License Plate Roundup: California

California: History and Interesting Facts

Before diving into our favorite plate designs, let’s study up on the Golden State, including basic California history, standout features, and interesting facts.

When Was California Established as a State?

California has a colorful and somewhat complicated past. Ownership transferred several times in the past five centuries, resulting in the state’s incredibly diverse demographics. 

The Native American period spanned approximately 10,000 years until the European exploration period (1542–1769). The Spanish colonial period comprised nearly five decades (1769–1821) until the Mexican period (1821–1848). 

California wasn’t formally admitted into the Union until 1850 during the Compromise of 1850, two years after the Mexican–American War (1846–1848) granted the United States total control over the land. On September 9, 1850, California became the Union’s 31st state.

What Is California’s Most Known For?

California boasts various topographical features, offering an exceptionally diverse landscape of sun, sand, surf, desert, and mountains—but that’s not all. California doesn’t just offer natural beauty, but also some of the country’s most standout man-made landmarks. Los Angeles—the City of Angels, San Francisco—the City by the Bay, and even Disneyland reside in the state, making it a popular tourist destination. 

Aside from its features, California also offers a rich history. Events such as the Gold Rush and the construction of civil engineering marvels—like the rise of the railroad and the Golden Gate Bridge—are all landmarks in modern history and innovation. 

On a more contemporary note, California offers several standout off-road trails and parks, including Hollister Hills OHV, Mojave Road, Big Bear, Burns Canyon, and more.

What Is California’s Nickname?

California’s most prominent nickname—the Golden State—stems from its rich history during the California Gold Rush. From 1848–1855, the promise of making it rich swept the nation after gold was discovered by James W. Marshall at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. Over 300,000 adventurers moved Westward, booming California’s population and fast-tracking its joining into the Union.

California’s License Plate Designs

Now that we’ve covered some background information on California, let’s check out the state’s license plate designs. In this section, we tackle the processes of acquiring California license plates, our staff’s top ten designs, and the requirements for each.

Regular, Custom, Special Interest, and Other License Plates

Acquiring a California license plate is relatively simple, with license plates varying in up-front cost and yearly renewal fees depending on the design and custom text.

Regular Passenger, Commercial, and Motorcycle Plates

California’s traditional white and blue license plate, the standard-issued design, is free from initial or annual fees. Randomized white and blue license plates are assigned to a vehicle upon its initial purchase and often remain attached for the duration of its service life.  

Exceptions include heritage plates (blue and yellow or black and yellow), which require one-time and annual fees.

Custom License Plates

For a small fee, drivers can create a unique number plate. However, custom text must be approved by the DMV and must not contain foul language. Personalized plates require a 50–100 dollar one-time fee (depending on the design) and a 48-dollar annual renewal fee.

Special Interest Plates

Special interest license plates align with particular groups and non-profit organizations, like California Agriculture, Arts Council, California Legacy, Lake Tahoe Conservancy, and more. Most special interest plates require a one-time fee or donation to the organization.

Other

Other California license plates include: 

• Special License Plates: Exempt, livery, historical vehicles, HAM radio, veterans

• Special Recognition License Plates: Legion of Valor, Purple Heart, Gold Star Family, etc.

• Occupational License Plates: Dealers, dismantlers

• Legislative License Plates: Senate, Assembly

• Apportioned License Plates: Power unit and prorate

RealTruck Favorites

Of the countless California license plate designs, our staff has hand-selected their top ten designs. In this section, we’re taking a closer look at each design and providing a brief backstory.

Black/Yellow 1960s Heritage Plate

The black and yellow heritage plate design is iconic in California. Inspired by California’s 1963–1969 license plate, which featured a non-reflective black background and yellow digits, the new legacy plate—introduced in 2012—pulls direct inspiration from its 60s counterpart. Though aesthetically similar, the heritage plate features a reflective black background for increased visibility in low-light conditions. 

The fees collected for the California 1960s Legacy License Plates benefit environmental projects in California.

1970s Blue/Yellow Plate

Though California’s legacy plate program only resulted in the rerelease of the black and yellow retro design, an equally timeless blue and yellow license plate existed from 1969–1986. Like the black and yellow legacy plate, the blue and yellow variant features vibrant yellow text backed by a subtle background—this time, blue. 

While the 1970s blue/yellow plate is no longer available for purchase, original plates can be renewed if previously issued.

“The Golden State” Plate

Embracing the 31st state’s nickname, the “Golden State” license plate features a white background with blue font, similar to the contemporary design. However, the background features a stylish horizontal accent with a rising sun just behind the blocky “CALIFORNIA” text. At the lower portion of the license plate, the script reads “The Golden State.” 

Originally released in 1982, the “Golden State” plate is no longer available for purchase. However, original plates can be renewed if previously issued.

Historical Vehicle

California’s historical vehicle plates, though rarely observed in the wild, are one of the state’s most unique and stylish license plate designs. Sporting a white background with red text, historic vehicle plates offer timeless styling and acknowledge the historic value of said vehicle.

Requirements for historic vehicle license plates include a model year of 1922 or newer, being at least 25 years old, and being of historic interest.

Gold Star Family

California’s Gold Star Family license plates feature a white and blue color scheme with a Gold Star decal and “Gold Star Family” text. These license plates may be issued to qualifying family members of fallen United States Armed Forces soldiers.

Acquiring a Gold Star Family License Plate requires family members to fill out a special application, provide proof of the family relationship, and submit a certified document.

Pearl Harbor Survivor

Recognizing the Pearl Harbor tragedy, California’s Pearl Harbor Survivor license plates feature a white and blue design with “Pearl Harbor Survivor” text in the left quadrant. These plates may be issued to survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor if substantiated by the appropriate documents.

Acquiring a Pearl Harbor Survivor license plate requires the completion of a Special Recognition License Plate Application.

Olympic Games, 1984

The Olympic Games license plate commemorates the 1984 Olympic Games, held in Los Angeles. It features a purple, white, and blue striped pattern with blue text and the iconic Olympic rings. 

These plates are no longer available but can be renewed if previously issued.

Bicentennial Bill of Rights

For history buffs, the white and blue Bicentennial Bill of Rights license plate design is unmatched. This design stands out amongst drivers, sporting a red Liberty Bell and “1971 Bill of Rights 1991” text. 

License plates commemorating the bicentennial of the Bill of Rights were issued from July 1, 1990, through December 31, 1991. While replacement plates are no longer available, original issued plates can be renewed.

Memorial

Sporting Old Glory’s iconic stars and stripes, California’s Memorial license plate serves as an homage to fallen first responders and citizens as a result of terror attacks on American soil. 

The fees collected for Memorial License Plates help California’s law enforcement fight threats of terror.

Lake Tahoe Conservancy

Keep Lake Tahoe blue with the Lake Tahoe Conservancy license plate, featuring a blue, white, and orange color scheme with a mountainous background.

The fees collected from the Lake Tahoe License Plates fund preservation and restoration projects in the Lake Tahoe area.

License Plate Products and Accessories

There’s no doubt that California sports some of the country’s most iconic and stylish license plate designs. If you reside in the Golden State, display your truck, Jeep®, or SUV’s license plate clearly and securely using our selection of license plate frames, holders, brackets, and relocation solutions. 

Stay tuned for our next License Plate Roundup feature, where we tackle another state’s top license plate artwork. And as always,contact the experts for all product inquiries and order assistance.