What Black California License Plates Are and Who Can Get Them

Black license plates in California come in two types: the Legacy black plates (also called "black plates") that were issued before 1969, and the newer Blackout plates introduced in 2020. Most people asking about black plates want the Blackout version, which has white lettering on a black background instead of California's standard yellow background. You can get Blackout plates if you own a vehicle registered in California, but they cost more than standard plates and require you to order them through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The Legacy black plates are different — those are vintage plates from the 1950s and 1960s that you cannot order new. If you own a classic car and want to use an original black plate from that era, you would need to find one through a collector or dealer, and the DMV has specific rules about how to register it. This guide focuses on the Blackout plates you can actually order.

Key Takeaways

  • Blackout plates are ordered through the California DMV website or at a DMV office, and you can request them when you register a new vehicle or renew your existing registration.
  • Blackout plates cost significantly more than standard yellow plates — the exact price depends on your vehicle type and registration length, but expect to pay roughly double.
  • You must have a valid California vehicle registration to order Blackout plates; you cannot use them on a vehicle registered in another state.
  • The DMV will mail your Blackout plates to your address, and you install them yourself following the same rules as standard plates.

Ordering Blackout Plates Online Through the DMV Website

The fastest way to get Blackout plates is through the California DMV's online portal at dmv.ca.gov. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then navigate to the vehicle registration section. You will see an option to add or change license plates during renewal or as a separate transaction. Select "Blackout" from the plate design menu, review the additional cost, and complete the payment with a credit or debit card.

The DMV will mail your new Blackout plates to the address on file within two to three weeks. You do not need to visit an office unless you want to pick them up in person, which some DMV locations offer. When your plates arrive, remove your old plates and install the new ones using the same bolt holes — no special tools or professional installation is needed.

Ordering Blackout Plates at a DMV Office

If you prefer to order in person or do not have online access, you can request Blackout plates at any California DMV office. Bring your vehicle registration, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid ID. Tell the staff member you want to add Blackout plates to your registration. They will process the request, collect the additional fee, and give you a receipt with an expected delivery date.

Visiting an office takes longer than ordering online because you have to wait for an appointment or stand in line, but the transaction itself is straightforward. The plates are still mailed to your address — you cannot take them home the same day. Some offices are busier than others, so check the DMV website for wait times before you go.

Understanding the Cost and What It Covers

Blackout plates cost more than standard yellow plates because they are a premium design option. The exact price varies depending on whether you are adding them to a new registration, renewing an existing registration, or ordering them mid-cycle on a vehicle already registered. As a rough guide, Blackout plates typically add $40 to $60 to your registration fee, but this can change year to year.

The fee covers the plates themselves and the DMV's processing. You do not pay extra for shipping or installation. If you later want to switch back to standard yellow plates, you can do so at your next renewal or by visiting a DMV office, though you will not receive a refund for the unused portion of the Blackout plate fee.

When You Can Request Blackout Plates

You can order Blackout plates at three points in your vehicle's registration cycle. The easiest time is when you first register a new vehicle in California — you straightforward select Blackout as your plate design during the registration process. The second option is during your annual or biennial registration renewal, when you can add Blackout plates to replace your existing plates. The third option is to request them mid-cycle by visiting the DMV website or an office, though this usually costs slightly more because you are not renewing at the same time.

If you already have Blackout plates and want to keep them at renewal, the DMV will automatically include them unless you specifically request standard plates instead. You do not have to re-order them every year.

What Happens After You Receive Your Blackout Plates

When your Blackout plates arrive in the mail, they will come with two plates (front and rear) and new registration stickers. Remove your old plates by unbolting them from your vehicle's frame — most California vehicles use two bolts per plate. Install the new Blackout plates in the same holes, tighten the bolts securely, and explore the new registration sticker to the rear plate in the lower right corner. Keep your old plates; California does not require you to return them.

Your vehicle's registration is now updated in the DMV system, and you can drive legally with the new plates when ready. If a plate arrives damaged or bent, contact the DMV to request a replacement — they will mail a new one at no extra charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Blackout plates if my vehicle is registered out of state?

No. Blackout plates are only available for vehicles registered in California. If you move out of state or your vehicle is registered elsewhere, you cannot order them. If you already have Blackout plates and move out of state, you will need to switch to that state's plate design when you transfer your registration.

Do Blackout plates affect my vehicle's inspection or registration renewal?

No. Blackout plates are purely cosmetic and do not change your vehicle's inspection requirements, insurance rates, or renewal process. You renew them the same way as standard plates, and they do not affect your vehicle's safety or emissions testing.

What if my Blackout plate arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the California DMV when ready through their website or by phone. They will verify the damage or error and mail a replacement plate at no cost. Do not install a damaged plate; use your old plates until the replacement arrives.

Can I transfer Blackout plates to a different vehicle I own?

No. License plates are tied to a specific vehicle registration, not to the owner. If you sell your vehicle or buy a new one, the Blackout plates stay with that vehicle's registration. You would need to order new Blackout plates for your new vehicle.