More than 50,000 standard-issue license plates with the national motto "In God We Trust" have been sold in Kentucky since the plate was introduced in January. In Russell County a total of 303 have been sold since the County Clerk's office began offering them on January 10.

This year, for the first time, Kentucky motorists registering passenger vehicles are able to choose between two standard-issue license plates. Both feature the "Unbridled Spirit" brand, but one plate also bears the national motto, "In God We Trust."

According to Allison Richardson with the Clerk's office customers are usually asked which plate they would prefer of the two when applying for a new plate.

Both plates are available in county clerk offices for the standard-issue fee of $21 each. Unlike a special license plate, there is no extra fee for a standard-issue plate.

"We've had a lot of positive response," said County Clerk Lisha Popplewell, "They can get either plate and it's the same price, so now everyone has a choice which they would prefer."

Sales of the "In God We Trust" plate thus far in 2011 totaled 50,261 in the state at the close of business on Friday, May 13. That was about 15 percent of new standard-issue plates purchased. Sales of the other "Unbridled Spirit" plate stood at 275,459. In Russell County the percentage is much closer to 50 percent. The 303 "In God We Trust" plates sold represents 67 percent of the total of 450 plates the county has initially received.

The Legislature, through KRS Chapter 186, has given the Transportation Cabinet responsibility for registration and regulation of motor vehicles.

The statute sets minimum requirements for a standard-issue plate - the Kentucky name, county name, three letters and three digits - but does not dictate design. It has been five years since Kentucky's last license plate design change.