Illinois Shares Quirky and Controversial Vanity Plates Rejected in 2025
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — As Illinois drivers continue to express their creativity through personalized license plates, the state’s Secretary of State office has unveiled some of the more unusual and controversial vanity plate applications rejected in 2025. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias highlighted these in a video posted on the office’s official YouTube channel, offering a glimpse into the challenges of balancing personal expression with public decency and readability.
Throughout the year, Illinois received nearly 56,000 applications for vanity plates, but more than 550 were rejected for being inflammatory, profane, offensive, or simply too difficult to decipher. Among the rejected plates were puzzling combinations such as “IBPOOPN,” “BRICKED,” and “ICUP.” Giannoulias noted that some plates required explanation, including “BBL,” which stands for “Brazilian butt lift,” a term he admitted he had to look up.
Other denied plates included “BLUBALN,” “SNDNUSZ,” and “BDASMOM,” as well as the cheeky “PRIUSSY.” The latter drew a humorous comment from Giannoulias, who quipped, “If this is how you refer to your Prius, there’s a show on TLC for you.” The Secretary of State’s office has the responsibility of ensuring that vanity plates do not contain offensive language or innuendo, a task that involves careful review and sometimes subjective judgment.
The rejection of these plates reflects a broader effort by the Illinois Secretary of State to maintain decorum on the roadways while still allowing motorists to personalize their vehicles. The office’s guidelines align with standards seen in other states, where combinations that could be interpreted as vulgar or that may cause confusion are routinely turned down. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office provides detailed information on their personalized plate policies, helping applicants understand what is acceptable.
Giannoulias closed the video with advice for those seeking vanity plates: “Go ahead and get creative, but keep it clean and avoid ending up on the naughty list.” His message underscores the balance between self-expression and community standards that state agencies must navigate.
The Illinois Department of Transportation also plays a role in vehicle registration and licensing, working alongside the Secretary of State to implement these policies. Their joint efforts ensure that personalized plates serve their intended purpose without causing offense or confusion on public roads. More information about vehicle registration and license plate regulations can be found on the Illinois Department of Transportation website.
Vanity plates have long been a popular way for drivers to showcase personality, hobbies, or humor on their vehicles. However, as this year’s rejected list shows, not all creative ideas make the cut. The Illinois Secretary of State’s transparency in sharing these examples offers a lighthearted look at the challenges of regulating personalized plates while reminding applicants to choose wisely.
For those interested in applying for a vanity plate or learning more about the application process, the Illinois Secretary of State’s official site provides a comprehensive guide and online application portal, accessible at CyberDrive Illinois. The site outlines the criteria for approval and provides tips to avoid common pitfalls that lead to rejection.
As Illinois drivers gear up for 2026, the Secretary of State’s office continues to encourage creativity within the bounds of respect and clarity, ensuring that personalized plates remain a fun and positive way to identify vehicles on the road.
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