What the black license plate is and who can get one
California's black license plate — officially called the Legacy plate — is an optional design you can choose instead of the standard blue plate. It has white lettering and a black background, and it looks similar to plates from the 1960s and 1970s. You do not have to get one; it is purely a choice about how your plate looks.
Any California driver with a valid driver's license can request a Legacy plate when you renew your registration or get new plates. There are no special requirements beyond having a current, valid registration. If your vehicle is already registered, you can switch to a Legacy plate at any time by paying a fee and submitting a form to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Key Takeaways
- The Legacy plate is a black plate with white lettering that any California driver can choose; it is purely cosmetic and has no legal difference from the standard blue plate.
- You can request a Legacy plate when you renew your vehicle registration or at any other time by submitting Form REG 43 to the DMV and paying a one-time fee.
- The fee for a Legacy plate is a one-time charge added to your registration renewal or replacement; the exact amount depends on your vehicle type and current registration status.
- You can order a Legacy plate by mail, online through the DMV website, or in person at a DMV office or authorized auto club location.
How to order a Legacy plate when you renew your registration
The easiest time to get a Legacy plate is during your regular registration renewal. When you renew online through the DMV website, you will see the option to add a Legacy plate to your order. You straightforward select it, pay the fee, and the new plate arrives in the mail within a few weeks. The same option appears if you renew by mail or in person at a DMV office.
If you are renewing in person, bring your current registration card and a form of payment. Tell the DMV representative that you want to add a Legacy plate. They will process the request and collect the fee at that time. Your new plate will be mailed to the address on your registration.
How to switch to a Legacy plate outside of renewal
You do not have to wait for your registration to expire. You can request a Legacy plate at any time by submitting Form REG 43 (process for Replacement License Plates) to the DMV. You can read this form from the DMV website, pick one up at a DMV office, or request one by mail.
Fill out the form with your vehicle information and current license plate number. Check the box for "Legacy Plate" and include payment for the fee. Mail the form and payment to your local DMV office, or bring it in person. You can also order online through the DMV website if you have your current registration information handy. The new plate typically arrives within two to three weeks.
What the Legacy plate costs
The fee for a Legacy plate is a one-time charge. The exact amount varies depending on your vehicle type and whether you are replacing an existing plate or adding it during renewal. For most passenger vehicles, the fee is typically between $40 and $50, but this can differ based on your specific situation.
Contact your local DMV office or check the DMV website to confirm the current fee for your vehicle type before you submit your request. The fee is non-refundable once you have ordered the plate, even if you change your mind later.
Where to order your Legacy plate
You have three main options for ordering a Legacy plate. The DMV website (dmv.ca.gov) allows you to order online if you have your current registration information. You can pay by credit card or debit card, and the plate will be mailed to you.
You can also visit a DMV office in person and request a Legacy plate at the counter. Bring your current registration card and a form of payment. Some authorized auto clubs, such as AAA, can also process Legacy plate requests on behalf of the DMV, though not all locations offer this service.
If you prefer to order by mail, read Form REG 43 from the DMV website, fill it out completely, include your payment, and mail it to your local DMV office. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want confirmation of receipt. Processing by mail typically takes longer than online or in-person orders.
What happens after you order
Once your order is processed, the DMV will mail your new Legacy plate to the address on your registration. This usually takes two to four weeks. You will also receive a registration card that matches your new plate number.
When the plate arrives, remove your old plate and install the new one. You are required by law to display the plate on your vehicle within a certain timeframe — typically within 10 days of receiving it. Keep your old plate until you have installed the new one, in case you need proof of your previous plate number for any reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my current license plate number when I switch to a Legacy plate?
No. When you order a Legacy plate, you will receive a new plate number. If you have a personalized or vanity plate, you can transfer the personalization to your new Legacy plate, but the base plate number will change. Contact the DMV to discuss your options if you have a vanity plate.
Do I need to update my vehicle registration or insurance when I get a Legacy plate?
Your registration will automatically update to reflect your new plate number. You should notify your insurance company of the new plate number so your policy records are accurate, though this is typically a quick phone call or online update.
What if I want to switch back to a standard blue plate later?
Yes, you can switch back to a standard blue plate at any time by requesting replacement plates through the DMV. You will pay the standard replacement plate fee, which is lower than the Legacy plate fee. The process is the same: submit Form REG 43 or order online.
Is the Legacy plate available for commercial vehicles or motorcycles?
The Legacy plate design is available for most vehicle types, including motorcycles, but availability and fees may vary. Contact the DMV directly to confirm whether your specific vehicle type is may be able to access for a Legacy plate.
How long does it take to receive my Legacy plate after I order it?
Standard processing takes two to four weeks for mail delivery. Online and in-person orders typically process faster than mail orders. If you need your plate urgently, ask the DMV about expedited processing options when you place your order.