I'd like to pick up a set of older license plates to match my project but reading a lot of the ads, the sellers are saying the plates have not been cleared with the DMV. That got me thinking, what is required to get a set registered? Would these be considered custom plates?
It depends entirely on the rules of your particular DMV/ MVA. Best to check their website or go in for a "cordial" visit.
California right? The sellers I've dealt with guarantee that the plates are clear. If you have a plate number you can call the dmv and see if they are assigned or clear. Keep in mind that the plate has to match the year of your car; ie. if your car is a '58 you get a yellow plate that is embossed with 56 on it or if it's a '65 you'd get a black plate with 63 embossed on it. They are not "custom" per se but you pay a yearly fee upon registration much like a vanity plate but I think not as much.
The basic process generally used is they want to make sure you have actual vintage plates (not reproductions) and the number and/or letter combination isn't currently in service. How the state treats them i.e. as a 'vanity' plate or as a 'vintage' or 'antique' plate varies from state to state. In some places you'll pay the 'regular' fee plus an additional fee at each 'renewal', some places it's a one-time fee but this type usually has driving restrictions attached. You'll really need to check locally to get all the details.
You really should tell us if OC means Orange County, California or something else, the state you are in makes a big difference. Assuming California, call the DMV in Sacramento. If you need a quick answer Google California vanity plate and check to see if the number is available to use for a vanity plate, I don't think there is a problem but some people have claimed this later method doesn't catch all of the data bases. I read somewhere that restored plates are acceptable, they didn't used to be. What vehicle are you working with? You can get a rough idea of the value of the plates from EBAY plus swap meets like Long Beach and LARS (again, assuming OC means Orange County) Charlie Stephens
Thanks for the feedback guys. Yes, OC is California. I'm looking at some 32 plates and have seen them as 'cleared' and not cleared. As much as anyone loves dealing with them I think I week get in touch and get more details. Just wanted to check with you guys first. Thanks!
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?...dmv_content_en/dmv/pubs/reg_hdbk/ch21/ch21_36 https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/c...41dd-b475-0e9b740c7dad/reg352.pdf?MOD=AJPERES Call the DMV and ask them to verify that the plate is not currently in-use. If it is not, follow the above instructions.
If you are in California, you can go on the DMV website, click on the special plates tab, it brings up a 7 box format on the screen, type in the plate your checking, and if the site accepts the digits you have entered, it will move to the next page that asks you for the type of plate you want. At that point, you will know the plate number is clear. If it has been taken, it will turn the boxes red, and let you know the numbers are no good. Just go on the site and play with it, it will save you a few waits in line. But, when you go to actually register the plates to your car YOM, you will need to go to a dmv office in person, and make sure your plates are both present, they can't be dented or rusty, and if you need a corner tab to match you vehicle make sure those are with you also, and in nice condition. It's a pretty straight forward process, but every dmv agent has different levels of experience with doing YOM plate assignments, and you can go through a bit of a hassle if you get a rookie at the window. I have YOM plated (4) of my cars, I bought (2) sets of nos plates, and had 2 sets restored before I ever went in to the office to do it, that way they can't bitch about condition, just a heads up.
Find a SET of clean condition '31 plates and call the DMV with the numbers or buy them from a dealer (oldpl8s on here is one). They're part of the YOM (Year Of Manufacture) program and subject to en extra $10 a year. You get a set that's clear, fill out the paperwork at the DMV register it to your car for 1 year (then you can non op the car or continue to register) and pay the fees OR get a registration company do it all for you (this works good if your registering it for the first time and you just have a pile of parts instead of a car).
I have heard good things about Boulevard Registration, for a start they come to you. The business is small and personal and run by old car people, with you and your car being the center of attention. https://sites.google.com/site/31073553842013boulevard/home
Magnus, I assume you are just trying to register the plates to the car. That is to say the car is already currently registered with another set of plates. Should be a simple task not requiring a Registration Company. If you left something out let us know. Charlie Stephens
Magnus...i just went thru this about 3 months ago here in Calif. I bought the plates from a dealer. You must have a matching pair of the same year as the car your registering them to and may not have any non original holes drilled in them. Take the plates (both) and current registration to DMV. They will photograph the plates and send the pics and photocopy of the registration to Sac for confirmation. About 5-6 weeks later you will get the new registration, month and year stickers and 2 sticker plates to install on your car. The plates do not have to be restored as mine were left in the condition I got them. Painless really, no problems. Hardest part is finding frames that fit these plates, about 1.5" longer than current.
^^^^ True True....... But- if you bring in a set of "not on file" plates, beware of the fact that they will try to say it's a "custom" plate- like a vanity plate..."joe blow", and try to get you for an additional fee...... Gotts to fight for that one...... They are a tricky bunch, and not all smart at the CA department of motor vehicles........ Read up, and do your homework....... Like the X-Files= the truth is out there.........
TEMPTING FATE...... I've got three cars with YOM state plates on them. Ya register the number with the state and keep a current (modern) plate in the car and proof of insurance. There is, of course, a fee to register the plate and the hassle to get it done. Or you just run your plates and don't bother to register them. Since this may be tempting fate, I always keep the current modern tag and insurance proof in the car....
I guess we have it easy in AZ, we can also check the plate number (as a personalized plate) on the internet, then take it in to DMV or a third party registration office, and swap plates, I have them on 3 of mine now...nice old looking plates, not those unbelievable NOS ones.
Jeez, are you guys listening to yourselves? 'Reconditioned plates look fake'... So a restored car looks fake too?
I bought a set of old yellow and black for my 56. I checked on line to see if they were OK. When you do this at this point the state of Ca. just cares it they are issued in any form: black/yellow, blue/yellow, or newer white/blue of today. If they are unused and mine were not I went to a DMV resist ration store in shopping center where the Donut Derolicks meet in Huntington Beach and they did all the leg work. I found the correct yellow paint by matching one of the back sides with some model car as I remember. Redid the black with one shot and some small artist brushes. They took the plates to DMV and I paid a modest fee to them. Ez-peazy ja--nezy. Good luck.
The tax office in my home town has a huge book with the correct colors to compare to your plates. Colors have to be very close or they won't pass. As far as restored plates go, I noticed that the girl commented on how pretty mine were. They can show wear and fading, but not really badly. I also see cars with plates that match the car, and that is illegal, but who is going to know ? If you have both plates, no one else could have registered the same number since you have the set. I don't understand what the CA boys mean when they say if the plate number is not already in use, then it can be issued to you. Wouldn't there be only one number(set) for each year ?
Some states currently use only one plate. And back in the day those same states used two plates. Just a heads up.
AZ is one of those states that used 2 plates thru 1988, one plate since. So we can get away with using a single. I got a pair for my Edsel, the front plate is just as ugly as the car...although I didn't bring the front plate with me to do the swap, so no one knew how bad it was. It matches the car perfectly. If you want to run a set of unrestored crappy looking plates that might not pass muster with the state, a trick to do so would be to get normal new personalized plates with the same number as the old ones you want to run, then when you get them, put the old plates on...you might have to do some shenanigans with the sticker, or wait until renewal is due so you get a new sticker. (lighting is difficult when the plate hides below the ridge in the bumper, but hopefully you get the idea)
Kentucky absolutely the best YOM state. No involvement with the DMV what so ever. Slap them on and go. Gary
Idaho is very cooperative and a phone call will tell you if the number is open then you only need to run 1 plate. I like a nice plate on YOM but or DMV are not car show judges.....
Your right about the number being used once during a year but the problem is no one ever looks at the year, just the number. Charlie Stephens
If California is anything like South Carolina there are combinations of letters or numbers that won't clear,I learned the hard way. I have a South Carolina 1932 "The Iodine State" tag that turned out to be a expensive wall hanger. I suggest looking up the California DMV and see what they have to say about registering old tags,what can and can't be used. HRP
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