Why do oklahoma license plates say imagine that

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Oklahoma license plates say 'Imagine That' because it was selected as the winning slogan in a 2022 public contest held by the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The contest received over 3,500 submissions, and 'Imagine That' was chosen to promote tourism and highlight the state's diverse attractions. The new plates began rolling out in January 2023, replacing the previous 'Explore Oklahoma' slogan that had been used since 2017.

Key Facts

The 'Imagine That' slogan was selected through a public contest in 2022
The contest received over 3,500 slogan submissions from Oklahoma residents
The new plates began distribution in January 2023
The previous slogan was 'Explore Oklahoma' (2017-2022)
The slogan aims to promote tourism and state pride

Overview

The 'Imagine That' slogan on Oklahoma license plates represents a deliberate shift in the state's branding strategy. In 2022, the Oklahoma Tax Commission launched a public contest inviting residents to submit ideas for a new license plate slogan. This initiative followed the 'Explore Oklahoma' plates that had been in circulation since 2017. The contest generated significant public interest, with thousands of Oklahomans participating in the process. The winning slogan was announced in September 2022 after a selection process that involved public voting and final approval by state officials. This marked the first time since 2017 that Oklahoma had changed its license plate slogan, reflecting an ongoing effort to refresh the state's image and messaging to both residents and visitors.

How It Works

The process for selecting and implementing the new slogan involved several coordinated steps. First, the Oklahoma Tax Commission opened the public contest in early 2022, allowing residents to submit slogan suggestions through an online portal. After receiving over 3,500 submissions, officials narrowed the field to several finalists. These finalists were then presented for public voting, allowing Oklahomans to choose their preferred option. Once 'Imagine That' was selected as the winner, the Tax Commission worked with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety to design and produce the new plates. The manufacturing process began in late 2022, with distribution starting in January 2023. As vehicles renew their registrations, they receive the new plates, gradually replacing the older 'Explore Oklahoma' plates across the state.

Why It Matters

The 'Imagine That' slogan matters because it serves multiple important functions for Oklahoma. First, it acts as a tourism promotion tool, encouraging both residents and visitors to imagine the diverse experiences available throughout the state - from cultural attractions to natural wonders. Second, it represents a public engagement success story, demonstrating how state agencies can involve citizens in government decisions. The slogan also has economic implications, as effective state branding can influence tourism revenue and business investment. Furthermore, license plates serve as mobile advertisements that travel beyond state borders, potentially attracting visitors from neighboring states. The timing of the change also coincides with Oklahoma's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy beyond traditional industries, making the positive messaging particularly relevant for current development initiatives.