Preferred plates are requested through the Office of Governor, State House Room 144, 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02903. Additional information is located in the Cancel Plates Section of our website. Plates may be cancelled at any DMV branch location through their Drop Box, at a AAA Branch office (members only) or online through our Online Plate Cancellation page.

New Registrations can be completed at any DMV Branch Location, by mail, or by DMV Drop Box. Please refer to the New Registration Section of our website. Veteran Placard, Plates and Registration Information.If any questions arise related to the information contained in the translated website, please refer to the English version. Any discrepancies or differences created in the translation are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes. The web pages currently in English on the DMV website are the official and accurate source for the program information and services the DMV provides. The DMV is unable to guarantee the accuracy of any translation provided by Google™ Translate and is therefore not liable for any inaccurate information or changes in the formatting of the pages resulting from the use of the translation application tool. Google™ Translate is a free third-party service, which is not controlled by the DMV. This translation application tool is provided for purposes of information and convenience only. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website uses Google™ Translate to provide automatic translation of its web pages. 2011 – the DMV web address, “dmv.ca.gov”, is added to the bottom of the standard “California” red script license plate.2001 – standard plate is white with blue characters and “California” in red script.1998 through 2000 – standard plates contain the words SESQUICENTENNIAL – 150 YEARS in red block letters at the bottom of the plates.1997 – stickers were made with background colors that change every year.1993 – the word “California” changed to red script.1991 – only reflectorized standard plates were issued.1987 – reflectorized plates with “California” in red block letters were issued.Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and “California” in red block letters.1976 – year-round registration started, which requires a month expiration sticker affixed to the upper left hand corner of the plate.Last year any black/yellow plates were issued. 1970 – standard plate changed to a blue background with yellow characters.

1963 – earliest license plate that is still valid (the plates had a black background and chrome yellow characters).

The History of California License Plates (1963-present)

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