Vehicle registration plates of Delaware

Last updated

Delaware
Delaware plate, 2008 series with 2013 sticker.png
Current series
Size12 in × 6 in
30 cm × 15 cm
MaterialAluminum
Serial format123456
Introduced2008 (2008)
Availability
Issued by Delaware Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles
Manufactured byWaldale Manufacturing Limited, Amherst, Nova Scotia
History
First issuedMay 1, 1909 (1909-05-01)
(pre-state plates from 1905 through April 30, 1909)

The U.S. state of Delaware first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1909, when the state began to issue plates. [1] Beginning in 1910, plates were issued in sequential order from the number 1 upwards. [2]

Contents

As of 2022, plates are issued by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) through its Division of Motor Vehicles. Only rear plates have been required on standard passenger vehicles since 1945. All plates issued since 1942 can still be used with current stickers. Authorized reproductions of porcelain enamel plates can be obtained through a private vendor, [3] provided they fall within the state's guidelines.

In 1956, the United States, Canada, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for license plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes. [4] The first Delaware license plate that complied with these standards was issued in 1958.

Delaware allows plate-owners to transfer the rights to display a particular number on their vehicle. The inherent scarcity of low-digit plates has spawned a vibrant secondary market for low numbers. [5]

Secondary market

In Delaware, plate number 1 is reserved for the governor, 2 for the lieutenant governor, and 3 for the secretary of state. But all other numbers 4 and higher are allowed to be traded. [5] Additionally, plates up to 87,000 are allowed to display replica porcelain enamel plates. These factors have caused low plate-numbers to become positional goods and status symbols. [6]

Marketplaces have been created to facilitate exchanges. As of August 2023, one such market, Low Digit Plates, has priced five-digit plates in the low-thousands of dollars, and three-digit plates approaching $70,000. [7] Single-digit plates are particularly valuable. Plate number 9 was traded for $185,000 in 1994 (equivalent to $380,000in 2023). In 2008, number 6 went for $675,000 ($955,000 in 2023). [5]

Passenger baseplates

This is a list of the plate templates used by Delaware.

1909 to 1942

No slogans were used on passenger plates during the period covered by this subsection.

ImageFirst issuedDesignSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1909White on black porcelain; "DEL. 1909" at top12341001 to approximately 1500Serials followed on from those on pre-state-issued plates.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1910Black on white porcelain; "DEL. 1910" at top1231 to approximately 900
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1911White on dark blue porcelain; "DEL. 1911" at top12341 to approximately 1300
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1912White on maroon porcelain; "DEL. 1912" at top12341 to approximately 1800
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1913White on black porcelain; vertical "DEL" and "1913" at left and right respectively12341 to approximately 2000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg As above, but with "DEL 13" at right2001 to approximately 2500
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1914Yellow on black porcelain; "DEL 14" at right12341 to approximately 3200
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1915Blue on white porcelain; "DEL 15" at right12341 to approximately 4700
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1916White on dark green; "DEL 16" at right12341 to approximately 7000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1917White on black; "DEL 17" at right12341 to approximately 10700
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1918White on brown; "DEL 18" at right123451 to approximately 13000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1919White on dark blue with border line; "DEL 19" at right123451 to approximately 13100
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1920Black on light green with border line; "DEL 20" at right123451 to approximately 18100
1921 Delaware license plate.jpg 1921Red on white with border line; "DEL 21" at right123451 to approximately 20800
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1922Blue on white with border line; "DEL 22" at right12-3451 to approximately
23-300
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1923White on black with border line; "DEL 23" at right12-3451 to approximately
25-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1924Brown on white with border line; "DEL 24" at right12-3451 to 20-000;
30-001 to approximately
39-000
Serials 20-001 through 30-000 reserved for commercial vehicles. [8]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1925Black on orange with border line; "DEL 25" at right12-3451 to 30-000;
45-001 to approximately
48-000
Serials 30-001 through 45-000 reserved for commercial vehicles and tractor units. [8]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1926Yellow on blue with border line; "DEL 26" at right12-3451 to approximately
37-000
Delaware 1927 license plate.jpg 1927Red on gray with border line; "DEL 27" at right12-3451 to approximately
40-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1928Black on white with border line; "DEL 28" at right12-3451 to approximately
50-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1929Blue on golden yellow with border line; diamond at left and "DEL 29" at right12-3451 to approximately
47-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1930Golden yellow on blue with border line; diamond at left and "DEL 30" at right12-3451 to approximately
45-000
1931 Delaware License Plate 17411.jpg 1931As 1929 base, but with "DEL 31" at right12-3451 to approximately
48-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1932As 1930 base, but with "DEL '32" at right12-3451 to approximately
47-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1933As 1929 base, but with "DEL '33" at right12-3451 to approximately
48-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1934As 1930 base, but with "DEL '34" at right12-3451 to approximately
47-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1935As 1929 base, but with "DEL '35" at right12-3451 to approximately
48-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1936Golden yellow on blue with border line; "DELAWARE – 36" at bottom12♦3451 to approximately 51♦000First use of the full state name.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1937Blue on golden yellow with border line; "DELAWARE – 37" at bottom12♦3451 to approximately 53♦000
1938 Delaware license plate.jpg 1938Red on silver with border line; "DELAWARE – 38" at bottom12♦3451 to approximately 55♦000
1939-Delaware-license-plate.jpg 1939Silver on maroon with border line; "DELAWARE – 39" at bottom12♦3451 to approximately 58♦000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1940Blue on golden yellow; "DEL. EX. 3-31-41" at bottom12♦3451 to approximately 60♦000
1942 Delaware license plate 2.jpg 1941Golden yellow on blue; "DELAWARE 3-31-42" at top12♦3451 to approximately 59♦000

1942 to present

ImageFirst issuedDesignSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
1942 Delaware license plate.jpg 1942White on black porcelain; "DEL." at top with tab slots to left and rightnone12♦3451 to approximately 87♦0001Measures 5.5" x 9.5". Month/day tab (3/31 in black on white, 6/30 in white on green, 9/30 in white on red, or 12/31 in white on brown) fitted at top left and year tab (even-numbered years in blue on gold and odd-numbered years in gold on blue) at top right until 1963, when sticker revalidation commenced. Issued in pairs until 1945; only rear plates have been required ever since. Authorized modern reproductions allowed.
Delaware license plate 1948 graphic.png 1947Riveted polished stainless steel serial on black painted stainless steel base plate. Base embossed with Delaware on top. Insert space at bottom. Insert format continued as original.none1234561 to 2000001Plates varied in size:
5-digit 9.5 x 5.5 in
6 digit 11 x 5.5 in.
Renewed with metal tabs.
Delaware license plate 1952 graphic.png 1951Riveted reflective white scotchlite painted stainless steel serial on black painted stainless steel base plate. Base plate embossed with Delaware on top. Insert spaces at bottom. Insert format continued as original.none1234561 to 2000001Plates were smaller than the 6 digit plates if they were 5 digits or lower.
Renewed with metal tabs.
1954 Delaware license plate.jpg 1954Riveted reflective-coated steel serial on black painted stainless steel base plate. Base plate embossed with Delaware on top. Insert spaces at bottom. Insert format continued as original.none1234561 to 2000001Plates with or less 5 digits were smaller than 6 digit plates.
Renewed with metal tabs.
Delaware license plate 1959 graphic.png 1958Riveted gold serial on reflective dark blue plate; "DELAWARE" centered at top; tab slots at bottomnone1234564 to approximately 2130001-2First 6" x 12" plate. Validated with tabs until 1963, and with stickers thereafter.
1969 Delaware license plate 520731.jpg 1962Riveted gold serial on reflective dark blue plate; "DELAWARE" centered at bottom"THE FIRST STATE" centered at top1234564 to approximately 2620001-2Validated with stickers.
Delaware license plate, 2008.png 1969Screened gold serial on reflective dark blue plate with gold border; "DELAWARE" centered at bottom"THE FIRST STATE" centered at top1234564 to 9999991-2Several variations of the font used for the serial exist. Some replacement plates have riveted numbers.[ citation needed ]
Delaware plate, 2008 series with 2013 sticker.png 2008Plates have a beveled edge around the plate as opposed to the previous all-flat plates.

Notes:
1 The state recycles serials, so they can be found on any base.
2 Serials 1, 2 and 3 reserved for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State respectively. Plates with these serials are blue on gold with the state's coat of arms at the left.

Non-passenger plates

Delaware does not use leading zeros on its plates, so serials are composed of a variable number of digits.

ImageTypeSloganSerial formatNotes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Commercial The First StateC123456
C/L123456
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Dealer The First StateD12345
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Farm TruckThe First StateFT1234
Delaware handicap plate HP32076.jpg Handicapped The First StateHP12345 International Symbol of Access at left.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Limousine The First StateLX1234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Motorcycle none12345"M/C" at bottom left.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Pleasure CommercialThe First StateP/C123456Issued to station wagons and sport utility vehicles.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Recreational Trailer The First StateRT1234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Recreational Vehicle The First StateRV12345
Blank License Plate Shape.svg State-Owned The First StateS1234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Street Rod The First StateSR123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Taxi The First StateTX1234
Delaware temporary tags (2015).jpg Temporary RegistrationThe First StateXA123456Delaware started issuing temporary tags with an all-numeric format, then moved to the letter X as a prefix, then XA, XB, XC, XD, XP then XQ as of June 19, 2021
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Trailer The First StateT123456

Optional plates

Delaware does not use leading zeros on its plates, so serials are composed of a variable number of digits.

ImageTypeSerial formatNotes
Delaware 2009 Centennial license plate-.jpg Centennial of Delaware License PlatesRemakes of passenger serials:
123456
Remakes of pleasure commercial serials:
P/C123456
Issued from October 1, 2008, through December 31, 2009. [9] Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 2008 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the first time Delaware was so honored. [10]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Disabled American Veterans 123DAV
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Duck Remakes of passenger serials:
123456
A portion of the proceeds from this license plate's sales benefit Delaware's two National Estuary Programs: the Center for the Inland Bays [11] and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. [12] These funds are used to improve the health of Delaware's coastal waterways, bays, and estuaries.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Lighthouse Remakes of passenger serials:
123456
Remakes of pleasure commercial serials:
P/C123456
A portion of the proceeds from this license plate's sales benefit Delaware's two National Estuary Programs: the Center for the Inland Bays [11] and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. [12] These funds are used to improve the health of Delaware's coastal waterways and bays, or "estuaries."
Blank License Plate Shape.svg LighthousePersonalizedvariousA portion of the proceeds from this license plate's sales benefit Delaware's two National Estuary Program's: the Center for the Inland Bays [11] and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. [12] These funds are used to improve the health of Delaware's coastal waterways and bays, or "estuaries."
Blank License Plate Shape.svg PassengerPersonalizedvarious
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Purple Heart P/H1234
Delaware Whip Plate.jpg State Legislators Legislators' initials:
A. B. C.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Support PollinatorsRemakes of passenger serials:
123456
First issued June 2021. Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 2021 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the second time Delaware was so honored. [13]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Telephone PioneersTP1234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg University of Delaware UD1234
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Volunteer Firefighter V/F1234

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plate</span> Devices displaying a character string that uniquely identifies a particular vehicle.

A vehicle registration plate, also known as a number plate or license plate or licence plate, is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identification purposes. All countries require registration plates for road vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Whether they are required for other vehicles, such as bicycles, boats, or tractors, may vary by jurisdiction. The registration identifier is a numeric or alphanumeric ID that uniquely identifies the vehicle or vehicle owner within the issuing region's vehicle register. In some countries, the identifier is unique within the entire country, while in others it is unique within a state or province. Whether the identifier is associated with a vehicle or a person also varies by issuing agency. There are also electronic license plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle license plates of the United States</span> American vehicle license plates

In the United States, vehicle registration plates, known as license plates, are issued by a department of motor vehicles, an agency of the state or territorial government, or in the case of the District of Columbia, the district government. Some Native American tribes also issue plates. The U.S. federal government issues plates only for its own vehicle fleet and for vehicles owned by foreign diplomats. Until the 1980s, diplomatic plates were issued by the state in which the consulate or embassy was located.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Indiana</span> Adding vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Indiana first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until July 1, 1913, when the state began to issue plates.

Vehicle registration plates of Canada, also known as licence plates, are issued by provincial or territorial government agencies. Registration plates in Canada are typically attached to motor vehicles or trailers for official identification purposes. Some Canadian registration plates have unique designs, shapes, and slogans related to the issuing jurisdiction. For example, registration plates issued in the Northwest Territories are shaped like a polar bear. In Alberta, registration plates typically display the words "Wild Rose Country."

In the United States, the appearance of license plates is frequently chosen to contain symbols, colors, or slogans associated with the issuing jurisdiction, which are the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the five inhabited U.S. territories, and Native American tribes, each of which independently registers motor vehicles. Regular-issue license plates for passenger vehicles typically have six or seven characters, with vanity plates having up to eight characters in a few states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Nebraska</span> Nebraska vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Nebraska first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1915, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of New York</span> New York vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of New York was the first to require its residents to register their motor vehicles, in 1901. Registrants provided their own license plates for display, featuring their initials until 1903 and numbers thereafter, until the state began to issue plates in 1910.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Massachusetts</span> Massachusetts vehicle license plates

Massachusetts was the first U.S. state to issue license plates on September 1, 1903, to Frederick Tudor. Plates are currently issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

The U.S. state of Illinois first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1907. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1911, when the state began to issue plates. As of 2023, plates are issued by the Illinois Secretary of State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Alaska</span> Alaska vehicle license plates

Alaska first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1921, while still an organized incorporated territory of the United States. It was admitted to the Union as the 49th state in January 1959.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Alabama</span> Alabama vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Alabama first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1911.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Ohio</span> Ohio vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Ohio first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1908, although several cities within the state issued their own license plates from as early as 1902.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Rhode Island</span> Rhode Island vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Rhode Island first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1904. Plates are currently issued by the Rhode Island Department of Revenue through its Division of Motor Vehicles. Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Texas</span> Texas vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Texas first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1907. Registrants provided their own license plates for display, with serial numbers assigned by their county of residence, until the state began to issue plates in 1917.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Utah</span> Utah vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Utah first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1909. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1915, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Virginia</span> Virginia vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Virginia first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1906. As of 2022, plates are issued by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Washington, D.C.</span>

The U.S. federal district of Washington, D.C., first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1907, when the district began to issue plates. Plates are issued by the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles. Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Alberta</span>

The Canadian province of Alberta first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1906. Registrants provided their own licence plates for display until 1912, when the province began to issue plates. Only rear plates have been required since 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of California</span> California vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of California first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1914, when the state began to issue plates. Plates are currently issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Connecticut</span> Connecticut vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Connecticut first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1905, when the state began to issue plates. Since then, Connecticut has used a variety of license plate designs, and has issued different designs for passenger, non-passenger, and, more recently, optional plate types that often require an additional fee. As of 2024, plates are issued by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.

References

  1. "Old Delaware License Plates". LeatherLicensePlates.com. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
  2. "DMV History - Division of Motor Vehicles". Delaware DMV. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  3. http://www.dehistoricplate.com/ Delaware Historic Plate Company
  4. Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
  5. 1 2 3 Crockett, Zachary. "Delaware License Plates - Freakonomics" (Podcast). Freakonomics. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  6. Liu, Boyang (Fall 2014). Positional Competition: From Low-Number License Plates to McMansions (M.Sc.). University of Delaware. pp. 1–2. UMI Number 1585159. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  7. "Numbers Only - Delaware's Marketplace for Low Digit Black Tags". lowdigittags.com. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  8. 1 2 Tanner, Eric N. "Delaware Passenger License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  9. "Centennial License Plate". Delaware Department of Transportation. Archived from the original on November 7, 2008. Retrieved November 25, 2008.
  10. "State Receives "Best Plate of the Year" Award Honors For Limited Edition Centennial Plate". Delaware.gov. May 20, 2009. Archived from the original on May 22, 2009. Retrieved May 26, 2009.
  11. 1 2 3 "Home". inlandbays.org.
  12. 1 2 3 "Home". delawareestuary.org.
  13. "DMV Support Pollinators plate wins national collectors' award". Cape Gazette . Lewes, DE. June 5, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2022.