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California Runs Out of License Plates: New Era Begins
12 Sep
Summary
- California has exhausted its old license plate format, with over 110,000 plates remaining.
- A new mirrored sequence of three numbers, three letters, and one number is now in use.
- The new plate configuration is expected to last approximately 40 years, according to the DMV.
The Golden State, home to nearly 40 million people, has officially depleted its standard seven-character license plate sequence. The Department of Motor Vehicles confirmed the end of the sequence that began with one number, three letters, and three numbers in 1980. This transition was anticipated for years, with the DMV announcing the impending shortage three years prior.
California has now adopted a new 'mirrored' format for new plates: three numbers, followed by three letters, and a concluding number. This innovative sequence is projected to provide sufficient combinations for approximately 40 years, based on current usage data. Despite the switch, over 110,000 plates adhering to the old format remain in inventory across various DMV and auto club offices statewide.
Residents have begun spotting the new plate designs across California, from Crescent City to Imperial Beach. The production of these plates occurs at Folsom State Prison, where inmates manufacture around 45,000 plates daily. The state also offers personalized plates and various special interest designs alongside the standard issue.
