California is rolling out a new standard license plate sequence for the first time in 46 years, shifting away from its long-running format because the state simply ran out of numbers. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the change has already started appearing on vehicles around Los Angeles.
Why California Is Changing Its License Plates After 46 Years
Since 1980, the state’s standard plates followed a consistent formula consisting of one number, three letters, and three numbers. That 9-series configuration began with 1AAA000 and officially ended with the production of the 9ZZZ999 plate this year, as stated by Ronald Ongtoaboc, spokesperson for the state Department of Motor Vehicles, to the Los Angeles Times. The new format turns the old sequence inside out, featuring three numbers, three letters, and one number to produce combinations resembling 000AAA0. Vanity plates will still continue to proliferate alongside the standard series.
What to Expect From DMV Issuance and Manufacturing
Motorists shouldn’t expect to see the new plates immediately across every transaction. Ongtoaboc noted that more than 110,000 plates utilizing the older 0AAA000 format remain in storage at DMV and auto club offices across California and must be issued first. Production of the new-format plates began earlier this year at Folsom State Prison, where over 100 inmates work in the license-plate factory. Today’s plates are constructed from aluminum with reflective sheeting, marking a distinct shift from the steel used for the state’s earliest plates.
Did You Know? California’s license plates are still manufactured at Folsom State Prison, where more than 100 inmates work in the factory to produce aluminum plates with reflective sheeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is California changing its license plate sequence?
The state changed its standard format because it ran out of numbers after exhausting the previous 9-series configuration.
What does the new license plate format look like?
The new sequence features three numbers, three letters, and one number, creating combinations that look like 000AAA0.
How long is the new plate sequence expected to last?
According to the DMV, the new configuration contains more than 100 million possible combinations and is expected to last roughly 40 years based on historical registration data.
How often do you notice changes to vehicle registration tags while driving in heavy traffic?
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