Special License Plates
Amateur Radio Call Letters
These plates are issued, upon request, to holders of Federal Communication Commission (FCC) amateur radio station licenses. For more information about Amateur Radio plates, an application, and fees, follow this link. The alpha-numeric series reflects the call letters assigned by the FCC. Currently, the call letters are centered on the plate and contain no spaces.
Statutory Authority: Vehicle Code (VC) §5005 and Revenue and Taxation Code (RT) §§10751, 10752
Antique Motorcycle
This special plate is issued, upon request, for motorcycles manufactured in 1942 or before. To obtain one of these plates you must complete a Special License Plate Application (REG 17A) and submit it to a DMV field office. For faster service make an online appointment before you visit the DMV.
Statutory Authority: VC §5004.5
Bicentennial Bill of Rights
License plates commemorating the bicentennial of the Bill of Rights were issued from July 1, 1990 through December 31, 1991. Replacement plates are no longer available.
Statutory Authority: VC §5101.9
Citizens Band
These plates were issued, upon request, to holders of FCC citizens band radio licenses until 1983. DMV continues to issue replacement plates for current holders upon request. The alpha-numeric series reflects the call letters assigned by the FCC. The letter K is followed by a two or three letter, four number configuration.
Statutory Authority: VC §§5020, 5021
Disabled Person/Veteran License Plates
These license plates are issued, upon request, to disabled persons as defined in VC §295.5, and to disabled veterans as defined in VC §295.7. These plates allow certain parking privileges. DP and DV plates without the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol) became invalid July 1, 1995. More information and an application for Disabled Person/Veteran License Plates.
Statutory Authority: VC §§295.5, 295.7, 5007, 9410, 22511.5
Environmental (Personalized) License Plates
Environmental license plates (ELP) or personalized plates are issued, upon request, for passenger and commercial vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles. For more information or to order personalized plates, folow this link.
Statutory Authority: VC §§5102, 5106, 5108, 9250.1, 9400 and RT §§10751, 10752
Exempt
Vehicles owned or leased by the U.S. Government, state agencies, cities and counties, or special districts. DMV will no longer issue diamond and octagon designations when current supplies are exhausted, although both will remain valid. Exempt state plates are placed on vehicles owned or leased by the state. The alpha-numeric series on the diamond exempt plate may contain up to six numeric digits.
Statutory Authority: VC §§9101, 9103 and RT §10781
Foreign Organization
These plates are issued, upon request, to automobiles owned by designated employees of foreign organizations recognized by the United States, per the Taiwan Relations Act. To apply for these plates visit your local DMV. These plates are issued sequentially to automobiles only and cannot be transferred between vehicles. For faster service make an online appointment before you visit the DMV.
Statutory Authority: VC §5006.5
Historical Vehicles
These special plates are issued, upon request, for motor vehicles manufactured after 1922 which are at least 25 years old and of historic interest. For more Historical Vehicle Plate infomation, an application, and fees, follow this link.
Statutory Authority: VC §5004
Honorary Consul Corps
Honorary Consul Corps plates are issued, upon request, to vehicles owned by officials who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States who are appointed by a foreign country for the purpose of facilitating and promoting the interest of that country. For more information about the Honorary Consul Corps plates including an application and fees, follow this link.
Statutory Authority: VC §5006
Horseless Carriages
These special plates are issued, upon request, for motor vehicles with an engine of 16 or more cylinders manufactured prior to 1965, or any motor vehicle manufactured in 1922 or before. For more information about Horseless Carriage plates including an application and fees, follow this link.
Statutory Authority: VC §5004
Livery
These plates are issued to Charter Party Carriers operating limousines to and from airports. The plates can be ordered in both sequential and personalized configurations. For more information about Livery plates including an application and fees, follow this link.
Statutory Authority: VC §§5011.5, 5011.6, 5011.9
Moped
This permanent plate is mandatory on motorized bicycles. For more information about Moped plates including an application, follow this link.
Statutory Authority: VC §§406, 5030
Olympic Games, 1984
These plates were issued through December 31, 1984, to commemorate the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The plates may be renewed indefinitely but duplicate or replacement plates are no longer available.
Statutory Authority: VC §5022
Press Photographer
These plates are issued, upon request, to newspaper, newsreel, and television photographers and camera operators. They are not available for trailers. For more information about Press Photographer plates, an application, and fees, follow this link.
Statutory Authority: VC §5008
Special Equipment
These plates are issued for special construction, special mobile, cemetery equipment, and implements of husbandry. For more information about Special Equipment plates and an application follow this link.
Statutory Authority: VC §§565, 575, 4010, 501