Black and white plates in California are issued to vehicles registered before 1956

A black and white California license plate indicates that the vehicle is registered as a horseless carriage or historic vehicle — typically a car built in 1955 or earlier. These plates are not standard registration; they come with specific rules about how and when you can drive the vehicle on public roads.

The black and white color scheme itself is historical. California used black plates with white lettering from 1913 to 1956, so modern black and white plates are designed to match that era. If you see one on the road, the owner has chosen to register that vehicle under California's historic vehicle program rather than as a regular passenger car.

This is different from a standard California plate, which is now white with blue on the left edge. The black and white plate signals to law enforcement and other drivers that the vehicle has restrictions on its use.

Key Takeaways

  • Black and white plates are issued only to vehicles manufactured in 1955 or earlier that meet California's historic vehicle requirements.
  • Owners of historic vehicles can choose between black and white plates or standard modern plates, depending on how they plan to use the car.
  • Black and white plate holders cannot use their vehicles for regular commuting or daily transportation — only for exhibitions, parades, and occasional pleasure driving.
  • The vehicle must pass a referee inspection to confirm its age and condition before the Department of Motor Vehicles will issue a black and white plate.

Who qualifies for a black and white historic vehicle plate

To register a vehicle with a black and white plate in California, the car must have been manufactured in 1955 or earlier. The owner must also be able to prove the vehicle's age through the vehicle identification number (VIN), title, or other documentation that the DMV accepts.

The vehicle does not have to be in perfect condition, but it must be safe to operate. California requires a referee inspection — a safety check performed by an authorized referee — before the DMV will issue the historic plate. The referee confirms that the vehicle is roadworthy and that its age matches the owner's claim.

You do not need to own a rare or valuable car to get a black and white plate. A 1950 Ford, a 1940 Chevrolet, or any other vehicle from 1955 or earlier can may have access to, as long as you can document its year of manufacture and pass the safety inspection.

Restrictions on driving a vehicle with a black and white plate

The main restriction is that black and white plates are for limited use only. You cannot use the vehicle for regular commuting, work, or daily transportation. California law allows black and white plate holders to drive their vehicles to and from exhibitions, parades, car shows, and similar events, and for occasional pleasure driving.

What counts as "occasional pleasure driving" is not defined by a specific number of miles or days per month, but the intent is clear: the vehicle should not be your primary transportation. If you drive the car to work every day or use it as your main vehicle, you are violating the terms of the historic vehicle registration.

The vehicle must also be insured and registered with the DMV, just like any other car on the road. You still need a valid driver's license, and the vehicle must pass smog checks if required in your county. The black and white plate does not exempt you from traffic laws or safety requirements.

How to register a vehicle with a black and white plate

Start by scheduling a referee inspection. You can find authorized referees through the DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. The referee will examine the vehicle to confirm it is safe to drive and verify its age. Bring your title, VIN documentation, or any proof of the vehicle's manufacture date.

After the inspection, the referee will give you a report. Take this report, along with your title, proof of insurance, and a completed registration process (Form REG 43), to your local DMV office or submit it by mail. The DMV will review your documents and issue the black and white plate if everything is in order.

The cost varies depending on your county and the vehicle's value, but historic vehicle registration is typically less expensive than standard registration. Check with your local DMV for the exact fee.

Black and white plates versus standard plates for older cars

Owners of pre-1956 vehicles have a choice. You can register the car with a black and white historic plate, or you can register it as a standard vehicle with a modern California plate. The choice depends on how you plan to use the car.

If you own a 1950 car that you drive to car shows and parades a few times a year, a black and white plate makes sense. If you own a 1955 vehicle that you drive regularly for work or errands, you should register it with a standard plate instead, because the black and white plate comes with use restrictions that you would violate.

Standard registration for an older vehicle works the same way as for any other car — you get a modern plate, pay standard registration fees, and can drive the vehicle whenever you want. The trade-off is that you lose the historical appearance and the lower registration cost that comes with historic vehicle status.

What happens if you misuse a black and white plate

If a law enforcement officer stops you and determines that you are using a black and white plate vehicle for regular commuting or daily transportation, you can be cited for misuse of the historic vehicle registration. The penalty is typically a fine, and the DMV may revoke your historic vehicle registration and require you to re-register the vehicle as a standard passenger car.

The DMV does not actively monitor how often you drive a historic vehicle, but if you are pulled over for another reason and the officer notices excessive wear or mileage that suggests daily use, that can trigger a violation. Keeping a log of when and where you drive the vehicle — to shows, parades, and occasional pleasure trips — is a good way to document that you are following the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a black and white plate vehicle to work?

No. Black and white plates are for limited use only — exhibitions, parades, car shows, and occasional pleasure driving. Regular commuting or work use violates the historic vehicle registration terms and can result in a citation and loss of the plate.

Do I need a smog check for a black and white plate vehicle?

It depends on your county and the vehicle's age. Some counties exempt vehicles over a certain age from smog checks. Contact your local DMV or air quality district to find out whether your vehicle is exempt.

How much does it cost to register a vehicle with a black and white plate?

Historic vehicle registration is typically less expensive than standard registration, but the exact cost varies by county and the vehicle's assessed value. Call your local DMV office for the current fee in your area.

What if I cannot find the VIN or title for my older vehicle?

The DMV accepts other forms of proof of age, such as old registration documents, manufacturer records, or a bill of sale. Bring whatever documentation you have to the referee inspection, and the referee will help determine whether it is sufficient to confirm the vehicle's age.

Can I sell a vehicle that is registered with a black and white plate?

Yes. The new owner can keep the historic vehicle registration if they want, or they can re-register the vehicle as a standard car. The black and white plate stays with the registration, not the vehicle itself.