What Is an American Flag With No Stars
An American flag with no stars is a version of the U.S. national flag that omits the canton of white stars on a blue field. The standard U.S. flag includes 50 white, five-pointed stars representing the 50 states, but certain official and historical variants remove or replace the star field entirely. These versions are used in specific government, military, and ceremonial contexts where the plain stripes are the primary signal. The U.S. Code and executive orders define when such flags may be flown, and official manufacturers follow strict specifications for size, color, and fabric. The plain-stripe design is distinct from the standard flag and is not used as the default national colors in most civilian settings.
The most common form of an American flag with no stars is the civil ensign or merchant flag used on U.S.-registered vessels and at certain customs facilities. The plain thirteen stripes without the star field signal a vessel's nationality without the full national emblem. The U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and other federal agencies use specific flag variants that may omit the stars depending on the situation and the governing directive. These flags are produced by certified flag manufacturers that meet federal specifications for outdoor durability, colorfastness, and stitching. The design is codified in federal procurement standards and is subject to the same material and performance tests as the standard national flag.
Historical Variants and Official Versions
Historical records show that several official U.S. flag designs have used a plain stripe field without stars for specific purposes. During the early republic, some merchant and revenue cutter flags featured only the stripes, and certain military command flags used similar configurations to indicate operational jurisdiction rather than national identity. The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard have used ensigns without the star canton in formal ceremonies and aboard specific classes of vessels. The Smithsonian Institution and the National Archives maintain examples of these historical flags, noting changes in materials, star patterns, and stripe proportions over time. These artifacts are cataloged with precise measurements, dates of manufacture, and associated federal orders.
Modern official variants continue to be produced for government agencies, military commands, and federal installations where the plain-stripe design is prescribed. The General Services Administration lists approved flag specifications in federal supply catalogs, and vendors such as Annin Flagmakers and Valley Forge Flag Company produce these variants under contract. The U.S. Code and executive orders specify when a flag without the star field is appropriate, distinguishing it from the standard 50-star national flag used at embassies, schools, and public buildings. Federal procurement data shows consistent annual spending on these official flag variants, with exact figures reported in agency budget documents and contract announcements.
Where to Buy Official and Compliant Flags
Federal agencies and qualified buyers can purchase American flags with no stars through GSA-approved contractors and certified flag manufacturers. Annin Flagmakers, Valley Forge Flag Company, and Eder Flag are among the major suppliers that produce government-specified flag variants, including plain-stripe ensigns for maritime and customs use. The GSA Advantage system lists these products with detailed specifications for size, fabric, and star-field configuration, allowing agencies to order flags that meet federal standards. Buyers can also find compliant variants through military exchange stores and official government supply chains that follow strict procurement rules.
For civilian and institutional buyers, major flag retailers and online stores carry versions of the plain-stripe design that are suitable for outdoor display, ceremonial use, and collection. Retailers such as USFlagStore and FlagWorld offer flags that reference historical and official configurations, with product descriptions that specify whether the design omits the star canton. The Flag Manufacturers Association of America provides guidelines for quality and construction, and its member companies produce flags that meet or exceed federal specifications. Customers can verify compliance by checking product details for federal stock numbers, material certifications, and references to U.S. Code provisions governing