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Pennsylvania License Plate Images

John McDevitt, Walnutport, PA

Apportioned (Truck)

Apportioned (Bus)

ATV Dealer

Auto Manufacturer

Emergency Vehicle

Farm Truck

Fire Department

Foreign Consul

Hearing Impaired

Implement of Husbandry

Limousine

Plate Type (year first issued)

Description / History

Image

Apportioned (Truck) (1982)

VERSION 1, AA-00000 to AA-99999, blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, dash separator, steel plate, PENNSYLVANIA on top, APPORTIONED at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

VERSION 2, AB-00000 to AB-99999,  yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, PENNSYLVANIA on top, APPORTIONED at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.NOTE: Apportioned was never issued with an AC prefix.

VERSION 3, AD-00000 to AD-99999,  yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, APPORTIONED on top,  PENNSYLVANIA at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.  High point not known.

VERSION 4, AE-00000 to AF-49999,  www tri-color base, sticker well upper right, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, APPORTIONED at bottom.  All previous plates reissued in 2000.

VERSION 5, AF-50000 to current high,  visitPA tri-color base, sticker well upper right, keystone separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, APPORTIONED at bottom.  Format 4 and 5 currently valid.

Validation Sticker: All plates of this type use an annual 5-YY (YY= 2-digit year) PA APPORTIONED sticker.

See Jim Moini's website for more PA Apportioned.

Need approximate high on VERSION 3 plates before the reissue.

Apportioned Bus (1982)

VERSION 1, BL-00000 (only several hundred issued), blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, dash separator, steel plate, PENNSYLVANIA on top, APPORTIONED at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

VERSION 2, BL-00000 (from where the previous series left off, only several hundred issued), yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top(?), APPORTIONED at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

NOTE: Apportioned Bus never issued with BM prefix.

VERSION 3, BN-00000 to current high,  www tri-color base, sticker wells upper left, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, APPORTIONED at bottom.  All previous plates reissued in 2000.

Validation Sticker: All plates of this type use an annual 5-YY (YY= 2-digit year) PA APPORTIONED sticker.

Graphic depiction

Image needed

Need better image of VERSION 1.

ATV Dealer (1986) DCNR issued plate

VERSION 1, 0000 to ~1500, olive green on white, PENNSYLVANIA on top, DLR stacked left, ATV stacked right, DEPT. OF ENV. RES. on bottom, 6" by 12" plate.

VERSION 2, ~1500 to at least 4000, olive green on white, PENNSYLVANIA on top, DLR stacked left, ATV stacked right, DCNR on bottom, 6" by 12" plate.

VERSION 3, 000 to current high, olive green on white,   PA-DCNR on top, ATV DEALER on bottom, DCNR on bottom, 4" by 7" plate. All previous plates reissued in 2006.

from Bill Ceravola

Auto Manufacturer (~1978)

From approx A38-800A to approx. A38-999A, blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, AUTO MANUFACTURER at bottom.  Plates were probably issued as early as 1978 and were revalidated until the late 80 or so.  See comments on right.

Sample:  This is a sample or prototype on the 1984 base.  No plates on this base were issued.

See article from July 1979 issue of Volkswagen Mirror from Andy Keim.

from Chuck Harrington

from Pauli Bagnarol

One of the rarest modern plates is the Auto Manufacturer.  It is also little known to collectors and state DMV officials alike.  When Volkswagen opened their plant in New Stanton, PA, they needed plates. Instead of the state making a truly new type, they pulled a sequential block of numbers from the “New Car Dealer” type.  Why many of the DMV officials don’t know they exist is because when they ran the numbers, it came up under the New Car Dealer series.  Although there are Auto Manufacturer samples on the 1984 reflective glass bead yellow on blue plate, no plates were ever issued and/or made outside the original 1977 base issue. Quantity made and issued is unknown, probably around 200 plates. VW wound down their operation around 1988 or 1989, and was officially closed around 1990.

from Chuck Harrington

Circus-Carnival Truck (1990)

VERSION 1: B/Z00000 to B/Z01499,  yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, Circus-Carnival Truck on top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.  High point not known, probably not more than a few hundred issued.

VERSION 2: B/Z01500 to current high, www base, sticker well upper left, PENNSYLVANIA on top, Circus-Carnival Truck at bottom.  All previous plates reissued beginning March 26, 2000.

SAMPLE of Version 1

SAMPLE of Version 2

from Clayton Moore

Civil Defense (~1950s-60s)

VERSION 1: 01-1 to 67-9999 = county code + serial number, PENNA top flanked by 2 keystones, CIVIL DEFENSE on bottom.   Blue on yellow plates are steel.  The pictured plate is from Northampton County.

VERSION 2: 01-1 to 67-9999, = county code + serial number, PENNA top flanked by 2 keystones, CIVIL DEFENSE on bottom  Yellow on blue  plates are aluminum and have a slightly larger bolt holes than version 1.  The pictured plate is from Warren County.

These plates were issued during the cold war years of the 1950s and 60s; however, the exact years of issue are unknown.  Plates were issued by the State Office of Civil Defense, today known as the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency or PEMA, and were distributed by PA's 67 counties.  Plates were front mounted on vehicles, and were given to people who had a role in civil defense.  All plates measure 4" by 9½".  The first part of the plate number represents the county code, the second part is the plate serial number, all are undated.

(1986)

VERSION 1: "P/H"00000, PURPLE HEART on top, yellow on blue base, embossed graphic of medal on left, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.

VERSION 2: "P/H"00000, COMBAT WOUNDED VETERAN on top, bluish purple on white base with red legend, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, embossed image of Purple Heart in center, sticker well lower left.

VERSION  3: "P/H"00000 to current high

On visitPA base with screened image, P/H and Tag Line, sticker well upper left.  First spotted 11/17/04, after which all previous plates were replaced..

SAMPLE of Version 1

SAMPLE of Version 2

SAMPLE of Version 3

from George Kunsman

Image added 1/22

Commercial Implement of Husbandry (1997)

VERSION 1: CI0000H

Comm Imp of Husbandry on top, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, no separator PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.  See sample below.

VERSION 2: CI1500H to current high

PENNSYLVANIA on top, www base, sticker well upper left, no separator, Comm Imp of Husbandry on bottom.

SAMPLE of Version 1

Image needed

Dealer-Farm Equipment (1991 or 92)

VERSION 1: FE0000D

Dealer-Farm Equip. on top, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, no separator PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.  See sample below.

VERSION 2: FE0000D to current high

PENNSYLVANIA on top, www base, sticker well upper left, no separator, Dealer-Farm Equip. on bottom.

SAMPLE of Version 1

Image needed

Dealer-Multi Purpose (1991 / 92)

VERSION 1, MP0000D to MP2999D yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, no dash separator,  Dealer-Multi Purpose on top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom. Valid thru the 1999 plate reissue.

VERSION 2, MP3000D to current high, www base, sticker well upper left, no dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, Dealer-Multi Purpose at bottom.

VERSION 1 Sample

from Kelly Brewer

from Jeff Minard

Emergency Vehicle (~1977)

VERSION 1: EV-10000 to EV-14999, red on white PENNSYLVANIA on top, EMERGENCY VEHICLE on bottom.  Type dates to about1977.

VERSION 2: EV-15000 to EV-16999,

white on red EMERGENCY VEHICLE on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom

VERSION 3: EV-17000 to EV-23499 white on red, EMERGENCY VEHICLE on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, glass beads on the raised letters, sticker well added on lower left  .

VERSION 4: From EV-23500 to EV-28500 pluralizing of tag line EMERGENCY VEHICLES, white on red PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.  (Plates from EV-23894 to EV-28448 use VEHICLES, while EV-28854 uses VEHICLE.)

VERSION 5: EV-28500 to EV-30130+, (high plate seen on this base EV-30130) tag line has changed back to singular, white on red PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. Similar to Type 3.

Prior to 2006, If an EMERGENCY VEHICLE plate has a validation sticker it meant that the vehicle is not exempt and belongs to a private ambulance company, fire chief's personal vehicle, etc. Exempt status would be indicated on the owners card.  Plates near the end of this run all had validation stickers.

VERSION 6: Start number between EV-30131 and EV-30309. On visitPA base, large keystone separator, embossed tag legend. On vehicles that required stickers in the past such as those belonging to private ambulance companies, etc. 

VERSION 7: EV-50000 to current high.  On visitPA base, large keystone separator, embossed tag legend. 

PennDOT notified plate holders in February 2007 that all EV plates would be replaced.  First seen mid-March 2007.

NOTE: Version 6 and Version 7 are being issued concurrently.

SAMPLE of Version 2

SAMPLE of Version 3

Farm Truck (1977)

VERSION 1, FM-10000 to FM-43999 or above, blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, FARM TRUCK (wide font) at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

VERSION 2, FM-48000 or below to 52999 or higher,  yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator,  FARM TRUCK (wide font) on top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

VERSION 3, FM-53000 or above to FM-56999 or above,  yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator,  FARM TRUCK (narrow font) on top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

VERSION 4, below FM-65000 to FM-99999,  yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator,  FARM TRUCK (wide font) on top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.  High point not known.

VERSION 5 FM-0000A to current high,  www tri-color base, sticker well upper left, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, FARM TRUCK at bottom.  All previous plates reissued in 2000.

SAMPLE of VERSION 2 and/or VERSION 4

from Clayton Moore

from Pauli Bagnarol

Need highs or changeover points of several of these plate versions.

Fire Department

VERSION 1: FD-10000 to FD-27999, state outline base, keystone separator, sticker well lower left.

ERROR PLATE In this sequential pair the first plate is missing the dash separator.

VERSION 2: FD-28000 to approximately FD-29999 or wherever production ended, uses a dash separator.

SAMPLE

NOTE: This type is no longer issued. Replaced by Emergency Vehicle in 2007. 

Validation Sticker: All are permanent.

This type appears to be on a '68 base; however, in an Allentown Fire Department history book, a Fire Dept plate is pictured at a fire scene that was captioned as 1961.  Can this be?

Fleet Transporter (1997)

VERSION 1: FL0000T

FLEET TRANSPORTER on top, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, no separator PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.  See sample below.

VERSION 2: FE0000D to current high

PENNSYLVANIA on top, www base, sticker well upper left, no separator, Dealer-Farm Equip. on bottom.

SAMPLE of Version 1

Image needed

Foreign Consul (1958)

VERSION 1: FC1-000, 58 base, first issued from 1958 to 1964, yellow on blue, map outline, PA top center, 58 top right, after 1958 re-validated with stickers upper left, small keystone separator.

VERSION 2: FC-1000, 65 base, issued from 1965 to 1970, blue on yellow, map outline, PENNSYLVANIA top, undated, validation stickers upper left, small keystone separator.

VERSION 3: FC-10000, 71 base, issued from 1971 to 1976, yellow on blue, yellow border, PENNSYLVANIA top, sticker wells upper left & right, 71 lightly stamped in upper left sticker well, after 71 revalidated with stickers upper right & left, small keystone separator, BICENTENNIAL STATE '76 on bottom.

VERSION 4: FC-10000, 77 base, issued from 1977 to 1984 or 85, blue on yellow, blue border, PENNSYLVANIA top, sticker wells upper left & right, dash separator, FOREIGN CONSUL on bottom.

SAMPLE of Version 4:

SAMPLE: This is a sample or prototype on the 1984 base.  No plates on this base were issued.

from Chuck Harrington

from Chuck Harrington

from Pauli Bagnarol

CONSULAR plates were first issued in1929 and continued until 1935. 

No plates are believed to have been issued again until 1958 when FOREIGN CONSUL plates were first issued.

This type was last issued on the1977 base and were discontinued when the US Dept. of State started issuing their plates.  Once the US Dept of State started issuing plates to diplomats, states were no longer allowed to issue plates to foreign diplomats. 

"FC" plates do not exist on the 1984 and later bases.

Handicapped Person / Person with Disability

VERSION 1: HP-1000, blue on yellow 65 map outline base, used 1965 to 70, PENNSYLVANIA on top, HP on left inside box, then a dash separator followed by a 4-digit serial number to right.

VERSION 2: HP10000, yellow on blue Bicentennial base, used 1971 to 76, PENNSYLVANIA on top, HP on left inside box, (no dash separator) followed by a 5-digit serial number to right beginning at HP10000.

VERSION 3: HP00000 to HP90599, blue on yellow '77 base, issued 1977 thru 1984, revalidated until 1999, PENNSYLVANIA on top, HP on left over wheelchair symbol, followed by a 5-digit serial number to right.

VERSION 4: HP90600 to HP99999, yellow on blue '84 base, issued 1984 until number series all used, revalidated until 1999, KEYSTONE STATE on top PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, HP on left over wheelchair symbol, followed by a 5-digit serial number to right.

VERSION 5: HP0000 to HP9999, yellow on blue '84 base, issued 1984 until number series all used, revalidated until 1999, KEYSTONE STATE on top PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, HP on left over wheelchair symbol, followed by a 4-digit serial number to right.

VERSION 6: 0000HP to 9999HP, yellow on blue '84 base, issued about 1986 - 87, revalidated until 1999, KEYSTONE STATE on top PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, 4-digit serial number to left, followed by HP on right over wheelchair symbol.

VERSION 7: 00000HP to 99990HP, yellow on blue '84 base, revalidated until 2000 or so, KEYSTONE STATE on top PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, 5-digit serial number to left, followed by HP on right over wheelchair symbol.

VERSION 8: HPA0000 to HPZ9999, yellow on blue '84 base, revalidated until 2000 or so, KEYSTONE STATE on top PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, HP on left over wheelchair symbol, 1-alpha character, then 4-digit serial number to left, alpha character last to advance.

VERSION 9: PD00000 to PD99999, yellow on blue '84 base, revalidated until 2000 or so, KEYSTONE STATE on top PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, PD (Person with Disability) on left over wheelchair symbol, then 5-digit serial number to right.

VERSION 10: PD0000A to between PD5199A and PD5899A, on www base first issued 9-99, font used for PD is taller than later plates, and wheelchair symbol is larger, alpha character last to advance.

VERSION 11: From between PD5200A & PD5900A to PD9999Y, same as above version except font used for PD is lower, and wheelchair symbol is smaller, alpha character last to advance.

VERSION 12: PD0000Z to PD9999Z , version added 8/9/07. See note under Version 12 below. On visitPA base.

VERSION 13: 00000PD to current high

Type added 5/24/07. No other examples of this type variation were reported until 7/2008. For reasons unknown, the Version 12 plates were seen prior to the Version 11 plates, then after a few months the Version 11 came out and the Version 12 were not distributed until the Version 11 plate were exhausted.

from Clayton Moore

from Clayton Moore

from Mike Sells

from George Kunsman

from George Kunsman

from Clayton Moore

from Clayton Moore

from Nick Tsilakis

The stickers on the plate to the left are incorrect

Images

added

1/22

This plate should have been replaced in 1999-2000.

Hearing Impaired (1987)

VERSION 1, First issued 1987, HE-00001 yellow on blue, HEARING IMPAIRED top, dash separator, sticker well lower left, PENNSYLVANIA bottom, valid thru the 2000 plate changeover.

VERSION 2, Reissued 3/2000, HE-03000, www tri-color base, sticker well upper left, PENNSYLVANIA top, HEARING IMPAIRED bottom.

SAMPLE of Version 1

SAMPLE of Version 2

from George Kunsman

While I have no actual numbers, I'm guessing that there are somewhere around 100 of these plates in use.

House Car / Motor Home (1977)

VERSION 1, First issued 1977, HC-10000 to HC-99999, blue on yellow,  PENNSYLVANIA top, dash separator, HOUSE CAR bottom, valid thru the 2000-2001 plate changeover.

VERSION 2, First issued 1984, HD-00000 to between  HD-41999 and HD-43999, yellow on blue,  HOUSE CAR top, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA bottom, valid thru the 2000-2001 plate changeover.

VERSION 3, About 1990, from between HD-42000 and HD-44000 to at least HF-72999, yellow on blue, MOTOR HOME top, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA bottom, valid thru the 2000-2001 plate changeover.

(Note: HE plates were not issued in this series since the HE prefix is reserved for Hearing Impaired plate series.)

VERSION 4: First issued 5/7/2000 on www base, HG-00000 to HG-05999 on www base, PENNSYLVANIA on top, dash separator, MOTOR HOME on bottom, uses different font than later plates, note the 'M'.

VERSION 5: From HG-06000 to HG-99999 on www base, uses different font than earlier plates, note the 'M'. Otherwise same format as VERSION 4.

VERSION 6: From April/May 2006, HH-00000 to current high, On visitPA base with keystone separator.

Implement of Husbandry (1984)

VERSION 1: IMP-0000 to IMP-4999 (actual high unknown, over 2167), yellow on blue base, IMPLEMENT OF HUSBANDRY on top, dash separator, Pennsylvania on bottom uses the "You've got a friend" font, sticker well lower left, valid thru changeover.

VERSION 2: IMP-5000 to current high, on www base, IMPLEMENT OF HUSBANDRY on bottom, sticker well lower left.

SAMPLE of Version 1

from eBay user dmddrk

photocopy

Limousine (1990)

VERSION 1: LM-10000 (only several thousand issued) yellow on blue base, LIMOUSINE on top, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, valid thru changeover in 3/2000.

VERSION 2: First issued 3/26/2000, LM-20000 to LM-22999, on www base, dash separator, narrow font tag line.

VERSION 3: LM-23000 to LM-26999, on www base, dash separator, wider font tag line.

VERSION 4: LM-27000 to current high, visitPA base, keystone separator, wider font tag line.  Version added 1/5/11.

SAMPLE of Version 1

SAMPLE of Version 3

from Tom Perri

Mass Transit - (1977)

VERSION 1, M/T-10000 to M/T-17999 or M/T-18999, blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, steel plate,  PENNSYLVANIA on top, MASS TRANSIT at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

VERSION 2, M/T-18000 or M/T-19000 to M/T-29999,  yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, PENNSYLVANIA on top, MASS TRANSIT at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

VERSION 3, M/T30000 to M/T32999, stacked prefix on www base, wide font on tag line.

VERSION 4, MT-33000 to MT-39999, in-line prefix with dash separator on www base, narrower font on tag line

VERSION 5, M/T40000 to current high, on visitPA base, wide legend on tag line, first observed 6/20/06.

Sample

from Eric Butler

Moped (Motorized Pedacycle = Moped)(~1977)VERSION 1, ~1977 to 2000 plate changeover, AA000 to AZ999, blue on yellow, PENNA on top, MOPED on bottom, narrow hole spacing, valid thru the 2000-2001 plate changeover.

VERSION 2, ~1984 to 2000 plate changeover, 000AA to 999BZ, blue on yellow, PENNA on top, MOPED on bottom, narrow hole spacing, valid thru the 2000-2001 plate changeover.  Moped plates were never issued on the yellow on blue base.

Same format as above plate except B series.

VERSION 3, First issued 4/16/2000, BA000 to BM999, on www base, plates use MP legend.  Plate BM275 confirmed still on www base.

VERSION 4, ~9/07 BN000 to current high.  Series is reserved to CZ999 on visitPA base, plates use MP legend.

from Bruce Bufalini

Moped Dealer

VERSION 1, 1000D/L/R, embossed stacked 78 on left, blue on yellow base, map outline, narrow hole spacing, DLR stacked on right.  It is unknown if 1978 was the first year for Moped Dealer plates.  If Moped plates began in 1977, there may, or may not, have been a 77 dealer.  If there was a 77 dealer, it likely had an embossed date, and likely followed formatting similar to Motorcycle Dealer plates.  So far only the 78 has an embossed date.

VERSION 2, blue on yellow base, sticker used in place of embossed date.  Otherwise identical to Version 1 plate.  It appears that the number series may be a continuation from the 78 plates.  These were revalidated until the www plates were issued.

Circa 1985 image without sticker.

VERSION 3, MPD4000 on www base, first issued 9/99, the MPD is in small letters along the bottom of the plate similar to the MCD used by Motorcycle Dealer plates.

from Kelly Brewer

graphic depiction

partial credit to

Jordan Irazabal

Motor Vehicle (M.V.) Business (1966)

VERSION 1, 1966, C00-00A to C44-99D, blue on yellow, map outline, PA MV BUSINESS 1966 on top.

VERSION 2, 1966 plates issued (or renewed) with 67, 68 and 69 stickers.  From at least C45-00C to C99-99D, blue on yellow, map outline, PA MV BUSINESS 1966 on top.  The image shown has the 66 covered by the 67 sticker.

  Version 2, 1966 plate with 68 sticker.

  Version 2, 1966 plate with 69 sticker.

VERSION 3, 1967, C00-00A to C99-99D, blue on yellow, map outline, PENNSYLVANIA in top border, M.V. BUSINESS 1967 on top.

VERSION 4, 1968, C00-00A to C99-99D, blue on yellow, map outline, PENNSYLVANIA in top border, M.V. BUSINESS 1968 on top.

VERSION 5, 1969, C00-00A to C99-99D, blue on yellow, map outline, PENNSYLVANIA in top border, M.V. BUSINESS 1969 on top.

VERSION 6, 1970, C00-00A to C99-99D, blue on yellow, map outline, PENNSYLVANIA in top border, M.V. BUSINESS 1970 on top.

VERSION 7, 1971, C10-000C to C99-999C, yellow on blue, M.V. BUSINESS 1971 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.

VERSION 8, 1972, C10-000C to C99-999C, yellow on blue, M.V. BUSINESS 1972 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.

VERSION 9, 1973, C10-000C to C99-999C, yellow on blue, M.V. BUSINESS 1973 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.

VERSION 10, 1974, C10-000C to C99-999C, yellow on blue, M.V. BUSINESS 1974 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.

VERSION 11, 1975-76, C10-000C to C99-999C, yellow on blue, M.V. BUSINESS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, undated, validated with stickers for 75 and 76.

Version 11 with 76 sticker

VERSION 12, 1977, C10-000C to C99-999C, blue on yellow, PENNSYLVANIA on top, M.V. BUSINESS 1977 on bottom

VERSION 13, 1978, C10-000C to C99-999C, blue on yellow, PENNSYLVANIA on top, M.V. BUSINESS 1978 on bottom

VERSION 14, 1979 to about 1984, C10-000C to C99-999C, blue on yellow, PENNSYLVANIA on top, M.V. BUSINESS on bottom, undated, validated with stickers thru 1999 and 2000.

In 1966 a new series of plates was issued called Motor Vehicle Business.  This series continued until about 1984, when it was split into four groups, the largest of which was Repair/Service Towing.  The other three included Salvage Yard, Transporter and Repossessor; however, some of the M.V. Business plates continued to be revalidated until the plate changeover in 1999 or 2000.

Municipal (1971)

VERSION 1: MG-10000 yellow on blue base, MUNICIPAL on top, keystone separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.

VERSION 2: MG-00000 to MG-89999 blue on white, PENNSYLVANIA on top, wide MUNICIPAL font on bottom, 1977-1984 issue, type still in use.

VERSION 3: From MG-90000 to MG-99999 white on blue PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, wide MUNICIPAL font, addition of sticker well, issued 1984 until c1985-1986.

VERSION 4: 00000-MG to 99999-MG white on blue, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, narrow MUNICIPAL font.  Issued c1985-1986 until 2003.

VERSION 5: MG-0000A to current high, white on blue, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, narrow MUNICIPAL font, 2003 to present.

ERROR PLATE: MG prefix transposed

ERROR PLATE: No dash separator. 

from Tom Perri

from Eric Butler

from Eric Butler

from Eric Butler

from pl8s.com

Image

added

1/1/12

Municipal Motorcycle (1974-75)

VERSION 1, 1971 base but first issued in 1974-75 to 1977, MG000 to MG999, yellow on blue, map outline, MUNICIPAL on top border, PENNA on bottom border, plate measures 4½" x 8".

VERSION 2, issued 1977, believed to be no longer in use, MG000 to MG999, blue on reflective white, map outline,  PENNA on top border, MUNICIPAL on bottom border, plate measures 4½" x 8".

VERSION 3, 1977 or later, still current, 000MG to 999MG, blue on reflective white, map outline,  PENNA on top border, MUNICIPAL on bottom border, plate measures 4½" x 8".

VERSION 4, first issued 1984, still current, MG000 to MG999, reflective white on blue, map outline,  MUNICIPAL on top border, PENNA on bottom border, plate measures 4½" x 8".

VERSION 5, first issued 2007, still current, MG00A to MG99Z, reflective white on blue, map outline,  MUNICIPAL on top border, PENNA on bottom border, plate measures 4½" x 8".

SAMPLE of Version 1

from Harry Nowak

from Allan Cooper

Omnibus (1974)

VERSION 1: OB-10000 to between OB-23999 and OB-28999 blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, dash separator,  PENNSYLVANIA on top, OMNIBUS on bottom, validated with stickers thru 2000.

VERSION 2: 1984, from between OB-24000 and OB-29000 to OB-49999, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, OMNIBUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on  bottom, validated thru 2000.

VERSION 3: 4/16/2000, OB-50000 to OB-58999, on www base, dash separator, sticker well upper left, tag line OMNIBUS on bottom, font uses a sans serif I.

VERSION 4: From OB-59000 to OB-60999, series uses the serif I on tag line. Other formatting same as VERSION 3.

VERSION 5: From OB-61000 to OB-63999, series uses the sans serif I on tag line. Other formatting same as VERSION 3.

VERSION 6: OB-64000 to OB-68999, uses the serif I on tag line. Other formatting same as VERSION 3.

VERSION 7: OB-69000 to current high, on visitPA base, keystone separator, tag line font on this type uses a serif I.

SAMPLE of VERSION 4

Bus plates were first introduced in 1924.  Prior to that buses were registered as commercial vehicles.  It should be noted that the term omnibus has been associated with buses and bus plates since 1924 when the first bus plates were issued, some plates even used the 'O' prefixes; however no plates used the tag legend omnibus until this series was introduced in about 1974.

Passenger

Here is an image of a very unusual passenger plate.  This is believed to be an 'interim' plate used when the blue on yellow '65 plate stock had run out before the new '71 base could be used, which at the time was March 15.  Note the use of a '70 sticker and note this interim plate is on the non-passenger base.  The plate is apparently owned by another ALPCA member who provided the image to Ned.

from Ned Flynn

Permanent Trailer (1997)

VERSION 1: PT-00000 to PT-99999 (actual high unknown), yellow on blue base, PERM-TRAILER on top, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no validation stickers, valid thru changeover in 4/2001.

VERSION 2: First issued 4/16/2001, PT-0000A to PT-9999K, on www base, PERM-TRAILER on bottom.

VERSION 3: First seen ~ 3/07, PT-0000L to current high on visitPA base, keystone separator.

SAMPLE of Version 1

SAMPLE of Version 2

from Jim Moini

Press Photographer

Plate type always issued in pairs. 

VERSION 1: 1956

VERSION 2: 1957

VERSION 3: 1958 thru 1963

VERSION 4: Suburban, 1960 thru 1963

Used on station wagons.

VERSION 5: 1964

VERSION 6: 1965 thru 1970

VERSION 7: 1971 thru 1976

VERSION 8: 1977 thru 2001 unless replaced by a later base.

VERSION 9: Error plates.  For those who had the 77 base and wished to update to the 85 yellow on blue base, plates were issued with PP + the large keystone + the number, however, the formatting of these plates was in error.  Most of these plates were recalled.  Information from Chuck Harrington.

VERSION 10: This is the corrected formatting for the plates above.  Note the use of the PP within the keystone.  Information from Chuck Harrington.

VERSION 11: This formatting with Pennsylvania on the bottom is what identifies this plate as a different version, however, Press Photographer plates traditionally started at PP10 and never progressed beyond the a 3-digit number. This plate, and another below, shows a departure form the norm.  No other plates are known to exist with such a low number.  Theses plate may have been a favor or special request.  Information from Chuck Harrington.

VERSION 12: Beginning 6/11/2000 replacement by number, to current high.

NOTE:  There is reportedly a Press Photographer plate in use on the visitPA base, but with plate number PP416.  It is believed that such a plate is likely a replacement.  This was spotted by Jason Cowdell.

from eBay

from eBay

from eBay

from Chuck Harrington

from eBay

unknown source

from Mike Sells

from Ed Coghill

from Chuck Harrington

from Chuck Harrington

from Chuck Harrington

from Chuck Harrington

from Chuck Harrington

from Sol Bress

from Sol Bress

from Nick Santiago

Image needed

Found this piece of license plate history recently in the PA state archives. On February 10, 1956, Governor George M. Leader signed the Press Photograph License Plate Bill along with Secretary Gleason and Pat Cahill, Paul Vathis and Tom Leask. This enabled the issuing of Press Photograph License Plates beginning 1956.

Chuck Harrington indicated that during the Governor Leader tenure (1/55 - 1/59) legislation was passed to make the Press Photographer plates part of the vehicle code.  A Press Photographer prototype with a silk screened PP inside the keystone was made as a test on the '58 base. 

Repair / Service Towing

VERSION 1: First issued around 1984, RS-00000 to between RS-01599 and RS-02299, yellow on blue, REP / SER TOWING on top which is screen printed, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no sticker well, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

VERSION 2: From between RS-01600 and RS-02300 to between RS-14999 and RS-16999, REP / SER TOWING on top which is now embossed, Pennsylvania on bottom now uses the "You've got a friend" font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

VERSION 3: From between RS-15000 and RS-17000 to between RS-25999 and RS-29999, REP / SER TOWING on top which, still embossed, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom now reverts back to standard font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

VERSION 4: From between RS-26000 and RS-30000 to unknown series high, REPAIR TOWING on top, note change in legend, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

VERSION 5: From RT-20000 to RT-46999, on www base with dash separator, REPAIR TOWING on bottom in narrow font, sticker well upper left.  Plate series RT-00000 to RT-19999 reserved for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

VERSION 6: From RT-47000 to RT-48999, same as Version 5 but with wider tag legend as used on Version 7, sticker well upper left.

VERSION 7: RT-49000 to current high, switched to visitPA base with keystone separator and wide legend, sticker well upper left.

History

In 1966 a new series of plates was issued called Motor Vehicle Business.  This series continued until about 1984, when it was split into four groups, the largest of which was Repair/Service Towing.  The other three included Salvage Yard, Transporter and Repossessor (sometimes referred to as Financier or Collector-Repossessor).  Each of these new types had their own distinctive prefix.  RS & RT for Repair/Service Towing which was abbreviated REP / SER TOWING and later shortened to REPAIR TOWING.  Salvage Yard used a WL prefix, while Transporter and Repossessor used DT and RE respectively.  Some years later (1995) Watercraft Trailer Dealers also became part of this group.  These plates use a WD prefix.

Repossessor

VERSION 1: First issued around 1984, RE-00000 to unknown high, yellow on blue, REPOSSESSOR on top which is screen printed, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no sticker well, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.  See commentary in right column.

VERSION 2: From RE-50000 to current high, on www base with dash separator, REPOSSESSOR embossed on bottom, sticker well upper left.

I have only seen Version 1 plates numbered RE-00060, RE-00061, and RE-00140.  All were formatted the same, so it is unknown if this plate type progressed in a similar manner as Repair / Service Towing.  If so, the next series would likely have REPOSSESSOR embossed and may have used the "You've got a friend" font for the state name.

Also please read the history above of the Repair Service / Towing, and how the REPOSSESSOR plate came about.

Salvage Yard

VERSION 1: First issued around 1984, WL-00000 to between WL-01299 and WL-03599, yellow on blue, SALVAGE YARD on top which is screen printed, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no sticker well, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

VERSION 2: From between WL-01300 and WL-03600 to WL-09197 or higher.  SALVAGE YARD on top is now embossed, Pennsylvania on bottom now uses the "You've got a friend" font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

VERSION 3: From WL-15000 to WL-22999, on www base with dash separator, SALVAGE YARD embossed on bottom, sticker well upper left.

VERSION 4: From WL-23000 to between WL-23449 and WL-23749, switched to visitPA base but with dash separator, sticker well upper left.

VERSION 5: From between WL-23500 and WL-23750 to current high, on visitPA base now with keystone separator, sticker well upper left.

from George Kunsman

from Tom Perri

Image added 1/22

It is unknown if there was a yellow on blue base after Version 2 which used the standard font for the state name.  If so, it would likely have been above WL-10000 such as Version 3 of Rep / Ser Towing.

School Bus (1956)

VERSION 1, 1956, 0000 to 9999, yellow on blue, wide border map outline, expiration date 6-30-58 in upper border, PA SCHOOL BUS under top border, year diagonally stacked on left, wide dies.

VERSION 2, 1957, 0000 to 9999, blue on yellow, narrower  map border outline than Version 1, expiration date 6-30-59 in upper border, PA SCHOOL BUS under top border, year diagonally stacked on left, narrower dies.

VERSION 3, 1958 to 63, 0000 to 9999,  yellow on blue, narrower map border outline than Version 2, PA SCHOOL BUS 58 on top, slot for tab, validated with stickers thru '63.

VERSION 4, 1958 to 63, 10000 to 99999,  yellow on blue, narrower map border outline than Version 2, PA SCHOOL BUS 58 on top, no slot for tab, validated with stickers thru '63.

VERSION 5, 1964 - 67, 0000 to 99999,  yellow on blue, same map border outline as Version 3, PA SCHOOL BUS 64 on top, validated with stickers thru '67.

VERSION 5 with 5-digit serial

VERSION 6, 1968, SA-10000 to >SA-26999, 68 base, blue on yellow, narrow  map border outline, keystone separator, SCHOOL BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, sticker well lower left with border, validated with stickers thru '71.

VERSION 7, 1972, SA-10000 to >SA-39999, blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, 72 lightly etched in upper left well, keystone separator, SCHOOL BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, validated with stickers thru '76.

VERSION 8, 1977, SB-10000, blue on yellow, sticker wells upper left & right, keystone separator, SCHOOL BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, validated with stickers thru 2000 or later.

VERSION 9, 92/93? SB, number series is a continuation of the previous version, yellow on blue, sticker well lower left, SCHOOL BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, validated with stickers thru 2000 or later.

VERSION 10, 6/2000, SC-00000 to SC-05499 or more likely SC-05999, on www base with small keystone separator, tag line font has slightly wider characters than the FORMAT 2 plate.

VERSION 11, 2000, From SC-05500 or more likely SC-06000 to SC-46999, on www base with small keystone separator, tag line font has slightly narrower characters than the FORMAT 1 plate.

VERSION 12, 8/2006, From SC-47000 to current high, on visitPA base with larger keystone separator.

SAMPLE, 58 base, no slot for tab

SAMPLE, 71 Base, does not correspond to any issued plate.

SAMPLE, 2000 (www) Base

from Paul Bagnarol

Font comparison

VERSION 10 and

VERSION 11

School Vehicle (1993)

VERSION 1, SV10000 to unknown high but under SV14000

NOTE: Some pre-www plates are still in use into 2010-11

VERSION 2: SV14000 to SV14499, on www base, narrow font on tag line, no separator.

VERSION 3: SV14500 to SV17499

On www base, wide font on tag line, no separator.

VERSION 4: SV17500 to SV17799

On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, no separator, changeover to this type spotted 11/3/05.

VERSION 5: SV17800 to SV19799

On visitPA base, narrow font on tag line, no separator.  Added 7/17/07.

VERSION 6: SV-19800 to SV-20249?

On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, and keystone separator.  Added 1/20/09.

Same format as above plate.

VERSION 7: SV20250? to SV20750?

On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, without keystone separator.  Added 11/12/09.

VERSION 8: SV-20750(?) to SV-21249(?)

On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, with keystone separator.  Appears to be same as Format 5.  Added 5/16/10.

VERSION 9: SV-21250(?) to current high

On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, without keystone separator.  Appears to be same as Format 6.  Added 3/27/11.

Vehicle Code Reference

SAMPLE of Version 1

SAMPLE of Version 3

from Ed Coghill

from Ed Coghill

from Bruce Bufalini

from Nick Tsilakis

From Steve Ondik

Snowmobile Dealer (1974 to present)

VERSION 1, 1974 only, 0000 to unknown high likely under 3000, issued in pairs, white on blue, SNOWMOBILE on top border, PENNA on bottom border, 74 stacked on left side, DLR stacked on right, plate measures 4½" x 8", same as motorcycle plates of the era.

VERSION 2, 1975 to the present, 3" by 5" vinyl sticker on plastic, colors vary by year, PENNSYLVANIA on top, SNOWMOBILE on bottom, the year stacked vertically on left and DEALER stacked vertically on right.

1976

1977

2005

Special Mobile (Equipment) (1982(?)-84)

VERSION 1, SME-0000 to SME-9999,  yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, SPECIAL MOBILE on top, Pennsylvania at bottom uses the "You've got a friend" font. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

VERSION 2, 0000-SME to 9999-SME,  yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, SPECIAL MOBILE on top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

VERSION 3, SME-000A to SME-000C,  yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, SPECIAL MOBILE on top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

VERSION 4, SME-000D to current high,  www base, sticker well upper left, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, SPECIAL MOBILE on bottom with wide font.

It is believed that an additional variation of Version 1 of this plate may exist with the standard PENNSYLVANIA font in place of the "You've got a friend" font.

One source says this plate type was first issued in 1982, another source says 1984.  If it were issued in 1982, the earliest plates could have been on the blue on yellow base.

Any help with this Special Mobile Equipment category would be appreciated.

Supreme Court (1990s?)

VERSION 1, 1SCJ to 25SCJ and SCJ1 to SCJ25, starting year unknown, yellow on blue, state coat of arms, SUPREME COURT on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.

VERSION 2, 1SCJ to 25SCJ and SCJ1 to SCJ25, reissued beginning 1/2001, www base, 1SCJ to 25SCJ and SCJ1 to SCJ25, PENNSYLVANIA on top (screened) and SUPREME COURT on bottom embossed.

from Michael Wiener

Image needed

This is one of PA's most elusive plates.  Any help with this type would be much appreciated.

Taxi (1977)

VERSION 1: 1977, TX-10000 to TX-24999, in actuality plates were issued up to around TX-16000 range, or possibly higher, blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, dash separator,  PENNSYLVANIA on top, TAXI on bottom, validated with stickers thru 1984(?) VERSION 2: 1984, TX-25000 to TX-34999, in actuality plates were issued up to around TX-31821, or possibly higher, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, TAXI on top, PENNSYLVANIA on  bottom, validated thru 2000.

VERSION 3: 3/2000, TX-35000 to TX-38999, www base, sticker well upper left, plate legend font on this type uses a sans serif I.

VERSION 4: TX-39000 to TX-45999, www base, sticker well upper left, plate legend font on this version uses a serif I.

VERSION 5: TX-46000 to current high, visitPA base with keystone separator, sticker well upper left, plate legend font on this version uses a serif I.

SAMPLE of VERSION 2

from Jay Embee

from Paul Bagnarol

Prior to 1977 taxi vehicles used bus plates.

Tractor Dealer (1916)

1935 VERSION (graphic depiction)

1 to 29, plates measure 6" by 12"

1952 VERSION

TX000

1955 VERSION

TX000

1964 VERSION

TX0-000

1965 VERSION

TX0-000

1966 VERSION

TX-0000

1969 VERSION

TX-0000

1970 VERSION

TX-0000

1971 VERSION

D10-000D

from BMV Plate Design doc.

from Ed Burr

from old document

from eBay

from old document

from document

from Kelly Brewer

from Glenn

from old document

Image added 1/15

Image added 1/15

Image added 1/15

Image added 1/15

Image added 1/15

from Glenn

Image added 1/15

It is not clear how many years this plate type was issued but was first issued in 1916.

This plate type was eventually replaced with Dealer-Farm Equipment

Trailer Dealer (1995)

VERSION 1: TD0000D to TD0999D (actual high unknown), yellow on blue base, the TD prefix and D suffix are static non-advancing characters, Trailer Dealer on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no separator used, sticker well lower left.

VERSION 2: TD1000D to TD9999D (or current high), www base, the TD prefix and D suffix are static non-advancing characters, on top, Trailer Dealer on bottom, no separator used, sticker well upper left.

Transporter

(Text to be added as time permits.)

Image needed

Image needed

from Jim Moini

University of Pittsburgh (official)

VERSION 1: "U"0000"P" to plate changeover during 9/99. Uses 'title case' on plate legend.  University of Pittsburgh at top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom, no stickers used, plate is semi-permanent.

VERSION 2: "U"0500"P" (reissued 9/99) to format change at or before U1000P. Uses 'title case' on plate legend.   PENNSYLVANIA at top, University of Pittsburgh at bottom, no stickers used, plate is semi-permanent.

VERSION 3: From changeover at or before U1000P to current high. Uses 'small caps' on plate legend.  PENNSYLVANIA at top, University Of Pittsburgh at bottom, no stickers used, plate is semi-permanent. Issued in pairs.

VERSION 4: From changeover at or before U1111P to current high on visitPA base.  Plate legend format unknown.  Format added 1/22/10.

from Bruce Bufalini

from Eric Conner