In California, vehicles can be registered with special black license plates. These black plates indicate that the vehicle owner qualifies for certain privileges related to their occupation or status. To obtain black license plates in California, vehicle owners must meet eligibility criteria and submit an application to the DMV.
Black License Plate In California? While standard California license plates feature a white background with blue letters and numbers, some drivers opt for sleek, black plates. These special plates signify that the driver meets special requirements related to their job, volunteer service, or disability status.
Black license plates provide certain parking and traffic privileges to those who qualify. Eligible groups include disabled veterans, wheelchair users, disabled persons, congressional medal of honor recipients, and surviving spouses of deceased veterans. By meeting the DMV’s eligibility verification process, these groups can acquire special black plates to receive designated parking accommodations.
Black License Plate In California
The black license plates in California are officially called “California Legacy License Plates”. They feature black backgrounds with yellow lettering, resembling the style of older license plates issued in California in the 1950s and 1960s1. These special interest license plates are issued to qualifying vehicle owners who pay an additional fee to display the vintage-styled plates.
Types Of Black License Plates Are Issued In California
There are both sequential and personalized black California Legacy license plates available. Sequential plates feature a random letter/number combination, while personalized plates allow the owner to request their own custom letter/number combination (with certain restrictions) . Both passenger vehicles and motorcycles can get California Legacy plates.
Vehicles Qualify For Black License Plates In California
The black California Legacy license plates are available for passenger vehicles including cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs that are model year 1960 or newer. Motorcycle owners can also get Legacy plates for motorcycles that are model year 1970 or newer.
Restrictions On Who Can Get Black California License Plates
In order to get California Legacy license plates, Front License Plate Installation your vehicle must be currently registered in California. The vehicle cannot have unpaid registration fees or other violations on record that prevent registration. There are no other specific restrictions on who can get the black California plates.
Black Plates Cost In California
The initial cost for a set of black California Legacy license plates is $50. There is also an annual renewal fee of $40 in addition to your normal vehicle registration fees. Replacement plates cost $35. Personalized plates have the same fees but are subject to additional personalized plate fees.
Black License Plate Legal In California
Based on the search results, black license plates with white letters and numbers are not an officially approved design issued by the California DMV. The DMV website only shows currently approved designs which feature black plates with yellow letters/numbers. Unofficial plates could potentially draw unwanted attention from law enforcement.
California Dmv Issue Legal Black License Plates
The search results indicate the California DMV does not issue official license plates that are completely black with white letters/numbers. Their website only displays approved designs which are black plates with yellow letters/numbers. Specialty plates must be officially approved designs.
California Laws On Colored License Plates
California vehicle code regulates license plates, requiring officially approved designs, colors, and visibility standards. Based on the DMV website, black backgrounds with yellow letters/numbers in the current standard. Specialty plates must conform to visibility and reflectivity standards. Unofficial non-standard plates could violate regulations.
Ticket For Having An Illegal Black Plate In California
Yes, according to California vehicle code, owners must display valid, officially approved license plates. Unofficial non-standard black plates with white letters could potentially violate regulations and draw the attention of law enforcement. Owners could receive citations or fines for non-compliant license plates.
Penalties For Illegal California License Plates
The search results did not specify exact penalties for illegal license plates. However, based on California vehicle code, penalties for non-compliant plates likely involve citations, fines, impound of the vehicle, or revocation of registration. Additional penalties may apply for evading registration laws or fees by using non-standard plates.
Qualify For Black California License Plates
Based on the information provided in the search results, there are no special qualifications needed to get black California license plates. They appear to be a standard plate option that any California resident can order.
Requirements To Get Black California Plates
The search results did not provide any specific requirements for getting black California plates. As a standard plate option, it seems there are no special requirements and they can be ordered like regular license plates.
Documents Do You Need To Apply For Black Plates In California
You need a completed Special Interest License Plate Application form. This is California DMV form REG 17. You submit this application to request the black license plates.
You also need to show your current vehicle registration. This proves you have an eligible registered vehicle in California.
In addition, you need to pay the specialty plate fees. This covers production and shipment of the plates. The fees are around $50-$65 total.
Here is a table summarizing the key documents:
| Document | Details |
| Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) | Completed application form to request black plates |
| Current Vehicle Registration | Proves eligible registered vehicle in CA |
| Specialty Plate Fees Payment | $50-$65 covers production and shipment |
California Resident Get Black License Plate
Yes, it appears any California resident can get black license plates. The Reddit discussion refers to them as a standard plate option that stands out less than the regular white plates. There is no indication there are restrictions on who can get black plates.
Submit Application For Black California Plates
The application would likely be submitted to the California DMV, same as where you’d submit an application for regular license plates. The process seems to involve completing the standard Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) form.
Process To Obtain Black Plates In California
To get black California license plates, you need to fill out the Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) form and pay a $50 application fee plus $40 annual renewal fee. You can customize the plate number configuration or get a sequential number. The process takes submitting the application and fees, then waiting for the plates to be manufactured and mailed to you.
Long Does It Take To Get Black California Plates
It typically takes 6-8 weeks after submitting the application to receive your new black California license plates by mail. This allows time for the application to be processed and plates to be manufactured before being shipped to your address.
What Form Do You Fill To Apply For Black California License Plates?
You need to complete the California Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) to order black California legacy license plates. This form allows you to request the customized or sequential number configuration. It also collects the required fees to manufacture and renew the special plates.
What Fees Are Needed To Get Black License Plates In California?
The fees to obtain black California license plates are a $50 application fee when applying and $40 for the annual renewal fee. These go towards manufacturing costs and special program fees. Additional fees apply if transferring an existing personalized plate to the new black plate design.
Appointment To Get Black California License Plates
5 step appointment to get black California license plates
- Register Vehicle – Register your newly purchased vehicle with the California DMV to get your initial white license plates.
- Complete Application – Fill out the California Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) to request black plates.
- Pay Fees – Pay the $50 specialty plate fee plus $15 personalized plate fee (if selecting custom number/letters).
- Await Approval – Wait for approval and manufacturing of your requested black license plates. This may take several months.
- Install Plates – Once the black plates arrive in the mail, make a DMV appointment to turn in your white plates and install the new black ones.
Display Black California License Plates
Black California license plates can be displayed on the front and rear of a vehicle registered in the state of California, with the rear plate needing to be illuminated at night. These custom black plates are legal for display purposes but cannot be used for road or vehicle registration in place of official DMV license plates.
Frames Can You Use With Black California Plates
Frames, holders, or covers used with black California license plate displays should not obstruct visibility or legibility of the license plate number and other identifying information. Clear or smoked translucent frames would comply, but frames obscuring any details would violate California vehicle code.
Personalized Black California License Plate
Custom black California license plates can include personalized text, allowing 2-7 letters/numbers depending on the type of black plate chosen. Personalized black plates are made and sold legally as show plates only, not for official vehicle registration and road use.
Placement Rules For Black Plates In California
Display rules require the rear black California license plate to be clearly visible, mounted in a horizontal/upright position, and illuminated at night. The front plate can be used but is not required. Both plates when used must be securely fastened and not swinging.
Restrictions On License Plate Covers For Black California Plates
Clear or smoked translucent license plate covers are allowed but any cover that obstructs the visibility of plate details including registration stickers violates California vehicle code. This restricts materials that can be used over custom black plates to those allowing full visibility.
Frequently Asked Question
What Form Do I Need To Apply For Black Plates?
Complete the California Special Interest License Plate Application (REG 17) to order black legacy plates.
What Fees Are Required When Ordering Black California Plates?
You must pay a $50 application fee and $40 annual renewal fee to get black California license plates.
How Long Does It Take To Receive Requested Black Plates?
It takes approximately 6-8 weeks after submitting the application to receive your new black California license plates.
Can I Get Black Plates For Any Vehicle Type?
Black California legacy license plates can be ordered for cars, trucks, trailers, and motorcycles currently registered in the state.
Do I Need An Appointment At The Dmv For Black Plates?
No, the entire application process for black California plates can be done through the mail without a DMV appointment.
Conclusion
Getting the black California license plates requires submitting an application and paying fees. First, vehicle owners must complete the Special Interest License Plate application form on the California DMV website. Next, you choose the black background plate option and enter custom lettering if desired. Finally, the application must be printed and submitted by mail along with payment of the $50 specialty plate fee.
How To Get The Black License Plate In California? involves finding the application online, selecting the black plate background, adding custom text, printing and mailing the form, and paying applicable fees. With these steps completed, the unique black California plates can legally be placed on your vehicle for display purposes.
