License Plate collecting - FAQ

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. Is it "legal" to Collect, Sell & Trade Expired plates?

A. YES. While no one knows who first started license plate collecting, it has deep, historical roots. Just like stamp or coin collecting ---it is a world-wide, recognized hobby. Some states sell "sample" plates, but these are considered far less valuable than any "authentic" plate.

Q. What plates may I display on my car?

A. Only DMV's may issue plates. So, the general rule is; only the plate sold to you ---by the State may be displayed on your car. However, there are exceptions. Year of manufacture and a "same year plate" can sometimes be registered and then displayed. Check Local motor vehicle codes for more information.

Q. How many types of license plates are there?

A. The majority of plates sold are "general issue" and fall into two broad categories; Passenger & Non-Passenger.

Q. What is a collection?

A. Collectors vary in their individual collecting interests. Some concentrate on Handicap Plates or Disabled Veteran types, while others may hunt plates that relate to conservation or animal interests. Others may collect sports plates, or plates with their favorite numbers or initials.

Q. What are "specialty" plates?

A. These are plates designed to call attention to important issues that affect our society and range from conservation issues to fraternal organizations. Some honor public service occupations like firefighters, police or war veterans. Profits from the sale of these plates goes to help improve our communities.

Q. What State "started" "specialty plate" sales?

A. Florida's issuance of the plate commemorating the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger, is recognized as the "birth-plate" of all graphic plates in the U.S.A.. It continues to generate more sales than any other single specialty plate sold in the State of Florida.

Q. What do collectors do with these plates?

A. People from all walks of life collect and display their License Plates in many different ways. Some are given as gifts, while others are purchased as authentic souvenirs commemorating that person's visit to that particular state. After visiting all the 50 states, and obtaining a plate from each state, that person has a complete "State Run", which is of significant value and (as most collections do) will increase in value --- as time goes on. Some early issue porcelain plates self for thousands of dollars and are sought by collectors world-wide.

Q. Why don't "Criminals" purchase a plate, then commit a crime?

A. Criminals aren't that dumb! Rather than stealing a plate to match their car, they know the display of an EXPIRED plate on a vehicle is more likely to get them pulled over, rather than leaving them to go unnoticed. Note: Law enforcement officials have instant access to a nationwide computerized database the National Crime Information Computer system (NCIC). It gives officers the ability to run a plate number and get a detailed description of The vehicle that it is supposed do appear upon, including the vehicles' individual serial number.

Additionally, most states have numbering sequences unique to a "class of vehicle" or "type of use". A unintentional mismatch would be easily recognized in the field. The misuse of a number plate, in any of the states, is an offense which tan result in arrest, as well as both civil and criminal fines and penalties. The difference between "facial" validity and "actual" validity is clear to trained professionals. Statistics show abuse of this origin is quite uncommon.

Q. Does any state not have "Specialty" plates?

A. Most all the states have issued specialty plates at one time Or another. California, New York, Illinois and Virginia follow Florida in types and quantities sold. Once purchased from the state, these plates are generally the property of the registered owner and like most "general issue" passenger plates, enter the secondary "market" after expiring. Collectors buy, sell and trade to complete their individual collections.

License plate collecting, helps to preserve and chronicle the heritage of automobilia. They reflect various improvements in technology in art and reproduction, that makes these plates such interesting collectibles.