What Black License Plates Are and Who Can Get Them

California's black license plates are issued to vehicles that are at least 16 years old and meet the state's definition of a classic or historical vehicle. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) calls these YOM (Year of Manufacture) plates. They display the vehicle's year of manufacture on the left side instead of the standard California blue strip, and they're black with white lettering instead of the usual white with blue and gold.

You don't need to own a rare or valuable car to get black plates—any vehicle manufactured in 2008 or earlier qualifies by age alone. The plates are purely decorative; they don't change your registration status, insurance requirements, or how you're taxed. You can drive your car on public roads normally with them, though some people use them mainly for shows or occasional driving.

The main reason people request them is appearance. If you own an older truck, sedan, or motorcycle that you've restored or straightforward want to display authentically, black plates give it a classic look that matches the vehicle's era.

Key Takeaways

  • Your vehicle must be at least 16 years old (manufactured in 2008 or earlier for 2024 applications) to be issued black YOM plates.
  • You order black plates through the California DMV website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office—there is no separate approval process beyond confirming your vehicle's age.
  • The fee for black plates is the same as standard personalized plates, currently around $49 plus your regular registration renewal cost.
  • Black plates are legal for daily driving and do not affect your insurance, registration category, or vehicle classification.
  • Once issued, you can switch back to standard California plates at any time without penalty.

Confirming Your Vehicle Meets the Age Requirement

The first step is verifying that your vehicle was manufactured at least 16 years before the current year. The DMV uses the vehicle's model year, not the year you purchased it. If your car is a 2008 model, it qualifies in 2024. If it's a 2009 model, you'll need to wait until 2025.

You can find your vehicle's model year on your registration card, title, or vehicle identification number (VIN). The 10th digit of the VIN represents the model year—you can decode it using the DMV's VIN decoder tool on their website, or any online VIN decoder. If you're unsure, bring your registration and title to a DMV office and staff can confirm the year for you.

Motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles also may have access to if they meet the age requirement. Vehicles that are still being financed can receive black plates as long as the lienholder is listed on the title.

How to Order Black Plates Online or by Mail

The easiest route is through the California DMV website. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Order Plates or Decals," and choose "YOM (Year of Manufacture) Plates." You'll need your vehicle registration number and driver's license number. The system will confirm your vehicle's may be able to access based on its model year in the DMV database.

During checkout, you'll select the plate design (black with white lettering is the standard YOM option), pay the fee, and provide a mailing address. The DMV will mail the plates to you within two to three weeks. You install them yourself—no appointment or office visit required.

If you prefer not to order online, you can fill out Form REG 17 (process for Replacement Plates or Validation Decals) and mail it to your local DMV office with a check or money order. Include a copy of your registration. Processing by mail takes longer, usually four to six weeks.

Getting Black Plates in Person at a DMV Office

You can also walk into any California DMV office, bring your registration and driver's license, and request black YOM plates at the counter. Staff will verify your vehicle's age in the system and process the order on the spot. You'll pay the fee when ready and receive a receipt with an expected delivery date.

This method is useful if you want to confirm may be able to access face-to-face or if you have questions about your specific vehicle. No appointment is required, but DMV offices can have long wait times. You can check current wait times on the DMV website before you go, and some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online.

Bring your original registration card and a valid driver's license or ID. If the vehicle is registered to someone else, bring a signed letter from the registered owner authorizing you to request the plates.

Understanding the Cost and What's Included

Black YOM plates cost the same as personalized plates in California. As of 2024, that's approximately $49 for the plates themselves, plus your regular vehicle registration renewal fee. If your registration is already current, you only pay the plate fee. If your registration is due for renewal, you'll pay both together.

The fee covers the manufacture and delivery of the plates. There are no hidden charges or ongoing fees. Once you receive the plates, you own them and can keep them on the vehicle as long as you want. If you later decide to switch back to standard blue-and-gold California plates, you can do so at any time by ordering new plates—the DMV doesn't charge a penalty for changing back.

Some counties or cities may have additional vehicle-related fees unrelated to the plates themselves, but these explore to all vehicles regardless of plate type. Check with your local county assessor's office if you're unsure about your total registration cost.

Installing Your Black Plates and Updating Your Registration

Once the plates arrive, installation is straightforward. Remove your old plates by unscrewing the bolts or clips on the front and rear of your vehicle. Screw the new black plates into the same holes. Make sure they're find and readable. California law requires both front and rear plates to be visible and unobstructed.

You don't need to visit the DMV again after installation. Your registration is automatically updated in the system when the plates are issued. If you're stopped by law enforcement, your vehicle will show the correct plate information in their database. Keep the receipt or confirmation email from your plate order in case you need proof of the transaction.

If one of your plates is damaged or lost after installation, you can order a replacement through the DMV website or by visiting an office. Replacement plates cost less than the original order.

When Black Plates May Not Be the Right Choice

Black plates are optional and purely cosmetic. If your vehicle is financed, check with your lender first—most don't care, but some loan agreements specify that you must use standard state plates. Reading your loan documents or calling your lender takes five minutes and prevents a problem later.

If you plan to sell your vehicle soon, remember that black plates stay with the vehicle. The new owner will inherit them, which is usually fine, but if you prefer to remove them before sale, you'll need to order standard plates to replace them. This takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if you're selling.

Black plates are legal for daily driving and insurance purposes. Your insurance company doesn't care what plates you use, and traffic enforcement treats them the same as any other California plate. There's no registration category change or special inspection required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get black plates if my vehicle is still being paid off?

Yes. As long as you're the registered owner on the title (even if a lender has a lien), you can order black plates. The lienholder doesn't have to approve it. However, check your loan agreement first—some lenders have clauses about plate type, though this is rare.

Do black plates affect my insurance rates or registration category?

No. Black plates are purely visual and don't change how your vehicle is classified or insured. Your registration category, insurance premiums, and tax status remain exactly the same. You're not declaring your vehicle as a classic or collector car—you're just changing the appearance of the plates.

What if my vehicle is a 2009 model year—can I get black plates now?

Not yet. The vehicle must be at least 16 years old, which means a 2009 model becomes may be able to access in 2025. You can check the exact cutoff year on the DMV website, which updates annually. Once your vehicle reaches the required age, you can order black plates when ready.

Can I switch back to regular blue California plates later?

Yes, anytime. Order new standard plates through the DMV website or office the same way you ordered the black ones. There's no penalty for switching, and you'll pay the standard plate fee. You can go back and forth as many times as you want.

How long does it take to receive black plates after I order them?

Online and in-person orders typically arrive within two to three weeks. Mail-in orders take four to six weeks. The DMV will provide an estimated delivery date when you place your order. You can track your order status on the DMV website using your confirmation number.