If you ever get into an accident, license plates smooth out the process of determining who’s at fault. Plus, license plates help police officers track down stolen vehicles—so they’re pretty crucial to our society!

Per the

California Vehicle Code

, you should have a front and back license plate on your car at all times. So, before you take your new car for a spin, you’ll need to make sure that you’ve got the right license plates for the road. Let’s take a look at some of your top options in California.

MORE:

How to register a car in California

What license plates does California have?

California license plates fall into three main categories:

Standard plates

, which you’re probably used to seeing by now. Most of these are white with red and blue lettering.

Special interest plates

support specific causes like the environment, arts, or breast cancer awareness.

Special plates

come in all shapes and sizes. Special plates can be used by people who drive antique motorcycles, horseless carriages, mopeds, and more!

Standard license plates

Red, white, and blue plates: Whether you go for a cursive script or regular lettering, these patriotic plates have an undeniable West Coast vibe.

Black and yellow plates: Also known as Legacy Plates, these vintage designs have been in circulation since the 1950s. For just $50, you can get one of your own—a small fee for such a unique style, if you ask us!

Blue and yellow plates: Another throwback look, your best chance of landing one of these uncommon plates is through a third-party seller like

eBay

Special interest license plates

California Agriculture (CalAg): CalAg plates are some of the most popular special interest plates on the streets. If you opt for these plates, your payment will go towards preparing students for successful careers in the agriculture sector.

Environmental: These fees support environmental programs—plus, you get to customize your plate! With California’s environmental plates, you can finally hit the streets of

Sacramento

with that “GOGR33N” plate you’ve always wanted.

Arts Council: Complete with palm trees and a falling sun, this design adds a splash of color to your car and supports the

California Arts Council.

Win-win, right?

Firefighters: If you’re an active or retired California firefighter, you can contribute to the

California Firefighters Memorial Fund

by adding these plates to your vehicle.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Your investment in these plates, which feature the instantly recognizable pink ribbon, will go towards the

Every Woman Counts Program

, which supports breast cancer detection and treatment.

MORE:

California minimum car insurance laws

Special license plates

Amateur Radio Call Letters: If you hold an amateur radio license from the FCC, you’re in luck! You could get plates with your call letters (e.g. W6BXX) by submitting

Form 17A

Antique Motorcycles: Only available to folks who own a motorcycle that was made before 1942, you can request an Antique Motorcycle Plate by sending

Form 17A

to your local DMV office.

Disabled Persons/Veterans: If you’re a

person with a disability

or a disabled veteran, these plates come with the International Symbol of Access, which gives you special parking privileges.

Horseless Carriages: Okay, these might not be the most popular plates in the state—but if you’re the one person reading this that has a vehicle from 1922 or earlier (or a 16+ cylinder engine from before 1965), it’s your lucky day! Submit a

Form 17A

and be on your way, with these red and white plates in tow.

Mopeds: Complete a

Moped Plate Application

—not only are they stylish, but they’re legally required in the state of California!

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How do I get a California license plate?

Getting new plates in California is pretty simple—all you need to do is

through the California DMV. If you’ve already got plates, but want to branch out with a new design, you can request the new plates when you

renew your registration

To register your vehicle, you need:

A completed

Application for Title/Registration

Your vehicle’s title (with its mileage, if the car is less than 10 years old)

A Smog Certificate (if your vehicle is over four years old)

Payment for fees ($46 for registration plus a $23 highway patrol fee)

And that’s it! If you just need to replace your plates,

follow the instructions from the California DMV

. You should be rocking your sweet new design in no time.

MORE:

Do I need a front license plate?

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FAQs

How many license plates does California have?

Though some of California’s license plates are no longer issued by the DMV, they’ve still got over twenty types ofplates, ranging from special interest designs to moped plates.

Do I need a front license plate in California?

Yes! Though the no-plate look can be pretty sleek, California requires both front and back license plates for you to legally drive in the state.

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