Vintage Black License Plates to Return

Owning and maintaining a classic car is no simple (or cheap) task. That’s why many people who love classic cars are celebrating the return of the vintage black license plates.

The Department of Motor Vehicles announced the return of the vintage black license plates with yellow lettering.

In preparation for an expected high demand, the vintage black license plates are already headed to the presses.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D – Los Angeles) introduced AB 1658 in 2012. He felt that car enthusiasts who spent the time—and surely the money – to preserve the classic car heritage in California deserve something nice.

The vintage black license plates were originally issued from 1963-1969. These classic plates were also the fastest specialty plates to ever achieve the 7,500 applications that are necessary for the plates to be issued. It is this excitement from the 1960s that has the classic plates already heading to the press.

The DMV expects to begin issuing these plates and sending them in the coming months to those eager applicants who have already pre-ordered their vintage black license plates.

In addition to the classic black license plates with yellow lettering, the Legacy License Plate Program is also offering yellow plates with black lettering and blue plates with yellow lettering.

To apply for any of the classic plates, check out the DMV’s website.

According to CarsDirect.com an “overall restoration done by one shop is going to cost you anywhere from $40,000 to $60,000.” While it depends on the type of car and the condition of the car, the cost to restore a car is not a quick easy project.

Many car enthusiasts are thankful for Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s efforts. Gatto represents the Los Angeles area – including Silver Lake – as well as Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, and Montrose.

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