Milestones
Much has changed in the 100 years since the license plate was first created. Needs have evolved, technology has advanced, and preferences have shifted. Texas’ license plates throughout the years tell the story of this progress. Hover over the images below to learn about some of the most significant milestones in Texas license plate history.
100 Year Plate
A special commemorative license plate, the 100 Year Plate, will be available from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for a limited time.
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1907
First vehicle registered under Texas state law, a bus in operation between Snyder and Colorado City, the first inter-city bus line in Texas.
1917
First plate/registration insignia is issued at state level, each bearing a unique numeric sequence.
1928 – 1930
Plates manufactured in FRONT and REAR pairs.
1935
First state-manufactured license plates issued, created by inmates at Huntsville.
1943-1944
World War II metal conservation efforts led to the use of small metal tags at the time of annual registration rather than the issuance of entirely new plates.
1956
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) established a uniform national plate size policy (6 x 12 inches).
1969-1975
Plates issued in odd-numbered years were black-on-white, even-numbered years were various colors on white.
1974
1974 was the last yearly plate issue for Texas plates. Late 1974 plates were made with dies, which remained in use until the dies were phased out.
1986
The first run of plates listed SESQUICENTENNIAL at the bottom of the plate, with later plates listing SESQUICENTENNIAL at the top, below TEXAS.
1987
The "Big Red" plate, plates issued in late 1986 and 1987 featured a larger, bolder state name at the top of the plate. Some counties continued to issue these plates through early 1990.
1995-1996
Special issue standard plate commemorating 150 years of statehood.
1999
Changed with the addition of graphical symbols of Texas across the top and bottom edges of the plate.
2011
The background graphic of the plate issued in 2009 was modified to improve legibility for law enforcement.
2012
The "Texas Classic".
This is the general-issue plate still in use today.