Black plates are available only through the California Legacy Plate program

California's black license plates are not sold to the general public. They are issued only through the Legacy Plate program, which is run by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and benefits the state's historical preservation efforts. The black background with gold lettering is distinctive, but getting one requires meeting specific conditions and going through the DMV's process process.

The Legacy Plate program is designed to raise money for California's Native American heritage sites and historical landmarks. When you purchase a Legacy Plate, a portion of the fee goes directly to these preservation projects. The plates themselves are manufactured and issued by the DMV, just like standard plates, but only to people who meet the program's requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Black Legacy Plates are sold only through the California DMV's Legacy Plate program, not through private vendors or third parties.
  • You must own a vehicle registered in California and have a valid driver's license to purchase a Legacy Plate.
  • The Legacy Plate costs more than a standard plate because a portion of the fee funds California's historical preservation projects.
  • You can order a Legacy Plate online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
  • The DMV will mail your new plates to you; you cannot pick them up when ready at the office.

Who can order a black Legacy Plate

To order a black California Legacy Plate, you must be the registered owner of a vehicle currently registered in California. Your vehicle can be a car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle—the DMV does not restrict Legacy Plates to specific vehicle types. You also need a valid California driver's license or identification card.

If your vehicle is registered to a business or fleet, you can still order a Legacy Plate, but the registered owner must be the one to request it. If multiple people are listed on the registration, any registered owner can place the order, though the DMV recommends having all owners agree beforehand.

How to order through the DMV website

The fastest way to order a black Legacy Plate is through the California DMV's online system. Go to the DMV website and navigate to the "Order Plates and Decals" section. You will need your vehicle's registration number and license plate number to start. The system will show you the current cost of a Legacy Plate and ask you to confirm your vehicle information.

During the online order, you will choose whether to keep your current plate number (if may be able to access) or receive a new one. You will also enter a mailing address where the DMV will send your new plates. Payment is made online by credit or debit card. After you submit your order, the DMV will send you a confirmation email with a reference number. Your new plates will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Ordering by mail or in person at a DMV office

If you prefer not to order online, you can request a Legacy Plate by mail. read the "process for Replacement Plates, Decals, and Validation" form (Form DL 44) from the DMV website, or pick one up at any DMV office. Fill out the form with your vehicle information and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the plate fee.

You can also walk into any DMV office and request a Legacy Plate in person. Bring your vehicle registration, driver's license, and payment. The staff will process your order on the spot, but you will still receive your plates by mail—they will not be ready to take home that day. In-person orders typically take the same two to three weeks as online orders.

What the Legacy Plate costs and where the money goes

The cost of a black Legacy Plate varies depending on your vehicle type and whether you are replacing an existing plate or registering a new vehicle. As of the most recent DMV fee schedule, a Legacy Plate costs more than a standard plate—the exact amount changes periodically, so check the DMV website for the current fee before you order.

A portion of every Legacy Plate fee is set aside for California's Native American heritage preservation fund. This money supports archaeological sites, cultural centers, and historical education programs across the state. The DMV publishes annual reports on how much money the Legacy Plate program has raised and where it has been distributed.

Transferring your current plate number to a Legacy Plate

If you have a vanity plate or a plate number you want to keep, you may be able to transfer it to your new Legacy Plate. The DMV allows plate number transfers in most cases, but there are restrictions. Your current plate must have been issued at least two years ago, and you cannot transfer a plate that is already a Legacy Plate to another vehicle.

When you order your Legacy Plate online or by mail, you will be asked whether you want to keep your current number. If you do, the DMV will transfer it to your new black plate. If your current plate is not may be able to access for transfer, the system will tell you during the ordering process, and you will receive a new number instead.

What happens after you receive your new plates

When your Legacy Plates arrive in the mail, you will also receive installation instructions and any necessary fasteners. Remove your old plates and install the new black ones in the same locations on your vehicle. Keep your old plates—California law requires you to return them to the DMV or a DMV-authorized office within a certain timeframe, though many people keep them as keepsakes.

Your vehicle registration remains the same; only the physical plates change. You do not need to update your insurance or registration documents unless your plate number changed. If you ordered a Legacy Plate with a new number, your registration will be updated automatically by the DMV, and you will receive a new registration card in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a black Legacy Plate if my vehicle is registered out of state?

No. The California DMV issues Legacy Plates only to vehicles registered in California. If you own a vehicle registered in another state, you cannot order a California Legacy Plate for it. You would need to register the vehicle in California first.

How long does it take to receive a Legacy Plate after I order it?

The DMV typically mails Legacy Plates within two to three weeks of receiving your order. Delivery time depends on your location within California and mail service delays. You can track your order using the reference number the DMV provides when you submit your request.

Can I order a Legacy Plate for a vehicle I am financing or leasing?

Yes, as long as your name appears on the vehicle registration as the registered owner. If the vehicle is leased, check your lease agreement—some leasing companies restrict plate changes. If you are financing the vehicle, the lender's name may appear on the registration, but you can still order a Legacy Plate if you are listed as the registered owner.

What if I want to switch back to a standard plate after getting a Legacy Plate?

You can order standard plates at any time through the DMV using the same online, mail, or in-person process. There is no penalty for switching, though you will pay the standard plate fee. Your old Legacy Plate should be returned to the DMV or a DMV office.

Do Legacy Plates work with the FasTrak toll system?

Yes. Black Legacy Plates are read by FasTrak and other electronic toll systems the same way standard plates are. If you have a FasTrak account, your Legacy Plate will work with it when ready—you do not need to update your account or notify FasTrak of the plate change.