Black plates are available only through the California Legacy Plate program

Black California license plates are not a standard option you can order when you renew. They are issued only through the Legacy Plate program, which is run by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The program lets you display a black plate with white lettering that matches the design used in California from 1963 to 1969.

To get a black plate, you must own a vehicle that was manufactured in 1975 or earlier. The vehicle does not have to be in working condition, but it must be registered with the DMV. You cannot use a black plate on a newer car, even if you own a classic vehicle separately.

The black plate itself costs the same as a standard California plate when you order it. You pay the regular plate fee plus any applicable registration renewal fees. There is no additional charge for the Legacy Plate design.

Key Takeaways

  • Black Legacy Plates are only for vehicles manufactured in 1975 or earlier and must be registered with the California DMV.
  • You order black plates through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office using form REG 156.
  • The plate costs the same as a standard plate, but you must pay it each time you renew your registration.
  • Once issued, a black plate stays with that vehicle's registration and cannot be transferred to a different car.
  • If your vehicle does not meet the 1975 cutoff, you cannot get a black plate regardless of its condition or rarity.

How to order a black plate through the DMV

Start by confirming your vehicle's manufacture year. Check your vehicle registration document or the manufacturer's plate on the driver's side door jamb. If your vehicle was made in 1975 or earlier, you are may be able to access.

read form REG 156 from the California DMV website, or pick one up at any DMV office. This form is titled "process for Black License Plates (Legacy Plate Program)." Fill in your vehicle information, current license plate number, and registration details. Sign and date the form.

You have three ways to submit the form. Mail it to the DMV address listed on the form along with your payment. Visit a DMV office in person and submit it at the counter. Or go to the DMV website and use the online ordering system if you have a current registration. Online ordering is the fastest route — you can complete it in minutes and the plates ship within two weeks.

What happens after you order

Once the DMV receives your order, they will verify that your vehicle meets the age requirement by checking their registration database. This verification usually takes three to five business days. If your vehicle qualifies, they will produce the black plate and mail it to the address on your registration.

Standard mail delivery takes one to two weeks after the plate is produced. If you need the plate faster, you can request expedited shipping through the DMV website for an additional fee, though this is not required.

When your black plate arrives, remove your old plate and install the new one using the same mounting hardware. Keep your old plate — you do not need to return it to the DMV. The black plate is now your vehicle's official plate and will remain so until you sell the car or choose to switch back to a standard plate.

Renewing your black plate each year

Black plates are not permanent. You must renew them along with your vehicle registration every two years (or annually in some counties). When renewal time comes, the DMV will send you a notice in the mail.

When you renew, you can choose to keep the black plate or switch to a standard plate. If you want to keep it, check the box on the renewal form that says you want to continue with the Legacy Plate. Pay the standard plate fee along with your registration renewal fee. The DMV will mail you a new black plate with the updated registration sticker.

If you do not renew the black plate during a renewal cycle, your vehicle will revert to a standard plate at the next registration. You can reorder a black plate later if you change your mind, but you will need to go through the process process again.

Vehicles that do not may have access to

The 1975 cutoff is firm. If your vehicle was manufactured in 1976 or later, you cannot get a black plate through the Legacy Plate program, even if it is a classic or collector car. The DMV does not make exceptions based on the vehicle's condition, rarity, or value.

If you own a newer classic vehicle, you may be able to get a different specialty plate through California's other vanity or collector plate programs, but those plates will not be black. Check the DMV website for other plate designs if your vehicle does not meet the age requirement.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume your vehicle qualifies based on how old it looks. Check the actual manufacture date on the vehicle itself or on your registration. A car that looks vintage might have been made after 1975 and will be rejected.

Do not mail your form without including payment. The DMV will return incomplete applications, which delays your order by several weeks. If you order online, payment is processed when ready, so there is no risk of this mistake.

Do not expect the black plate to transfer to a new vehicle. If you sell your car, the black plate stays with that vehicle's registration. You will need to order a new black plate for any other may be able to access vehicle you own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a black plate if my car is not running?

Yes. The vehicle does not need to be in working condition, only registered with the DMV. If your car is registered but not currently driven, you can still order a black plate for it.

What if I already have a vanity plate or personalized plate?

You can switch to a black plate, but you will lose your custom plate number. If you want to keep your personalized plate, you cannot use the black Legacy Plate design. Contact the DMV to discuss your options.

Do I have to renew the black plate every year?

You renew it on the same schedule as your vehicle registration — every two years in most counties, or annually in some. When you renew your registration, you choose whether to keep the black plate or switch to standard plates.

Can I use a black plate on a vehicle I just bought?

Only if the vehicle was manufactured in 1975 or earlier and is registered in your name with the DMV. You cannot use a black plate on a vehicle that does not meet the age requirement, regardless of when you purchased it.

What if the DMV says my vehicle does not may have access to?

The DMV bases qualification on the manufacturer's date, which is on the vehicle itself and in their database. If they reject your process, contact a DMV office with your vehicle's documentation to review the manufacture date. If there is a discrepancy, they can investigate, but the 1975 cutoff cannot be waived.