Los Angeles CA
3-28-2026 4:06pm

California License Plate Trivia and an Upcoming Change in Configuration!

The reversal of sequence for license plates occurred in February, for new vehicles, but no traceability exists of who made this decision: administrative, legislative, or executive!

There was a prediction in January 2023, California would run out of numbers for license plates by the end of 2027. That prediction was repeated in December of 2023.     That prediction proved to be inaccurate, and estimates were revised to end of 2025. The "one digit, three letters, three digits" system was established in 1980.   

It was announced in 2025 a solution had been created,  to invert the sequence from one digit, three letters, three digits.   License Plates - California DMV 

"Plate Numbering System: Due to the increasing number of registered vehicles, California is updating its plate numbering format to accommodate more combinations. For more details on license plate options and services, visit the California DMV License Plates page."

The California Vehicle Code addressing License Plates is Division 3, Chapter 1, Article 7 Sections 4850-4854 but nowhere are there any specifics about the new system.

Nor was anything mentioned here:
DMV Highlights New Laws in 2026 - California DMV
DMV Highlights New Laws in 2025 - California DMV
DMV Highlights New Laws in 2024 - California DMV
News Releases - California DMV

Nor here: Vehicle Industry Registration Procedures Manual - California DMV

Nor here: Vehicle & Occupational Licensing Industry News Memos - California DMV

If you search "plate" in the Vehicle Code you will receive 321 citations. None about the new configuration.  There are no citations if you search "plate" + "reverse" in the Vehicle Code.

There is a broad scope offered to the department by legislators.

  • "The department may make appropriate rules and regulations for the use and display of stickers or devices issued in lieu of license plates, and shall publish a summary thereof." Division 3 Chapter 1 Article 9. Display of Plates, Tabs, and Stickers #5205
  • (a)" The department may issue one or more stickers, tabs, or other suitable devices in lieu of the license plates provided for under this code. Except when the physical differences between the stickers, tabs, or devices and license plates by their nature render the provisions of this code inapplicable, all provisions of this code relating to license plates may apply to stickers, tabs, or devices." Division 3 Chapter 1 Article 9. License Plates #4853
  • "The department may extend the life of the current series of license plates, outstanding during 1957, and may hereafter issue a new series of license plates for an indefinite period of time, but in no event for a period less than five (5) years. During each intervening year of the period for which the plates are issued, the department shall issue a tab, sticker, or other suitable device as herein provided.
    Any such series of plates may be canceled by the director with the approval of the Governor at any time after five years from the year of issuance of such series."     Division 3 Chapter 1 Article 5. Renewal of Registration #4609
  • No definition of the numerical system is included here: DIVISION 1. WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED 

Here is a copy of the Dec 17th, 2025 announcement, but there was no clarification of the source or process for the decision; administrative (internal), executive, or legislative.  VIN 2017-XX

There is an opportunity for you to reject the license plate number you received.  

Undesirable License Plate Configurations—Vehicle owners who request issuance of substitute license plates to replace an undesirable license plate configuration may be issued replacement license plates for no fee. Refer to Chapter 20 for substitute license plates. 

Central License Plate Issuance (CLPI) Program—A central issuance facility in Sacramento issues and mails the majority of license plates, stickers, and registration cards submitted by mail and as bundle items. The central inventory file is transmitted electronically every night to DMV headquarters and the registration cards are printed.

Vehicle Codes specifics addressing License Plates of the future include:

Section 4854 of the Vehicle Code : The department shall establish a program authorizing an entity to issue devices as alternatives to the conventional license plates, stickers, tabs, and registration cards authorized by this code, subject to all of the following requirements Bill Text - AB-3138 License plates and registration cards: alternative devices. 

And  Section 4853 (2025) of the Vehicle Code as well as the requirements of size specifications of Section 4852 and other specifications cited in Section 4851 of the Vehicle Code   https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH§ionNum=4851

 An excellent explanation is offered by

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California License Plate Laws in 2026: Don't Get Caught Off Guard including

Manufacturing or Selling License Plate Covers Is Now a CrimeLet’s say you manufacture license plate covers in California. Or you sell them. Or you install them. Manufacturing a product designed to obstruct or interfere with reading a license plate is now an infraction with a $1,000 fine.  AB-2111 License plates: obstruction or alteration.

History

California requirement to register motor vehicles began in 1905. Between 1916 and 1919, only one license plate was issued for use and motorists received a new metal registration tag each year. Each year's tag was designed in a unique shape representing something significant to California. From Instagram post. Our History - California DMV

  • In 1916, the tag was shaped like the California state animal, the bear. 🐻
  • In 1917, it featured the California state flower, the poppy. 🌻
  • The 1918 tag took the form of the California mission bell. 🔔
  • The 1919 tag was shaped like a star, but its intended symbolism remains unknown. ⭐

Since 1947, California license plates have been manufactured by inmates in the town of Represa within Folsom State Prison. Currently they manufacture 45,000 per day.

According to the CA DMV website "The first license plates were made of steel. Today license plates are manufactured from aluminum with reflective sheeting. over the years license plates have undergone many changes, including the addition of personalized plates and special interest plates."

California offers a variety of license plates to support causes (environment, arts, education, breast cancer awareness, etc.), provide special recognition, and identify special status, among other things. Find which type of license plates you need:

Previous Legislation for special plates:

Low Rider License proposed by Assembly Member Mark González on February 20, 2026. "This bill would require the Arts Council to apply to the department to sponsor “The Lowrider” specialized license plate, as specified. The bill would require the department, in consultation with the Arts Council, to design The Lowrider plate to reflect lowrider culture and heritage. The bill would require the department to work in consultation with the Department of the California Highway Patrol to determine whether the design obscures the readability of the license plate."  It is scheduled to be addressed by the Assembly Transportation Committee Hearing: Apr 6 @ 2:30 pm in 1021 O Street, Room 1100

 

News And Media - California DMV

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