What black California license plates are and who can get them

Black California license plates are the vintage-style plates with white lettering that look like plates from the 1960s and 1970s. They are officially called Black Plates or Vintage Plates, and the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues them only to vehicles that are at least 25 years old. The plates display your vehicle's year of manufacture instead of a renewal sticker, so you never need to renew them.

You cannot get black plates for a newer vehicle, even if you want the look. The DMV enforces the 25-year rule strictly. Your vehicle must have been manufactured in the year shown on the plate — if you have a 1999 vehicle, you can get a black plate that says 1999, but not one that says 1975.

Black plates are legal to use on public roads in California. Some people use them on daily drivers, though they are more common on classic cars, hot rods, and vehicles owners want to preserve in original condition.

Key Takeaways

  • Your vehicle must be at least 25 years old, which means it was manufactured in 1999 or earlier if you are explore in 2024.
  • You will need your current registration, proof of vehicle ownership, and the vehicle's original manufacture year to explore.
  • You can explore in person at a DMV office, by mail, or through the DMV website if your vehicle qualifies.
  • Black plates cost the same as standard California plates and do not require annual renewal stickers.
  • Once issued, black plates stay with the vehicle and transfer to new owners if the vehicle is sold.

Verify your vehicle's manufacture year before you start

The first step is confirming that your vehicle was actually manufactured 25 or more years ago. The year on your registration document is not always the manufacture year — it is often the model year, which can be different. A 1999 model year vehicle might have been built in late 1998, or a 2000 model year vehicle might have been built in late 1999.

Find the actual manufacture date by looking at the vehicle identification number (VIN). The 10th digit of the VIN is the year code. For vehicles made from 1980 onward, the code uses letters: A = 1980, B = 1981, and so on through Y = 2000. After 2000, the pattern repeats: A = 2010, B = 2011, and so on. You can use the DMV's VIN decoder on their website or contact a classic car club to confirm the year if you are unsure.

If your registration says 1999 but the VIN shows the vehicle was built in 2000, you cannot get black plates — the manufacture year is what matters, not the model year. This is the most common reason applications are denied.

Gather the documents you will need

The DMV requires specific paperwork to process a black plate request. Have these items ready before you visit a DMV office or submit an process by mail:

  • Your current vehicle registration (the pink slip or registration card)
  • Proof of ownership (title, bill of sale, or loan documents)
  • A completed process for Identification Number or Verification of Vehicle (Form REG 43) if the DMV requests it
  • A photo ID showing your name and address
  • Payment for the plate fee (currently $40 for the initial issuance, though this amount can change)

If your vehicle's title is old or missing, contact the DMV before you explore — they can help you get a replacement title or verify ownership through other means. Do not assume a missing title will automatically disqualify you; the DMV has processes for this situation.

Keep copies of everything you submit. If the DMV needs to contact you with questions, having copies on hand makes it faster to respond.

explore through the DMV website, by mail, or in person

California offers three ways to request black plates. The fastest is usually the DMV website, where you can submit your request and pay the fee online without visiting an office. Go to the DMV's official website, select "Plates and Decals," then choose "Black Plates." You will answer questions about your vehicle and upload photos of your VIN and registration. The DMV will review your submission and contact you within two to four weeks.

If you prefer to explore by mail, read the appropriate form from the DMV website (usually Form REG 43 or the black plate process form), fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your registration and proof of ownership to the DMV address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the plate fee. Mail applications take longer — typically four to six weeks — because the DMV processes them in batches.

You can also walk into a DMV office with your documents and request black plates in person. Bring your registration, proof of ownership, photo ID, and payment. An employee will review your documents on the spot and can often tell you when ready whether your vehicle qualifies. If approved, you will receive your plates within one to two weeks by mail.

What happens after the DMV approves your request

Once the DMV approves your black plate request, they will mail the plates to the address on your registration. The plates arrive in a cardboard sleeve with a registration card. Remove the old plates from your vehicle and install the new black plates using the same mounting hardware.

You do not need to return your old plates to the DMV, though some people keep them as a memento. If you want to return them, you can drop them off at any DMV office.

Your registration card will show the new plate number. Keep this card in your vehicle. You will not receive renewal stickers because black plates do not expire — the manufacture year printed on the plate is permanent. Your registration itself still renews every two years (or annually, depending on your vehicle), but you renew it through the normal DMV process without ordering new plates.

What to do if the DMV denies your request

The most common reason for denial is that the vehicle does not meet the 25-year age requirement. If the DMV says your vehicle is too new, double-check the manufacture year using your VIN. If you believe the DMV made an error, you can request a reconsideration by submitting a letter explaining why you think the decision was wrong, along with documentation of the manufacture year.

If your vehicle's ownership or title status is unclear, the DMV may ask for additional documentation. Respond to any DMV request within the timeframe they provide — usually 30 days. If you do not respond, your process will be closed and you will need to reapply.

If you are denied and believe it is an error, visit a DMV office in person and speak with a supervisor. Bring your VIN documentation and any paperwork that proves the manufacture year. A supervisor can sometimes override a denial or explain what additional steps you need to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get black plates for a vehicle I am still paying off?

Yes. The lender's name on your title does not prevent you from getting black plates. Bring your loan documents or a letter from the lender as proof of ownership, along with your registration. The DMV does not require the title to be in your name alone.

Do black plates cost more than regular California plates?

No. Black plates cost the same as standard plates — currently $40 for the initial issuance. You do not pay renewal fees because the plates never expire. Your vehicle registration still renews normally, but you do not order new plates.

What if I sell my vehicle — do the black plates stay with it?

Yes. Black plates transfer to the new owner. When you sell the vehicle, the new owner can keep the black plates or request standard plates if they prefer. The plates are tied to the vehicle, not to you as the owner.

Can I use black plates on a vehicle I drive every day?

Yes, black plates are street-legal and work exactly like standard plates. Some people use them on daily drivers, though they are more common on classic cars and weekend vehicles. There are no restrictions on how often you drive a vehicle with black plates.

How long does it take to get black plates after I explore?

Online and in-person applications typically take one to two weeks after approval. Mail applications take four to six weeks total because the DMV processes them in batches. The DMV will contact you if they need additional information, which can add time to the process.