Last year, legislation was enacted to establish the California Legacy License Plate Program. Under the new law, the DMV will create and issue a series of specialized license plates that replicate plates from the state's past. The plates are now available for pre-order using the form attached at the link: California Legacy License Plate Pre-Order Form (REG 17L) The plates cost $50 for non-personalized or personalized plates.
Previously, classic car owners could only revive well-maintained old plates that match the vintage of their vehicle. Among other things, the new law will bring a retro look to modern license plates by allowing consumers to choose from one of three classic designs from the 1950s-1960s (black lettering on yellow background or yellow lettering on black background) and 1970s-1980s (yellow lettering on blue background). The Legacy License Plate program does not replace the Year of Manufacture plate program.
The law specifies that 7,500 applications must be reached by January 1, 2015. If 7,500 applications are not received by that date, any fees paid for the California Legacy plates will be refunded to the applicant.
