In California, vehicles can have special black license plates instead of the standard white plates with blue letters and numbers. Black license plates are officially known as Environmental License Plates in California. They indicate that the vehicle owner has paid an additional fee to support environmental programs when registering the vehicle with the DMV.
How To Get Black License Plate California? is an important question for drivers interested in customizing their cars and supporting green initiatives. The process begins when registering a car with the California DMV, either for a new registration or when renewing existing plates. California residents can request the environmental plates and pay the extra fees to receive black plates rather than standard plates.
The black license plates have white reflective letters and numbers, making them easily visible at night. They allow drivers to display their eco-consciousness through their license plates. Although simple, these plates let Californians make a statement on the back of their cars to show their commitment to the environment.
Qualify For Black License Plates In California
The black California Legacy License Plates are available to any California vehicle owner regardless of the age of their car. Introduced by legislation in 2012, the plates recreate the look of the classic black California license plates used from 1963-1969. They feature reflective yellow lettering and numbers as required by modern laws. To qualify, you simply need to be a California resident with a registered vehicle. There are no special requirements.
Requirements To Get Black License Plates In California
As mentioned, there are no special requirements to qualify for the California Legacy black license plates. They can be ordered by any California vehicle owner for an additional $50 fee.
The plates can be ordered in the standard sequential numbering format or personalized with custom letter/number combinations, just like regular plates. They are available for cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles registered in California. To apply, you can submit an application online or complete the Special Interest License Plate Application form by mail.
What Types Of Black License Plates Can I Get In California?
The California Legacy License Plate program offers standard black license plates for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. They come in the standard California plate size and formats. You can choose sequential numbering starting from what is currently available, Black License Plate In California or personalized plates with your own 2-7 letter/number combination. The motorcycle plates follow the same format but are physically smaller to fit motorcycles.
Process For Applying For Black License Plates In California
You must fill out form REG 17. This is the Special Interest License Plate Application. You can get the form online or at the DMV office.
On the form, choose the black plate style you want. There are different kinds like Environmental, California Legacy 1960s, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Veterans Organization plates.
On the form, write your requested letter and number combination for a personalized plate. The DMV reviews requests. Some combinations are not allowed if offensive.
Mail the completed form REG 17 to the DMV address listed on the bottom of the page. Or you can submit it at your local DMV office.
Pay the fees on the form. There is an initial $50 fee plus other fees depending on the type of black specialty plate you selected. Some plates charge annual renewal fees too.
Wait for the DMV to make your plates. It takes about 90 days to get approved and receive your new personalized black plates.
Here is a table summarizing the process:
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Fill out DMV form REG 17 |
| 2 | Select black plate type |
| 3 | Request letter/number combo |
| 4 | Submit form by mail or DMV office |
| 5 | Pay initial and specialty fees |
| 6 | Wait 90 days for approval & delivery |
How Much Do Black License Plates Cost In California?
The California Legacy black license plates cost $50 plus your normal vehicle registration fees. The $50 covers the production of the special plates. It does not replace your normal registration costs.
Personalized plates have the $50 fee plus an additional $98 personalization fee at initial order and each annual renewal. So total first year cost for personalized black plates would be $148 plus your registration fees. The plates must be renewed along with your vehicle registration each year or biannually depending on your renewal cycle.
Black License Plate Styles And Designs Are Available In California
The California DMV offers several black license plate designs, including a standard black plate with white letters/numbers, a “California Legacy” 1960s throwback plate, an environmental plate, memorial plates, an agricultural
CalAg” plate, a coastal commission “Whale Tail” plate, and more. These are available in sequential or personalized formats for cars, motorcycles, and some commercial vehicles.
What Custom Black License Plate Designs Can I Order In California?
California offers personalized/custom black license plates where you can choose your own letter/number combination within certain guidelines. These custom plates are available on most standard black plate designs the DMV offers. You can order them sequentially numbered or fully customized.
Can I Get Vintage Black California License Plates?
Yes, California brought back production of vintage 1960s black plates that look like the originals through the California Legacy License Plate program. These plates feature vintage designs and are made using the original 1960s molds, but have modern reflective coating. They recreate the vintage look.
Are There Restrictions On Black License Plate Designs In California?
The DMV does have some restrictions, such as on the number of letters/numbers allowed on personalized plates. Some specialty plate designs are only for certain groups like veterans. Plates also cannot have profane or offensive language. But otherwise, there is a good variety of black plate designs available with customization options.
Where Can I View Examples Of Black California License Plates?
The California DMV website has a section showing examples of many black specialty plate designs. Several online retailers also sell replica black California plates, showing images of vintage and modern black plate designs. These sites can be good visual references for custom black plate options.
Order And Obtain Black License Plates In California
To order black license plates in California, you need to complete the Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) form and submit it along with the $50 fee to the DMV, either by mail or in person. You can also submit the application online. You will receive temporary plates while waiting for the black plates to be manufactured and mailed out, which takes 90 days.
How Do I Apply And Pay For Black California License Plates?
The application form REG 17 needs to be completed with your personal and vehicle information. There is a $50 specialty plate fee that must be paid when submitting the application, either online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. Payment can be made by check or credit card. You cannot pay in cash if submitting by mail.
How Long Does It Take To Receive Requested Black Plates In California?
It takes about 90 days after submitting the application to receive your requested black California license plates by mail. This manufacturing timeframe applies whether you request sequential or personalized plate numbers. The DMV will issue you temporary registration while you wait for the plates.
Can I Transfer Black License Plates To Another Vehicle In California?
Yes, you can transfer black specialty plates to another vehicle you own in California by making a request at the DMV. You will need to bring both vehicles and complete some paperwork to facilitate the license plate transfer. Additional transfer fees may apply.
What Happens If My Black Plates Get Lost Or Stolen In California?
If your black specialty plates are lost or stolen in California, you need to immediately report this to your local police department and the DMV. You can then apply for replacement black plates using form REG 17, but will have to pay fees again. The DMV may also investigate the circumstances of the lost or stolen plates.
Special Fees And Restrictions
The search results did not provide clear information on special fees or restrictions specifically for black license plates in California. The California Legacy License Plate program offers special plates with black backgrounds and yellow lettering, but there was no indication these plates have special restrictions.
Cost Comparison
The search results did not provide a clear cost comparison between black plates and regular plates in California. The California Legacy plates require a $50 original issuance fee and $40 for renewal, but it is unclear if these fees are higher than regular plates.
Annual Fees
The California Legacy License Plate program requires a $40 annual renewal fee to maintain the plates. This suggests there are annual fees to retain black plates in California, but a comparison to regular plate renewal fees was not provided.
Refunds
According to the search results, fees paid for California Legacy License Plates are nonrefundable, unless the requested plate design is not approved. This likely applies to black plates as well, but definitive information was not found.
Restrictions
No clear restrictions were identified that uniquely apply to black plates. However, the search results indicated restrictions can vary depending on the type of special plate issued. Definitive restrictions for California’s black Legacy License Plates were not provided.
In summary, the search results did not provide definitive information to clearly answer the specifics around fees, costs, refunds and restrictions for black license plates in California. More targeted research may be needed to address these questions comprehensively. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
Personalize Or Customize Black License Plates In California
You can personalize black license plates in California by requesting a specialized configuration of letters and numbers instead of a standard sequential plate number. Personalized plates allow 2-7 characters depending on the type of plate. You can request available letter/number combinations through the CA DMV by submitting form REG 17 and paying applicable fees.
What Options Do I Have To Personalize Black Plates In California?
The CA DMV offers several types of black license plates that can be personalized, including Environmental, California Legacy 1960s, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Veterans Organization plates. Each plate type has its own design and contributes fees to related causes. You can customize letter/number combinations within the 2-7 character limits permitted per plate type. Custom phrases and words are generally not allowed if they could be seen as offensive.
Are There Restrictions On Custom Black Plates In California?
The CA DMV prohibits certain letter/number combinations on personalized plates that may be considered offensive, misleading, contain profanity, or relate to illegal substances or activities. Custom plates also cannot feature law enforcement or government agency names without authorization. The DMV may reject other combinations at their discretion.
How Much Do Personalized Black Plates Cost In California?
Personalized black license plates have an initial fee starting around $50 on top of normal vehicle registration fees. Special interest black plates charge additional fees that vary by plate type and contribute to designated funds related to the plate cause. For example, Breast Cancer Awareness plates include a $40 annual renewal contribution.
What Is The Process For Applying For Custom Black Plates In California?
To apply for a personalized black license plate, you first complete the CA DMV’s Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17). Indicate your requested letter/number combination and pay all required fees. The form can be submitted by mail or potentially through your local DMV office. Approval and manufacturing of personalized plates can take 90 days.
Frequently Asked Question
What Are The Requirements For Black Plates In California?
You need to own a collector vehicle over 25 years old that is registered with the DMV.
Can Any Car Model Get Black Plates In California?
No, your vehicle needs to qualify as a collector car that is over 25 years old.
Do Black License Plates Cost Extra In California?
Yes, there are additional fees to register for black plates in California.
How Do I Apply For Black Plates For My Collector Car In California?
You need to fill out the Application for California Legacy License Plates and submit to the DMV.
Where Can I Get More Information On Black Plates In California?
Contact the California DMV or visit their website for complete details on qualifying and applying for black legacy plates.
Conclusion
Getting a black license plate in California takes a few steps. First, you need to order a personalized license plate from the DMV. This costs extra money. Then, you can request to have a black background instead of the normal white or blue. Not all letter/number combinations are available for black plates.
In the end, getting a black California license plate is possible if you follow the application process. You must pay the fees for a personalized plate. And the DMV has to approve the specific letter/number style you want in black. It takes extra time and money, but it can give your car a unique look. The black background makes your plate stand out on the road.
