Ever noticed those sleek black license plates on the highway and wondered where they’re from? The trend of black license plates has been gaining serious momentum across America, with several states now offering these stylish alternatives to standard designs. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle’s appearance or just curious about which states offer these distinctive plates, you’re in the right place.
Which States Currently Offer Official Black License Plates?
Several states now offer official black license plates, either as standard options or specialty designs. Let’s dive into the states where you can legally get that sleek black plate look.
Delaware: America’s Black Plate Pioneer
Delaware holds the distinction of being the original black license plate state, with the longest-standing tradition in the country. The state offers two distinct types of official black plates that pay homage to their historic designs from the 1940s:
- Porcelain Black Plates: Available for license numbers 86,999 and below, these plates replicate the original black and white porcelain design from the mid-1940s. They cost around $110 and require proof of Delaware vehicle registration.
- Stainless Steel Black Plates: Available for numbers up to 200,000, these plates mirror the stainless steel design used from 1947-1958.
What makes Delaware special is that they’ve maintained the longest-running plate design in the U.S., with their standard blue and gold plates in continuous use since 1958. The black plates are highly sought after and have become status symbols in the state.
California: The Legacy Black Plate
California offers black “Legacy License Plates” based on their iconic 1963-1969 design. These plates were reintroduced in 2015 after legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Mike Gatto received the required minimum of 7,500 pre-orders.
California’s black plates cost $50 initially with additional annual fees. While the original 1960s plates had yellow lettering, the modern reproductions feature reflective yellow paint as required by current law.
An interesting fact: these plates are manufactured at Folsom Prison using the original molds discovered there. Talk about authentic!
Colorado: The Blackout Sensation
Colorado’s “blackout plate” has become wildly popular since its introduction in 2023. Based on the state’s 1945 license plate design, this black plate was the most popular specialty plate choice in 2023, with Coloradans selecting it a staggering 169,998 times. This enthusiasm generated over $4.2 million for the Colorado Disability Funding Committee.
The blackout plate costs $25 annually, with proceeds supporting programs for people with disabilities. Colorado also offers historical red and blue plates, but the black version has far outpaced all others in popularity.
Iowa: The Revenue Generator
Iowa introduced blackout plates in July 2019, and they’ve been a massive financial success. The state has generated over $30 million in revenue from these plates since their introduction. Just two months after launch, over 19,500 blackout plates had been ordered, with about one-third being personalized.
Iowa’s blackout plates feature a simple black background with white lettering and are available for both standard and personalized configurations.
Tennessee: Multiple Black Options
Tennessee offers several black specialty license plate options:
- “In the Black” Millennial Debt Foundation Plate: Approved by the state legislature in 2021, this solid black plate with white lettering costs $61.50 annually, with $35 going to support the Millennial Debt Foundation’s fiscal education efforts.
- The Equity Alliance Plate: Another all-black specialty plate that supports civic engagement and democracy initiatives.
- Organization-Specific Plates: Tennessee also offers black plates for specific organizations like the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and the Lions Club.
Other States Jumping on the Black Plate Trend
Minnesota: The Newest Member of the Club
Minnesota recently introduced blackout plates that have proven extremely popular, with over 270,000 issued in 2024 alone. This enthusiastic reception has contributed approximately $7.8 million to the state’s Department of Public Safety.
Wisconsin: Coming Soon
Wisconsin lawmakers are actively pushing to introduce similar blackout plates, citing the success in neighboring states. The “blackout” trend has become particularly popular in the Midwest, with Iowa leading the way and other states following suit due to both aesthetic appeal and significant revenue generation potential.
Additional States with Black Plate Options
Several other states offer black license plate options, including:
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Texas
- New York
Availability and designs vary significantly by state, so it’s worth checking with your local DMV for the most up-to-date information.
The Historical Significance of Black License Plates
The popularity of black license plates often stems from their clean, minimalist aesthetic and historical significance. Many current designs are reproductions of vintage plates from the 1940s-1960s, when black backgrounds were more common due to manufacturing limitations and costs.
Delaware’s black plates, for example, are coveted not just for their appearance but for their historical value. Low-digit Delaware black plates have become status symbols, with some selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
Black License Plates: The Revenue Potential
States have discovered that black license plates are not just popular—they’re profitable. Here’s how some states are benefiting:
| State | Revenue Generated | Time Period | Fee Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $30+ million | Since 2019 | $35 initial fee + $10 annual renewal |
| Colorado | $4.2+ million | 2023 alone | $25 annual fee |
| Minnesota | $7.8 million | 2024 to date | $30 fee |
| California | Millions | Since 2015 | $50 initial + annual fees |
This revenue often goes toward important state programs, making black plates a win-win for both car owners and state governments.
Legal Considerations: Beware of Illegal Replica Plates
While many states offer official black license plates, there’s a concerning trend of illegal replica plates being sold online. These unauthorized plates, often sold through platforms like Etsy or Facebook Marketplace, can result in significant fines and legal consequences.
Warning Signs of Illegal Plates:
- Made in foreign countries rather than state-authorized facilities
- Sold with disclaimers about their illegality
- Available for states that don’t officially offer black plates
In New York, for example, driving with non-DMV issued plates can be considered a felony, and enforcement has intensified significantly. The city has cracked down on obscured and fake license plates, with new rules finalized by the Department of Transportation.
How to Get a Legal Black License Plate
If you’re interested in getting a black license plate, here’s how to do it legitimately:
- Check availability: Visit your state’s DMV website to see if black plates are offered.
- Understand the costs: Most states charge premium fees for specialty plates.
- Apply through official channels: Only purchase through your state’s DMV or authorized agents.
- Be prepared for wait times: Popular designs may have backlogs for production.
- Keep documentation: Save your receipt and application in case questions arise.
For example, in California, you can order special interest and personalized license plates directly through the DMV.
The Appeal of Black License Plates
Why have black license plates become so popular? There are several reasons:
- Aesthetic appeal: The sleek, minimalist look complements many vehicle colors and styles.
- Uniqueness: They stand out from standard-issue plates.
- Historical significance: Many designs pay homage to vintage plate styles.
- Status symbol: In some states, particularly Delaware, they indicate longevity or prestige.
- Customization: They offer another way for car enthusiasts to personalize their vehicles.
The Future of Black License Plates
The trend toward black license plates shows no signs of slowing down. More states are considering adding these options to their lineup due to public demand and the significant revenue potential. Wisconsin may be next to join the club, and other states are likely watching the success of current programs closely.
As manufacturing techniques improve, we may also see more variations in design, possibly including additional colors or special finishes while maintaining the popular black background.
Where to Look for Updates on Black License Plate Availability
If your state doesn’t currently offer black license plates, keep an eye on:
- Your state’s DMV website for announcements about new plate designs
- Local news outlets, which often report on new license plate options
- State legislative updates, as new plate designs typically require approval
- Car enthusiast forums and social media groups, which often share news about plate options
For those in Delaware seeking authentic black plates, resources like DHPTags and Low Digit Tags specialize in helping drivers navigate the process of obtaining these coveted plates.
Black license plates have moved beyond being just a trend—they’ve become a permanent fixture in many states’ vehicle registration options. Whether you’re drawn to their sleek appearance, historical significance, or just want something different for your vehicle, black plates offer a distinctive option that’s officially sanctioned in a growing number of states.
Just remember to always go through official channels to ensure your plate is legal and properly registered. The last thing you want is to mar that beautiful black plate with a costly ticket!
