot it. The first player to check off a state claims it.

Fun variations

• Co-op map

  2+ players

  Work together to color every state on a printed U.S. map. No single winner — the car wins when the map is full.

• Alphabet plates

  2+ players

  Race to spot plates whose letters or numbers contain each letter A–Z in order. Harder than it sounds.

• Capital bonus

  2+ players

  When you spot a plate, name the state's capital. Get it right for a bonus point; wrong and the state goes to the next caller.

• International edition

  2+ players

  Count Canadian provinces and Mexican states too. First to spot a plate from outside North America ends the round in glory.

When you want more than spotting plates

The license plate game is perfect for staring out the window, but sometimes the car wants a winner. The Stereotype: State Line turns the same road-trip energy into a pass-and-play board game: roll dice, move across a hand-illustrated U.S. map, draw timed State Challenge cards, and let the jury decide your fate.

Free play includes up to 3 players, the West region, and a starter deck. The Full Game unlock ($2.99) opens every region, up to 8 players, and all 100 State Challenge cards. The After Hours 21+ expansion ($1.99) adds the adults-only deck. See pricing.