Current series | |
---|---|
Slogan | visitPA.com |
Size | 12 in × 6 in 30 cm × 15 cm |
Material | Aluminum |
Serial format | ABC-1234 |
Introduced | 2004 2017 | ; latest revision June
Availability | |
Issued by | Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Driver & Vehicle Services |
History | |
First issued | January 1, 1906 (pre-state plates from 1903 through December 31, 1905) |
The U.S. state of Pennsylvania first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1906, when the state began to issue plates. [1]
As of 2022 [update] , plates are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) through its Driver & Vehicle Services division. Only rear plates have been required on standard passenger vehicles since 1952. Most other classes of vehicle also only require rear plates, while front plates are additionally required on passenger vehicles owned by the state, and on vehicles owned by press photographers. [2]
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. [3] The 1955 (dated 1956) issue was the first Pennsylvania license plate that complied with these standards.[ citation needed ]
No slogans were used on passenger plates during the period covered by this subsection.
Image | Dates issued | Design | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1906 | White on blue porcelain; "PENNA 1906" at top or at right (see Notes) | 12345 | 1 to approximately 14000 | Plates with serials 1 through 99 had the state abbreviation and year at the right. This practice continued through 1909. [1] |
![]() | 1907 | White on red porcelain; "PENNA 1907" at top or at right | 12345 | 1 to approximately 20000 | |
![]() | 1908 | Black on yellow porcelain; "PENNA 1908" at top or at right | 12345 | 1 to approximately 25500 | |
![]() | 1909 | Black on white porcelain; "PENNA 1909" at top or at right | 12345 | 1 to approximately 34500 | |
![]() | 1910 | White on black porcelain; "PENNA", aluminum keystone and "1910" at left | 12345 | 1 to approximately 33500 | |
![]() | 1911 | Black on yellow porcelain; "PENNA", aluminum keystone and "1911" at left | 12345 | 1 to approximately 44000 | |
![]() | 1912 | White on woodgrain-colored porcelain; "PENNA", aluminum keystone and "1912" at left | 12345 | 1 to approximately 60000 | |
![]() | 1913 | White on green porcelain; "PENNA", aluminum keystone and "1913" at left | 12345 | 1 to approximately 80000 | |
![]() | 1914 | White on black porcelain; "PENNA", aluminum keystone and "1914" at left | 123456 | 1 to 19999; 40000 to approximately 115000 | |
![]() | 1915 | White on medium blue porcelain; "PENNA", aluminum keystone and "1915" at left | 123456 | 1 to 19999; 30000 to approximately 164000 | |
![]() | 1916 | Embossed black on orange; "PENNA", keystone and "1916" at left | 123456 | 1 to 19999; 30000 to approximately 231000 | First embossed plate. |
![]() | 1917 | Embossed white on brown; "PENNA", keystone and "1917" at left | 123456 | 1 to approximately 312000 | |
![]() | 1918 | Embossed white on black; "PENNA", keystone and "1918" at left | 123456 | 1 to approximately 368000 | |
![]() | 1919 | Embossed red on black; "PENNA", keystone and "1919" at right | 123456 | 1 to approximately 450000 | |
![]() | 1920 | Embossed white on navy blue; "PENNA 1920" at bottom | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 529-000 | |
| 1921 | Embossed black on golden yellow; "PENNA 1921" at bottom, with keystones on either side | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 634-000 | |
| 1922 | Embossed brown on cream; "PENNA 1922" at bottom, with keystones on either side | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 765-000 | |
![]() | 1923 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue; "PENNA 1923" at bottom, with keystones on either side | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 986-000 | Six-digit plates were originally 16 inches in length, but reduced to 15 inches later. |
![]() | 1924 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow; "PENNA 1924" at bottom, with keystones on either side | 123-456 | 1 to 999-999 | |
A-12345 | A-1 to approximately A-49000 | ||||
![]() | 1925 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue; "1925 PENNA" at bottom, with keystones on either side | 123-456 | 1 to 999-999 | |
A12-345 | A-1 to approximately B58-000 | ||||
| 1926 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with border line; "1926 PENNA" at bottom, with keystones on either side | 123-456 | 1 to 999-999 | |
A12-345 | A-1 to approximately C59-000 | ||||
![]() | 1927 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with border line; "1927 PENNA" at top, with keystones on either side | 123-456 | 1 to 999-999 | |
A12-345 | A-1 to approximately D63-000 | ||||
| 1928 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with border line; "PENNA 1928" at top, with keystones on either side | 123-456 | 1 to 999-999 | |
A12-345 | A-1 to approximately E25-000 | ||||
![]() | 1929 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with border line; "1929 PENNA" at top, with keystones on either side | 123-456 | 1 to 999-999 | |
A12-345 | A-1 to approximately F24-000 | ||||
![]() | 1930 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with border line; "1930 PENNA" at bottom, with keystones on either side | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 | Letters I, O, Q, T, W and X not used in serials; this practice continued until 1974. [4] | |
| 1931 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with border line; "PENNA 1931" at bottom, with keystones on either side | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 | ||
![]() | 1932 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with border line; "PENNA 1932" at top, with keystones on either side | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 | ||
| 1933 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with border line; "PENNA 1933" or "1933 PENNA" at top, with keystones on either side | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 | ||
![]() | 1934 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with border line; "1934 PENNA" at bottom, with keystones on either side | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 | ||
| 1935 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with border line; "1935 PENNA" at bottom, with keystones on either side | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 | ||
![]() | 1936 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow; "1936 PENNA" at top, with keystones on either side | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 | ||
![]() | 1937 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with state-shaped border; "1937 PENNA" at top | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 | Later plates had keystones on either side of the year and state abbreviation. | |
![]() | 1938 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with state-shaped border; "1938 PENNA" at top | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 | ||
![]() | 1939–40 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with state-shaped border; "1939 PENNA" at top | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 | Valid through March 31, 1940. | |
![]() | 1940–41 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with state-shaped border; "1940 PENNA" at top | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 | ||
![]() | 1941–42 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with state-shaped border; "1941 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-42" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 | ||
![]() ![]() | 1942–44 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with state-shaped border; "1942 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-43" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 | Revalidated through March 31, 1944, with red tabs, due to metal conservation for World War II. | |
| 1944–45 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with state-shaped border; "1944 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-45" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 | ||
| 1945–46 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with state-shaped border; "1945 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-46" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 | ||
![]() | 1946–47 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with state-shaped border; "1946 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-47" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 | ||
| 1947–48 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with state-shaped border; "1947 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-48" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 | ||
![]() | 1948–49 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with state-shaped border; "1948 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-49" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 | ||
![]() | 1949–50 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with state-shaped border; "1949 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-50" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 123AB | ||
![]() | 1950–51 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with state-shaped border; "1950 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-51" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 123AB | ||
![]() | 1951–52 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with state-shaped border; "1951 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-52" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 123AB A123B | ||
![]() | 1952–53 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with state-shaped border; "1952 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-53" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 123AB A123B | Only rear plates issued; this practice continues today. | |
![]() | 1953–54 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with state-shaped border; "1953 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-54" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 123AB A123B | ||
![]() | 1954–55 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with state-shaped border; "1954 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-55" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 123AB A123B A12B3 | ||
![]() | 1955–56 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with state-shaped border; "1955 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-56" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 123AB A123B A12B3 A1B23 | ||
![]() | 1956–57 | Embossed golden yellow on navy blue with state-shaped border; "1956 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-57" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 123AB A123B A12B3 A1B23 | Later plates used the thinner serial dies that would be used on most plates of the 1957–58 base. T and W briefly used as overflow letters in serials. [4] | |
![]() | 1957–58 | Embossed navy blue on golden yellow with state-shaped border; "1957 PENNA" at top; "EXP. 3-31-58" inside top border | 12345 A1234 1A234 12A34 123A4 1234A AB123 1AB23 12AB3 123AB | ||
![]() | 123456 | 100000 to approximately 880000 | Narrower serial dies. |
Only plates issued since 1999 are currently valid for display. [5]
Image | Dates issued | Design | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1958–60 | Yellow on blue with small keystone separator and state-shaped border | none | 123-456 | 100-000 to 999-999 | Sticker validation through 1964. |
A12-345 | A00-000 to Z99-999 | |||||
1960–63 | 123-45A | 000-00A to 999-99Z | ||||
1963–65 | 1A2-345 | 0A0-000 to approximately 0H8-000 | ||||
![]() | 1965–66 | Blue on yellow with small keystone separator and state-shaped border | none | 123-456 | 100-000 to 999-999 | First use of the full state name. Sticker validation through 1970. |
A12-345 | A00-000 to Z99-999 | |||||
123-45A | 000-00A to 999-99Z | |||||
1966–69 | 1A2-345 | 0A0-000 to 9Z9-999 | ||||
1969–71 | 12A-345 | 00A-000 to approximately 62U-000 | ||||
![]() | 1971–73 | Yellow on blue with Liberty Bell separator | Bicentennial State '76 | 123-456 | 100-000 to 999-999 | Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new license plate of 1971 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the first time Pennsylvania was so honored. Letters T, W and X added to serials in 1974. [4] Sticker validation through 1976. |
A12-345 | A00-000 to Z99-999 | |||||
123-45A | 000-00A to 999-99Z | |||||
1A2-345 | 0A0-000 to 9Z9-999 | |||||
1973–76 | 12A-345 | 00A-000 to 99Z-999 | ||||
1976–77 | 123-A45 | 000-A00 to approximately 650-H00 | ||||
![]() | 1977–79 | Blue on reflective yellow with large keystone separator | Keystone State | 123-456 | 100-000 to 999-999 | Monthly staggered registration introduced 1979–80. Sticker validation through 2000. |
![]() | A12-345 | A00-000 to Z99-999 | ||||
![]() | 123-45A | 000-00A to 999-99Z | ||||
![]() | 1A2-345 | 0A0-000 to 9Z9-999 | ||||
![]() | 1979–83 | ABC-123 | AAA-000 to GZZ-999 | |||
![]() | 1983–87 | Reflective yellow on blue with large keystone separator | You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania | ABC-123 | HAA-000 to RZZ-999 1 | Sticker validation through 2002. Letter U not used in the ABC-1234 serial format (in addition to I, O and Q). [4] |
![]() | 1987 – August 1991 | Keystone State | SAA-000 to ZZZ-999 1 | |||
![]() | August 1991 – September 1999 | As above, but with smaller keystone separator | ABC-1234 | AAA-0000 to approximately CEJ-9999 1 | ||
![]() | September 1999 – December 2004 | Dark blue on reflective white gradating to light blue on top and to light yellow on bottom | WWW.STATE.PA.US | ABC-1234 | DAA-0000 to approximately FYC-9999 1 | Sticker validation through 2017; plates validated electronically thereafter. [6] Due to be replaced over the next few years. [7] |
![]() | December 2004 – June 2017 | Dark blue on reflective white with navy blue on top and yellow on bottom | visitPA.com | ABC-1234 | GBA-0000 to KLE-9999 1 | A and E not used as second letter in serials. Sticker validation through 2017; plates validated electronically thereafter. |
![]() | June 2017 – present | As above, but with state outline at top left | KLF-0000 to MPA-3008 (as of August 17, 2024) | Validated electronically. | ||
2025 [8] | Blue on white with image of Liberty Bell; Red state name at top, red slogan at bottom | Let Freedom Ring | ABC1234 | TBD | Planned to be issued in 2025. [8] |
Notes
Unlike many states that issue paper or cardboard temporary license plates with a new registration until the permanent registration and plates comes in, Pennsylvania almost always issues the permanent plate right away, with a temporary tag in the rear window indicating the exact date the temporary tag expires, upon which it is removed or when the full-year registration sticker for the plate comes in, whichever comes first. (Some cars do get issued a paper temporary Pennsylvania plate, usually by those who live out-of-state buying a car in Pennsylvania who need the temporary tag until the vehicle title is transferred to the state they live in.) Until April 2000, new plates had a "T" sticker to denote a temporary tag on the plate until the full-year registration came in the mail with the regular registration sticker. Pennsylvania adopted the current system to combat criminals making counterfeit "T" stickers. For plates that already had the "T" stickers but were not issued yet to vehicles at the time of the change, Pennsylvania gave car dealerships and notaries plain white stickers to cover up the "T" tags so that the plates could still be used.[ citation needed ]
Image | Type | Serial format | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Antique Historic Car | 1 12 123 1234 A123 AB12 12AB | |
![]() | Antique motorcycle | 1 12 123 A12 1A2 12A AB1 A1B | |
![]() | Antique vehicle | A12B | |
![]() | Apportioned bus | BN-12345 | |
![]() | Apportioned truck | AB-12345 | Began at AE-00000 in 2000. Current highest serial seen: AH-25310 (as of May 3, 2022). |
![]() | Bus | BA-12345 | |
![]() | Circus-Carnival Truck | B/Z 12345 | |
![]() | Classic Car | 12345 C12345 | |
![]() | Classic Motorcycle | C/L 123 | |
![]() | Collectible Motorcycle | CM123 | |
![]() | Collectible Vehicle | CV 1234 | |
![]() | Dealer | H12-345H J12-345J K12-345K | Both letters are the same. Current highest serial seen: K67-595K (on March 3, 2022). |
![]() | Dealer – Farm Equipment | FE1234A | |
![]() | Dealer – Multi Purpose | MP1234A | |
![]() | Emergency Vehicle | EV-12345 | Red serial and "EMERGENCY VEHICLE" legend on standard passenger design. |
![]() | Farm Truck | FM-1234A | |
![]() | Fire Department | FD-12345 | This type was issued from 1968 to the mid-1980s; plates remained valid until 2007, when they were replaced with Emergency Vehicle plates. [9] |
![]() | Fleet Transporter | FL1234A | |
![]() | Handicapped | P/D 1234A | |
![]() | Handicapped Motorcycle | P/D A12B | |
![]() | Hearing Impaired | HE-12345 | |
![]() | Implement of Husbandry | IMP-1234 | |
![]() | Limousine | LM-12345 | This type was introduced in 1990, with serials beginning at LM-10000. [10] Current highest serial seen: LM-31399 (on August 14, 2022). |
![]() | Mass Transit | M/T12345 MT-12345 | |
![]() | Moped | AB123 | |
![]() | Moped Dealer | 1234 | |
![]() | Motor Home | HB-12345 | This type was introduced in 1977 as "House Car", changing to "Motor Home" circa 1990. Serials began at HC-10000; the HE series was reserved for Hearing Impaired plates. [10] Current highest serial seen: HH-97907 (on May 11, 2022). |
![]() | Motorcycle | ABC12 1234A A1234 1AB23 | Current serial format introduced mid-2015. |
![]() | Motorcycle Dealer | 123A | |
![]() | Municipal Government | MG-12345 12345-MG MG-1234A M/G1234A | |
![]() | Municipal Motorcycle | MG123 MG12A | |
![]() | Official Use – Passenger | PA-12345 12345-PA | Front and rear plates required. Serials PA-10000 through PA-29999 issued, followed by 10000-PA onwards. [11] |
![]() | Official Use – Commercial | PA-12345 PA-1234A | Only rear plates required. Serials PA-30000 through PA-99999 issued, followed by PA-0000A onwards. [11] |
![]() | Omnibus | OB-12345 | Current serial format began at OB-10000 in 1974. [12] Current highest serial seen: OB-92605 (on November 8, 2021). |
![]() | Permanent Trailer | PT-1234A PT-123A4 | Began at PT-0000A in 2001; reached PT-9999Z in early 2015, followed by PT-000A0 onwards. Current highest serial seen: PT-996P3 (on August 22, 2022). |
![]() | Repair Towing | RT-12345 | |
![]() | Repossessor | RE-12345 | |
![]() | Salvage Yard | WL-12345 | |
![]() | School Bus | SC-12345 | |
![]() | School Vehicle | SV-12345 | |
![]() | Special Mobile Equipment | SME-123A A123-SME | Used by heavy construction equipment or other utility vehicles that are street-legal but not eligible for Truck or Apportioned plates. |
![]() | State police | P/A 1234V | Current version introduced in 2022. |
![]() | Street Rod | 1234 S/R | |
![]() | Taxi | TX-12345 | This type was introduced in 1977, taxis using Bus plates beforehand. [12] Current highest serial seen: TX-51112 (on August 15, 2022). |
![]() | Temporary In-Transit | 1234-567 | Paper plate, first issued in 2014. |
![]() | Trailer | XBC-1234 | Sticker validation through 2022, due to the 5 year registration. Current highest serial seen: XPC-9487 (on June 22, 2023). |
![]() | Trailer Dealer | TD-1234A | |
![]() | Transporter | DT-12345 | |
![]() | Truck | YBC-1234 ZBC-1234 | Began at YAA-0000 in 2000; reached YZZ-9999 in early 2011, followed by ZBA-0000 onwards. Current highest serial seen: ZXZ-9802 on July 16, 2024). 'Y' series plates due to be replaced over the next few years. [7] |
![]() | Watercraft Trailer / Dealer | WD12345 | |
Pennsylvania offers many optional "special organizational" and "special fund" license plates. [5] [13] Special fund license plate proceeds are directed to organizations involved with their respective causes. [14]
Image | Type | Serial format | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4-H Youth Program | 4/H 12345 | |
![]() | Amateur Radio | FCC call sign | |
![]() | American Legion | A/L 12345 | Available for issue to members of the American Legion |
![]() | Animal Friends | 12345 A/F | |
![]() | Bucknell University | B/U 12345 | |
![]() | Commonwealth Court | C/C 1 | |
Conserve Wild Resources – owl | W/R12345 W/R1234A | No longer issued, but still valid with continuous registration. | |
![]() | Conserve Wild Resources – river otter | R/C1234 R/C123A R/C12A3 R/C1A23 | No longer issued, but still valid with continuous registration. |
![]() | R/C12345 | Revised design. | |
![]() | Disabled Veteran | DV-12345 | |
![]() | Emergency Medical Services | EM 1234 | Issued to licensed Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics in Pennsylvania. |
![]() | Flagship Niagara | F/N1234 F/N123A | Awarded "Plate of the Year" for best new optional license plate of 1995 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, the second time Pennsylvania was so honored. Co-recipient with Texas. No longer issued due to poor visibility, but still valid. |
![]() | Fire Fighter | FF 1234 | Issued to professional Fire Fighters in Pennsylvania. See VF plate for volunteers. |
![]() | Fort Mifflin | 12345F/M | |
![]() | Geneva College | G/C12345 | |
![]() | Harleysville Community Fire Co. | 12345H/F | |
![]() | Harmonville Fire Company No. 1 | 12345P/T | |
![]() | Hartsville Fire Company | 12345H/F | |
![]() | Heritage Jeep Alliance | 12345H/R | |
![]() | Little League Baseball | 12345L/L | |
| Lincoln University | L1234U | |
![]() | Motorcycle Vanity | varies | |
![]() | Mercedes-Benz Club of America | 12345M/B | |
![]() | National MS Society | 12345M/S | |
![]() | National Police Defense Foundation | 12345 P/F | |
![]() | Planned Parenthood of Pennsylvania | 12345 P/P | |
![]() | Passenger Vanity | varies | |
![]() | Pennsylvania Equine Council | 12345 P/E | Available for issue to members of the Pennsylvania Equine Council who have paid their yearly dues for a minimum or 1 year. Application to the PEC available on their website. |
![]() | Pennsylvania State University | A12-34P | |
Philadelphia Flyers Wives Charities | FL12345 | ||
Preserve Our Heritage | R/R1234 R/R123A R/R12A3 R/R1A23 | ||
![]() | Press Photographer | PP 123 | Letters within keystone. Issued to full-time newspaper, newsreel and television photographers. Front and rear plates required. [2] |
![]() | Retired Legislator | P/A 12345 | |
Save Wild Animals | P/Z1234 P/Z123A P/Z12A3 P/Z1A23 P/ZA123B | No longer issued, but still valid with continuous registration. | |
![]() | Slippery Rock University | S/R 01234 | |
![]() | State Representative | HR 123 | Letters within keystone. |
![]() | State Senator | PA 12 | Letters within keystone. |
![]() | Steel Worker | S/W 12345 | |
![]() | Superior Court | S/C 12 | |
![]() | Supreme Court | S/U 12 | |
![]() | Temple University | T1234U | |
![]() | U.S. Congress | U/SC 1 | |
![]() | U.S. Senate | U/SS 1 | |
![]() | University of Pittsburgh | U1234P | |
![]() | Villanova University | V/U 12345 12345 V/U | |
![]() | We The People | U/S 12345 | Limited edition plate issued in 1987 only, but still valid with renewal. |
![]() | Women in Transition Inc. | 12345 W/T | |
![]() | Volunteer Firefighter | VF 12345 | Issued to volunteer Fire Fighters in Pennsylvania. |
Image | Type | First issued | Serial format | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Air Force Cross | 2012 | 12345A/C | |
![]() | Bronze Star | 2012 | 12345B/Z | |
![]() | Bronze Star for Valor | 2012 | 12345B/V | |
![]() | Combat Action Badge | 2014 | 02345C/O | |
![]() | Combat Action Medal | 2014 | 62345C/O | |
![]() | Combat Action Ribbon | 2014 | 42345C/O | |
![]() | Combat Infantryman Badge | 2014 | 22345C/O | |
![]() | Combat Medical Badge | 2014 | 82345C/O | |
![]() | Distinguished Flying Cross | 2012 | 12345F/C | |
![]() | Distinguished Service Cross | 2012 | 22345S/C | |
![]() | Ex-Prisoner of War | 1982 | POW-123 123-POW | |
![]() | Expeditionary Forces Veteran | 1995 | E/F1234 | |
![]() | Gold Star Family | 2006 | G/S/F1234 | |
![]() | Korean Defense Service Medal | 2010 | 12345K/D | |
![]() | Korean War Veteran | 1993 | K/V12345 | |
![]() | Legion of Merit | 2019 | 12345L/M | |
![]() | Medal of Honor | 1982 | ABC-MOH | The letters to the left of the graphic are the initials of the honoree. |
![]() | Navy Cross | 2012 | 12345N/C | |
![]() | Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran | 2005 | 12345E/F | |
![]() | Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran | 2005 | 12345I/F | |
![]() | Pearl Harbor Survivor | 1990 | P/H S1234 | |
![]() | Pennsylvania National Guard | 2018 | 92345A/D | |
![]() | Persian Gulf War Veteran | 1993 | P/G12345 | |
![]() | Presidential Service Badge | 2019 | 12345P/B | |
![]() | Purple Heart | 1986 | P/H12345 | |
![]() | Silver Star | 2012 | 12345S/I | |
![]() | Soldier's Medal | 2019 | 12345S/M | |
![]() | U.S. Air Force | 2017 | 42345A/D | |
![]() | U.S. Air Force Veteran | 2009 | 12345A/F | |
![]() | U.S. Army | 2017 | 02345A/D | |
![]() | U.S. Army Veteran | 2009 | 12345A/R | |
![]() | U.S. Coast Guard | 2017 | 82345A/D | |
![]() | U.S. Coast Guard Veteran | 2009 | 12345C/G | |
![]() | U.S. Marine Corps | 2017 | 62345A/D | |
![]() | U.S. Marine Corps Veteran | 2009 | 12345M/C | |
![]() | U.S. Merchant Marine | 2013 | 12345M/M | |
![]() | U.S. Military Airborne Units | 2013 | 22345M/A | |
![]() | U.S. Navy | 2017 | 22345A/D | |
![]() | U.S. Navy Veteran | 2009 | 12345N/A | |
![]() | Veteran | 2005 | 12345U/S | |
![]() | Veteran Motorcycle | 2004 | V1234 | |
![]() | Veterans of an Allied Foreign Country | 2019 | 12345V/A | Issued to registrants who were citizens of a foreign country that allied with the U.S. in a military conflict, and who served in a military branch of that foreign country during the conflict. |
![]() | Vietnam War Veteran | 1999 | V/W12345 | |
![]() | World War II Veteran | 1995 | W/W12345 |
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.
A department of motor vehicles (DMV) is a government agency that administers motor vehicle registration and driver licensing. In countries with federal states such as in North America, these agencies are generally administered by subnational entities governments, while in unitary states such as many of those in Europe, DMVs are organized nationally by the central government.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) oversees transportation issues in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The administrator of PennDOT is the Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation, Michael B. Carroll. PennDOT supports nearly 40,000 miles (64,000 km) of state roads and highways, about 25,000 bridges, and new roadway construction with the exception of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
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.
The U.S. state of Kansas first required its residents to register their vehicles and display license plates in 1913. Plates are currently issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue through its Division of Vehicles and only rear plates have been required since 1956.
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."
The U.S. state of New Jersey first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1908, when the state began to issue plates.
The U.S. state of Maryland first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1904. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1910, when the state began to issue 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).
Hawaii was a sovereign constitutional monarchy until this government was overthrown in January 1893, but many of its laws were already modeled after those of the United States, including registering dogs and issuing metal tags for them since the 1870s. The Republic of Hawaii which replaced the previous government was annexed as a Territory by the United States in August 1898, and the first automobiles to be shipped to the Hawaiian Islands arrived in 1899. Each of Hawaii's four counties registered vehicles completely autonomously starting with the City & County of Honolulu in 1906, and license plates were homemade / owner-provided. The first government-issued plates were used by both Honolulu and the County of Hawaii in 1915. Maui County first issued plates in 1919, while Kauai County retained homemade plates through 1921; this was the last jurisdiction in the United States to do so. All license plates were standardized throughout the Territory of Hawaii for the first time in 1922. Despite its status as a territory, Hawaii's vehicle registration laws and license plates were the same as the rest of the United States. Hawaii was admitted to the Union as the 50th state in August 1959.
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. Beginning in 1910, plates were issued in sequential order from the number 1 upwards.
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.
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.
The U.S. state of Oregon first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1911, when the state began to issue 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.
The U.S. state of Wisconsin first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1905. Plates are currently issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) 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.
The Canadian province of Ontario first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own licence plates for display until 1911, when the province began to issue plates. Plates are currently issued by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). The location of plates is specified by the Highway Traffic Act and Regulation 628 under the Act.
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.
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.
In the United States, vehicle safety inspection and emissions inspection are governed by each state individually. Fifteen states have a periodic safety inspection program, while Maryland requires a safety inspection and Alabama requires a VIN inspection on sale or transfer of vehicles which were previously registered in another state. An additional 16 states require periodic emissions inspections.