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* * * PLATE HISTORY LINKS * * * Plate types have been linked to various pages
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PLATE HISTORY - GENERAL ISSUE PLATES A to F |
Plate Type (year first issued) Description / History |
Image |
Comments, what's needed? |
ADP - Advertising Device Permit (1972 or 1973, duration unknown) | ||
According to information received from Eric Tanner, Pennsylvania passed Act 160, the Outdoor Advertising Control Act, on December 15, 1971, effective immediately. In Section 7, the law states: "An annual permit shall be required for each outdoor advertising device...A tag indicating that a permit has been duly issued shall be affixed to the device or structure by the department." The billboards affected were those within 660 feet of most federal and state highways, with certain exceptions. PennDOT administered the program, which was a result of Congress passing the Highway Beautification Act in 1965, appropriating money to states which complied. (It was "Lady Bird" Johnson's initiative!) Eric suggests that the "ADP" tag stands for Advertising Device Permit, and that it was issued in 1972 or possibly 1973. He does not know for how long they were issued, or why they aren't much more common. Size is 4½" x 8", same as motorcycle plates of the era. |
unknown ebay seller buch1259 via Charles Metz |
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Amateur Radio (1956 to present) | ||
These plates were first introduced in 1956. Plates display the FCC Call Sign, beginning with A, K, N, or W. In the early years W and K calls signs were common, in later years the use of N and A came into use. Most PA Amateur Radio plates use the number 3 to designate the region which also includes DE, MD and DC; however ham radio vanity plates may display a different number from 0 to 9, also out of region licenses can be used, as well as foreign call signs when someone moves to PA. Some plates with a 0 (zero) in the call sign may display a Ø (slash zero) so as not to be confused with the letter O. If an owner desires a second plate, it will be issued with the call sign plus a hyphen and the number two (-2). Thanks to ALPCA members and Ham Radio operators Bruce Bufalini and Dave Heller for providing much of the information above. Jay Hughs offers the following comment: Radio call signs are available as reissue through [the FCC's vanity call sign program. Once a call is inactive for 2 years, anyone can apply for that combination. His theory is, the original owner of the call sign (let's use Jay's call, K3JLT, as an example) had a PA license plate with that call sign. That person gives up the plate, gives up the call sign, and that call sign is reissued some time later through the vanity call sign program. Now the second person, being reissued K3JLT, wants a PA plate with his call sign, so since it's a different registrant, they can't issue the same K3JLT tag, so they issue K3JLT-1. They wouldn't issue -2 or -3 to someone unless the amateur radio license and the registration names match. |
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1956 yellow on blue, wide border map outline, expiration date 3-31-57 in upper border, 1956 PENNA under top border, year diagonally stacked on left, wide dies. |
from Ross day |
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1957 blue on yellow, narrower map outline than previous year, narrower dies. |
from Clayton Moore |
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1958 revalidated thru 1964, early plates had the tab slot, later plates did not. Another die change. |
with tab slot from John Willard without tab slot from Platedog |
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1960 Suburban revalidated thru 1964 |
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1965 revalidated thru 1970 |
credit to Ron Allen from Klassy Karz from Clayton Moore |
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1971 yellow on blue, PENNSYLVANIA on top, "BICENTENNIAL STATE '76" on bottom, revalidated thru 1976 |
![]() from Mike Sells Need image with Liberty Bell |
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1977 blue on reflective yellow; PENNSYLVANIA on top, KEYSTONE STATE on bottom, revalidated thru June 2000 |
from George Kunsman from John Fedorchak |
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1984 reflective yellow on blue, "You've Got a Friend in" on top, Pennsylvania on bottom; revalidated thru June 2000 |
from Clayton Moore from Paul Nutter |
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1987 reflective yellow on blue, "KEYSTONE STATE" on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom; revalidated thru June 2000 |
from ebay seller thisnthatnc14 |
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1988 reflective yellow on blue, "AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR" on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, sticker well lower left, revalidated thru June 2000 |
from Clayton Moore from George Kunsman
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1990 reflective yellow on blue, "AMATEUR RADIO" on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, sticker well lower left revalidated thru August 2001
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from Matt Ciecka from Bruce Bufalini Sample from Dave Heller |
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1999 www tri-color base, sticker well upper left, PENNSYLVANIA on top, "AMATEUR RADIO" at bottom. All previous plates reissued by 2000. Still current. |
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2004 visitPA base, sticker well upper left, PENNSYLVANIA on top, "AMATEUR RADIO" at bottom. All previous plates reissued by 2000. Still current. |
from Jordan Irazabal from Bruce Bufalini from Nick Tsilakis |
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2018 On visitPA base with small map outline and without sticker well. All other characteristics the same as 1999 and 2004. Variation added 2/11/18. |
from Craig Wanner from Preston Turner |
Apportioned (Truck) (1982 to present) | ||
1982, 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. |
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1984, 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 plates were never issued with an AC prefix. |
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Late 1990s, AD-00000 to AD-16465 or higher, 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. |
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2000, AE-00000 to AF-49999, www tri-color base, sticker well upper left, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, APPORTIONED at bottom. All previous plates reissued in 2000. |
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2007, AF-50000 to ~AG-67499, visitPA tri-color base, sticker well upper left, keystone separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, APPORTIONED at bottom. The AG series first seen late May/early June 2012. See Jim Moini's website for more PA Apportioned.
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from Jordan Irazabal & Tom Perri |
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Early 2018, ~AG-67500. Without sticker well. |
from Preston Turner |
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Mid-2018, ≥AG-73002 Observed 6/2018, without sticker well and with map outline. AH-series first observed 12/2020. To current high |
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Apportioned Bus (1982 to present) | ||
VERSION 1, BL-10000, a little over 500 BL plates issued; however, this number is believed to include both the blue on yellow base and yellow on blue Version 2. Plates are 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. All plates of this type use an annual M-YY (M= 1 or 2-digit month - YY= 2-digit year) PA APPORTIONED sticker. NOTE: Apportioned Bus never issued with BM prefix.
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from John Anshant |
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VERSION 2, BL-00000, likely from where the previous series left off, 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. |
Confirmed
Image needed |
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VERSION 3, BN-00000 to BN-03999 www tri-color base, sticker well upper left, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, APPORTIONED at bottom. All previous plates reissued in 2000. |
Sample
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VERSION 4, BN-04000 to BN-04999, visitPA base, sticker well upper left, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, APPORTIONED at bottom, first spotted 5/18/17. |
Sample
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VERSION 5, BN-05000 On visitPA base, sticker well upper left, keystone separator, first spotted 6/16/19. To current high |
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ATV Dealer (1986 to present) DCNR issued plate | ||
VERSION 1, 1986, 0000 to >1072, olive green on white, PENNSYLVANIA on top, DLR stacked left, ATV stacked right, DEPT. OF ENV. RES. on bottom, 6" by 12" plate. |
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VERSION 2, ~1428 to at least 4226, olive green on white, PENNSYLVANIA on top, DLR stacked left, ATV stacked right, DCNR on bottom, 6" by 12" plate. |
from Worthpoint This plate still has the DEPT. OF ENV. RES. sticker. from Ian Emmett |
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VERSION 3, 2006, 0000 to current high, olive green on white, PA-DCNR on top, ATV DEALER on bottom, 4" by 7" plates. All Dealer plates reissued in 2006. |
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Auto Manufacturer (1979 to ~ 1990) | ||
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 See article from July 1979 issue of Volkswagen Mirror from Andy Keim. |
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Known plates are from A38-893A to A38-953A, blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, AUTO MANUFACTURER at bottom. Plates were probably revalidated until the late 80 or so. |
from Chuck Harrington John McDevitt plate |
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Sample: This is a sample or prototype on the 1984 base. No plates were issued on this base.
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from Pauli Bagnarol |
Auto Wheel (1927 to 1942) | ||
If you are a member of ALPCA, you may recall the August 2012 article by Ned Flynn in Plates magazine. Ned did extensive research and learned that the Auto Wheel Coaster Co. of Tonawanda, NY. issued such plates for small 4-wheeled vehicles. The company made sleds and small wagons. The plates were issued by that NY company rather than by the PA Dept of Highways or Bureau of Motor Vehicles, therefore they were not official plates. In spite of this, they used PA Colors, although some years were reversed. They measured 2½" by 10¼" with two mounting holes in the upper left and right corners. The legend AUTO WHEEL and the year were embossed. Some years had PA or PENNA embossed, most years did not. Known serial numbers ranged from 10 to 4258. |
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1927, AUTO WHEEL stacked on left, serial number in center, and PENNA. over 4-digit year on right. Yellow on dark blue. |
unknown |
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1928, AUTO WHEEL stacked on left, serial number in center, and PA over 4-digit year on right. Yellow on dark blue. |
from Ned Flynn |
From Ned Flynn, this plate was sent to “Master Levere Arnold” of Red Lion, PA by the Auto Wheel Coaster Co. referenced above. |
1929, Format 1, AUTO WHEEL stacked on left, serial number in center, and PA over 4-digit year on right. Yellow on dark blue. Format 2, AUTO WHEEL stacked on left, serial number in center, and 4-digit year on right. Dark blue on yellow. |
unknown from Worthpoint |
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1930, AUTO WHEEL stacked on left, serial number in center, and 4-digit year on right. Yellow on dark blue. |
from Worthpoint |
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1931 |
Image needed |
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1932, AUTO WHEEL stacked on left, serial number in center, and 4-digit year on right. Yellow on dark blue. |
from Ned Flynn |
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1933, 1934, 1935 |
Images needed |
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1936, AUTO WHEEL stacked on left, serial number in center, and 4-digit year on right. Yellow on dark blue. |
![]() unknown |
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1937, 1938, 1939 |
Images needed |
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1940, AUTO WHEEL stacked on left, serial number in center, and 4-digit year on right. Yellow on dark blue. |
unknown |
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1941, AUTO WHEEL stacked on left, serial number in center, and 4-digit year on right. Yellow on dark blue. |
from Ned Flynn |
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1942, AUTO WHEEL stacked on left, serial number in center, and 4-digit year on right. Yellow on dark blue. |
from Ned Flynn |
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Boat Dock Permit (1965 or older to 1982 or newer) | ||
Looking for additional history or other information on such permits or plates. Believed to be initially issued by the PA Dept. of Forests & Waters, later by the Dept. of Environmental Resources.
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1964 & earlier
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1965 Boat Dock Permit, white on dark blue, size 5½" square, flat screened legend, embossed serial number, issued by Dept. of Forests & Waters |
from Worthpoint |
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1966 to 1968
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Images needed |
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1969 with validation sticker, Boat Dock Permit, white on dark blue, size 5½" square, flat screened legend, embossed serial number, issued by Dept. of Forests & Waters, validated with 1969 F&W DOCK. |
from Ian Emmett |
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1970 Boat Dock Permit, white on red, size 5½" square, flat screened legend, embossed serial number, issued by Dept. of Forests & Waters |
from Ian Emmett |
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1971 to 1973
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Images needed |
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1974 Boat Dock Permit, red on yellow, flat screened legend, embossed serial number, renewed with validation stickers, issued by Environmental Resources. |
![]() from Ian Emmett |
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1977 with validation stickers, Boat Dock Permit, red on yellow, flat screened legend, embossed serial number, renewed with validation stickers, issued by Environmental Resources.
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1974(?) w/ '77 sticker & reverse from Ian Emmett |
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1978 with validation stickers, Boat Dock Permit, red on yellow, flat screened, renewed with validation stickers, issued by Environmental Resources. |
1978 w/ '79 sticker & reverse from Ian Emmett |
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1979 & later
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? |
Bus - Omnibus (H prefix) (1926 to 1929) | ||
*From 1926 to 1929 omnibuses that carried passengers for hire and not required to have a certificate of convenience were designated by an "H" prefix. This also included buses that were not registered for hire before 1/1/1914. In 1929 a new law was passed requiring all buses to have this certificate and thereby ending the "H" prefix plate. Following this all common carrier and for hire buses used the "O" prefix until 1968 when the "BA" prefix came into use. * Information above from Jake Eckenrode and Eric Tanner. |
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1926 Bus, H-1 to H9-999, actual high unknown, dark blue over yellow, legend at bottom, keystones at lower left and right corners, 1926 then PENNA. H prefix was same size as numbers. H-1 to H-99, 6" x 10" H-100 to H-999, 6" x 12" H1-000 to H1-621, 6" x 13" |
H-1 to H-99, 6" x 10" Image needed H+3, 6" by 12" from Clayton Moore H+4, 6" by 13" from Jerry McCoy |
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1927 Bus, yellow over dark blue, legend at top, keystones at upper left and right corners, 1927 then PENNA. H prefix was smaller than numbers. H1 to H648, 6" x 10" |
from Jake Eckenrode |
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1928 Bus,
dark blue over yellow over, legend at top, keystones at
upper left and right corners, PENNA then 1928.
H prefix was smaller than numbers.
H1 to H531, 6" x 10" |
from Jake Eckenrode from Jake Eckenrode |
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1929 Bus,
yellow over dark blue, legend at top, keystones at
upper left and right corners, 1929 then PENNA.
H prefix was smaller than numbers.
H-1 to H999, 6" x 10" H1-000 to H1-001, 6" x 13" |
from Jake Eckenrode from Jake Eckenrode |
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H prefix plates issued after 1929 are believed to be Passenger plates. |
Bus - Omnibus (O & BA prefix) (1924 to present) (Also see later Omnibus plates) |
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* Before 1924 buses were registered as commercial vehicles. In 1924 Omnibus plates were issued with an "O" prefix. Then in 1926 a separate category of "H" prefix bus plates were issued. See above. From 1926 to 1929 those vehicles that were required to have a certificate of convenience were designated by an "O" prefix. In 1929 a new law was passed requiring all buses to have this certificate and thereby ending the "H" prefix plate. Following this all common carrier and for hire buses used the "O" prefix until 1968 when the "BA" prefix came into use. * Information above from Jake Eckenrode and Eric Tanner. |
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1924 Bus, dark blue over yellow, legend at bottom, keystones at lower left and right corners, PENNA then 1924. O prefix was same size as numbers. O1 to O999, 6" x 10" O-1000 to O5164, 6" x 12"
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O1 to O999, 6" x 10" Bill Krellner collection O1000, 6" x 12" from Eric Tanner |
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1925 Bus, yellow over dark blue, legend at bottom, keystones at lower left and right corners, 1925 then PENNA. O prefix was same size as numbers. O-1 to O-99, 6" x 10" O-100 to O-999, 6" x 12" O1-000 to O4-736, 6" x 13"
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O-1 to O-99, 6" x 10" Image needed O-100 to O-999, 6" x 12" from Worthpoint O1-000, 6" x 13" from Jerry McCoy Reverse of above plate shows Daniels Taxi, Franklin, PA from Worthpoint |
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1926 Bus, dark blue over yellow, legend at bottom, keystones at lower left and right corners, 1926 then PENNA. O prefix was same size as numbers. O-1 to O-99, 6" x 10" O-100 to O-999, 6" x 12" O1-000 to O6-875, 6" x 13"
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from Jake Eckenrode from Eric Tanner |
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1927 Bus, yellow over dark blue, legend at top, keystones at upper left and right corners, 1927 then PENNA. O prefix was smaller than numbers. O-1 to O999, 6" x 10" O1-000 to O3-588, 6" x 13" |
from Drewski from Drewski |
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1928 Bus, dark blue over yellow, legend at top, keystones at upper left and right corners, 1928 then PENNA. O prefix was smaller than numbers. O-1 to O999, 6" x 10" O1-000 to O1-882, 6" x 13" |
from Jake Eckenrode unknown source |
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1929 Bus,
yellow over dark
blue, legend at top, keystones at upper left and right corners, 1929 then
PENNA. O-1 to O999, 6" x 10" O1-000 to O3-460, 6" x 13" |
from Clayton Moore from Jerry McCoy |
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1930 Bus, O1
to O9053, actual high unknown, dark blue over yellow, legend at bottom,
keystones at lower left and right, 1931 then PENNA,
2 to 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5
character plates were 6" x 12". A newspaper article from 1929 indicates that for 1930 Omnibus plates were to be issued from #O1 to O9999. |
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1931 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, yellow over dark blue, legend at bottom, keystones at lower left and right , PENNA then 1931, 2 to 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates were 6" x 12". |
from Jerry McCoy |
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1932 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, dark blue on yellow, legend along top, PENNA then 1932, flanked by small keystones, 2 to 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates were 6" x 12". |
from Eric Tanner |
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1933 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, yellow over dark blue, legend along top, PENNA then 1933, flanked by small keystones, 2 to 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates were 6" x 12". |
from Eric Tanner |
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1934 Bus, based on other '34 plates it appears that the series likely started at plate 1 and advance to some 5705, dark blue over yellow, legend 34, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, sll plates measure 6" x 10". |
from John Willard |
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1935 Bus, O1 to O6000, yellow over dark blue, legend at bottom, keystones at lower left and right corners, then 35, then BUS, then PA, 2 to 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates were 6" x 12". |
from old b/w photo on Philadelphi Free Library website from Clayton Moore |
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1936 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, dark blue over yellow, legend 36, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates were 6" x 12". |
from Mike at pl8source from Clayton Moore |
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1937 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, yellow over dark blue, legend 37, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates were 6" x 12". |
from Jerry McCoy from ebay |
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1938 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 38, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates were 6" x 12". |
from Clayton Moore from Jeff Francis |
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1939 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 39, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates were 6" x 12". |
from Herb Fisher |
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1940 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 40, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates were 6" x 12". |
from Jerry McCoy |
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1941 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, but possibly around 6,614, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 41, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates were 6" x 12". |
from John Willard |
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1942 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, but possibly around 7,846, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 42, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates were 6" x 12". |
from John Willard |
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1943 Bus, due to the war effort, for 1943 only a black on red steel tab was issued with a keystone and the year 43 and 3-31-44 expiry within the keystone. There was also a small serial number lightly stamped below the 3-31-44. Tab measures 1⅞" x 2⅛" and was to be used with the 1942 plate. |
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1944 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 44, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-45 in top border. 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates were 6" x 11". |
![]() from Jeff Francis |
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1945 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 45, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-46 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". |
from Clayton Moore |
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1946 Bus, O1 to O9999, actual high unknown, then OA000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 46, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-47 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". |
![]() unknown source from Jerry McCoy from Jeff Francis |
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1947 Bus, O1 to O9999, then OA000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 47, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-48 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". |
from John Willard |
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1948 Bus, O1 to O9999, then OA000 to OA349 or above, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 48, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-49 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". |
O1 to O9999 from Kenn Grim from Jerry McCoy |
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1949 Bus, O1 to O9999, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 49, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-50 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". |
from Jerry McCoy from Drewski |
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1950 Bus, O1 to O9999, then OA000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 50, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-51 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". |
![]() from Clayton Moore from Jerry McCoy unknown source |
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1951 Bus, O1 to O9999, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 51, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-52 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 11". |
from Clayton Moore from Jerry McCoy from Worthpoint |
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1952 Bus, O1 to O9999, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 52, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 5-31-53 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 10¼". Both plates shown here are believed to be samples. |
from Jerry McCoy |
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1953 Bus, O1 or O0001 to O9999, then OA000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 53, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 5-31-54 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 10¼". |
from Jerry McCoy |
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1954 Bus, O1 to O9999, then OA000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 54, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 5-31-55 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 10¼". |
from Drewski
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1955 Bus, O1 or O001 to O9999, then OA000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 55, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 5-31-56 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 10¼". |
![]() from Jim Moini from Jerry McCoy from Clayton Moore |
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1956 Bus, O1 or O0001 to O9999, then OA000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 56, then BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 5-31-57 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
![]() Eckenrode collection via John Anshant from eBay seller nickey2 OA000 from Worthpoint |
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1957 Bus, series began at O10000, dark blue over yellow, state map outline, legend 57 BUS flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 5-31-58 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
from Chuck Sakryd |
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1958 - 1963 Bus, yellow on blue base, map outline, series began at O10-000, with small keystone separator, PA upper left, BUS upper center, 58 upper right. Plates at least up to O26-606 had the tab slot to the left of 58. O30-378 had no tab slot. Renewal tabs were never issued, instead an annual validation sticker was issued for the upper left corner. Plates measure 6" x 12". |
with tab slot from Jerry McCoy without tab slot from Worthpoint |
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1964 - 1967 Bus, yellow on blue base, map outline, series began at O10-000, with small keystone separator, PA upper left, BUS upper center, 64 upper right, revalidated with stickers. |
from Jerry McCoy |
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1968 - 1971 Bus, blue on yellow base, modified map outline, also last bus base to use this feature, series began at BA-10000, or BA-10001 with small keystone separator, this is the first time the BA prefix was used on a bus plate, BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, embossed outline sticker well lower left, 68 etched into sticker well. |
from Clayton Moore |
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1972 - 1977 Bus, yellow on blue base, series began at BA-10000 or BA-10001, with small keystone separator, BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, sticker wells upper left and right, high number BA-31410. |
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1978 - 1984 Bus, revalidated thru 2001, blue on yellow base, series began at BA-10000, or BA-10001 with dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, BUS on bottom, sticker wells upper left and right, high number spotted BA-34482, number series progressed onto the '84 base possibly at BA-34999 or BA-35999. The '78 base and the '84 base were in use concurrently. |
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1984 - 2000 Bus, revalidated thru 2001, yellow on blue base, series began where previous base ended possibly at BA-35000 or BA-36000, with dash separator, BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, sticker well lower left, high number spotted BA-45201, number series progressed onto the 2000 www base as described below. The '78 base and the '84 base were in use concurrently. |
from Clayton Moore
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Bus, replacement plates issued April 16, 2000 All previously existing bus plates were replaced number for number beginning at BA-10000 up to a possible high of BA-47999, however, it is believed that the actual high was in the BA-45000 range, www base, no dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, BUS embossed at bottom, sticker well upper left. |
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April 2000 & after, after above plates were reissued on a number for number basis to existing buses, any new issues began at BA-48000, and now had a dash separator. Series ran to BA-59999, www base, with dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA screened on top, BUS embossed at bottom, sticker well upper left. |
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2007 visitPA Bus, first seen around April 2007, the number series is a continuation of the above series but now on the visitPA base, series began at BA-60000 with larger keystone separator, PENNSYLVANIA screened on top, BUS embossed at bottom, sticker well upper left. Sample |
from Bill Stephens Sample
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2018 Bus, BA-80900, on visitPA base, keystone separator, without sticker well. |
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2019 Bus, BA-81900 on visitPA base, keystone separator, with map outline. To current high |
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Cabinet, State Officials and Dignitaries (years unknown) | ||
Low numbered plates have always been a mark of a distinction, at least to some, and over the years such plates have been more available under certain administrations than others. These designations are no longer in use, however, in a 1966 BMV document, numbers 3 to 23 were reserved for cabinet level positions, and 24 to 999 were reserved for State Officials and Dignitaries. In a 1971 BMV document State Officials and Dignitaries were expanded to include A1 to Z9 and 1A to 9Z. These designations no longer appear to be the case; however, numbers below 10 are still considered to be under the control of the Governor. This in no way suggests that low numbered plates are no longer in use, but availability can be a factor due to demand. The time frames listed below are not to suggest that these are the only periods when such plates were issued. | ||
1954 Plates with fewer than 4 characters possibly used by state officials and dignitaries
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from Jeff Lesher |
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1955 Plates with fewer than 4 characters possibly used by state officials and dignitaries
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from Jeff Lesher |
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1956 Plates with fewer than 4 characters possibly used by state officials and dignitaries |
from Jeff Lesher |
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1957 Plates with fewer than 4 characters possibly used by state officials and dignitaries |
May have been used by Auditor General Charles Smith from Jeff Lesher |
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1965 to 1970
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Lt. Governor from Chuck Harrington Cabinet level from Jeff Hinkle State Officials & Dignitaries from Jeff Hinkle |
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1971 to 1976
Most but not all plates through 1973 used a brass keystone with a silver coat of arms. It appears that later plates, mostly with '75 and '76 stickers, used the Bicentennial State base without the keystone. |
Early plates thru '73 from Jeff Lesher Issued to State Rep Joe Zeller Berks and Lehigh Counties from Jeff Lesher Later plates unknown source from Jeff Hinkle |
Circus-Carnival Truck (1990 to present) | ||
1990, 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. Sample |
from Manny Jacob Sample
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2000, 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. To current high Sample
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from Jordan Irazabal Sample
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Civil Defense (~1950s-70s) | ||
These undated plates were issued during the 1950s and 60s. 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; however, it has also been suggested that not all counties issued these plates. 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. | ||
State Council Issue: SC prefix in place of county code, for State Council members. |
Image needed
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1954 Issue: 1 or 2 digit numbers to the left of the dash indicate the county code from 1 to 67, then a dash followed by the serial number of 1 to 4 digits. Top reads PENNA flanked by 2 keystones, CIVIL DEFENSE on bottom, blue on yellow plates are steel. County code look up tool |
Northampton County
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1966 Issue: 2 digit numbers to the left of the dash indicate the county code from 01 to 67, then a dash followed by the serial number of 3 to 4 digits. Top reads PENNA flanked by 2 keystones, CIVIL DEFENSE on bottom, yellow on blue plates are steel. County code look up tool |
Perry County Motor Vehicle CD Plate ID Card |
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County Issue, such plates were not issued by the state but rather county issued, in this case Erie County. The plate owner describes it as porcelain, I might call it as enamel. The plate measures 5⅜" by 12" |
from Dean Heeter |
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Combat Wounded Veteran (Purple Heart) (1986 to present) | ||
VERSION 1: "P/H"00000, PURPLE HEART on top, yellow on blue base, embossed graphic of medal on left, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.
SAMPLE
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from George Kunsman from George Kunsman Sample
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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. Early-1990s.
SAMPLE |
Sample
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VERSION 3: "P/H"00000 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. To current high
VANITY
SAMPLE |
from Ryan Battin Vanity from Chuck Harrington without sticker well from Tim Martin Sample
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Commercial Implement of Husbandry (1997 to present) | ||
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.
SAMPLE
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from eBay user Geekboy92 Sample from Paul Bagnarol |
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VERSION 2: CI1500H PENNSYLVANIA on top, www base, sticker well upper left, no separator, Comm Imp of Husbandry on bottom. To current high |
from Tom Perri and Jordan Irazabal |
Commercial Motorcycle (1938 to 1949) | ||
Commercial Motorcycle plates were issued for business purposes (hauling, transporting, delivering, etc.) not pleasure. They were issued for 12 years from 1938 until 1949, except 1943 when metal tabs were issued. It appears that plate formatting was the same from year to year with the exception of the color rotation which was the same as passenger plates, and the year which was embossed as part of the COMM over MC over PA yy where the yy stood for the two digit year. Expiration date was added in 1941. All plates measured 4½" by 8". In 1950 the Commercial Motorcycle registration was reduced from $5 to $4 eliminating the need for this plate type. Plate serial numbers ranged from 1 to under 1000. | ||
1938, see description above. This was the first year for this plate type. |
from Harry Campbell |
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1939, see description above. |
John Willard Plate from Dave Lincoln |
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1940, see description above. |
from ebay user mia6556 |
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1941, see description above. This was the first year for the expiration date to be embossed into the top border. |
from Harry Campbell |
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1942, see description above. |
from Worthpoint |
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1943, see description above. For 1943 the metal tabs were the same as those used on motorcycles. |
Image needed
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1944, see description above. |
from Dave Lincoln |
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1945, see description above. |
Image needed
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1946, see description above. |
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1947, see description above. |
Image needed
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1948, see description above. |
from Worthpoint John Willard Plate |
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1949, see description above. Final year for this plate type. |
Image needed
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Commonwealth Court (1999 to present) | ||
It is believed that 1999 was the first year of issue. Plates are on the www base. This plate type is believed not to have been issued on the yellow on blue base. Commonwealth Coat of Arms riveted to plate on the left side. The format is C/C1 to C/C30 or C/CJ1 to C/CJ30. To current high |
from Tom Perri from Tom Perri from Tom Perri |
Consular (see Foreign Consul below) |
Dealer (1910 to present) | ||
Dealer plates were first introduced in 1910 and continue to this day. Over the years many other dealer and motor vehicle business types have been issued including Auto Manufacturer, Dealer-Farm Equipment, Dealer-Multi-Purpose, Moped Dealer, Motorboat Dealer, Motorcycle Dealer, Motor Vehicle Business, Repair/Service Towing, Repossessor, Salvage Yard, Snowmobile Dealer, Trailer Dealer, Transporter, and Watercraft Trailer Dealer. Some of these dealer types may be shown elsewhere on this website under a specific dealer type listed above, and also shown below under the broad heading of Dealer. |
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1910, White on dark blue porcelain, PENNA over 1910 over DEALER on left, series began at 1 and ran to 2908 according to DMV records. Format 1, 1 to 99, 6" x 8" Format 2, 100 to 999, 6" x 10" Format 3, 1000 to 2807, 6" x 12" |
Format 1, 6" x 8" repainted from Mike Alfonse |
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Format 2, 6" x 10" from John Willard reverse from Jeff Lesher Format 3, 6" x 12" from Mike Alfonse |
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1911, Black on yellow porcelain, PENNA over 1911 over DEALER on left, series began at X1 and ran to 4034 according to DMV records. The 'X' is smaller than the numbers. Format 1, X+1 or 2 digits, 6" x 10" Format 2, X+3 digits, 6" x 12" Format 3, X+4 digits, 6" x 14"
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Format 1, 6" x 10" via Peter Cohen Format 2, 6" x 12" from Worthpoint Format 3, 6" x 14"
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1912, White on brown woodgrain porcelain, PENNA
over 1912 over DEALER on left, series began at X1 and ran to 3555 according to
DMV records. In the earliest issued plates the 'X' is the same size as
the numbers, in later plates, the 'X' is smaller than the numbers. Format 1, X+1 digit, 6" x 8" Format 2, X+2 digits, 6" x 10" Format 3, X+3 digits, 6" x 12" Format 4, X+4 digits, 6" x 14" |
Format 1 needed |
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Format 2, large X reverse reads BRILLIANT MFG. CO. ENAMELED SIGNS 1035-1037 RIDGE AVENUE PHILA., PA. both from Jeff Lesher Format 3, small x from Bob Connison Format 4 John Willard & John Anshant |
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1913, White on green porcelain, PENNA
over 1913 over DEALER on left, series began at X1 and ran to 3391 according to
DMV records. Most plates used the smaller 'X', while some of the
lowest numbered used full size 'X'.
Format 1, X+1 digit, 6" x 8" Format 2, X+2 digits, 6" x 10" Format 3, X+3 digits, 6" x 12" Format 4, X+4 digits, 6" x 14"
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Formats 1 & 2 needed Format 3 from Jeff Francis Format 4 from Clayton Moore |
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1914, White on black porcelain, PENNA
over 1914 over DEALER on left, series began at X1 and ran to 3367 according to
DMV records.
Format 1, X+1 digit, 6" x 8" Format 2, X+2 digits, 6" x 10" Format 3, X+3 digits, 6" x 12" Format 4, X+4 digits, 6" x 14", to X3579 |
Format 1 needed Format 2, 6" x 10" unknown Format 3, 6" x 12" eBay user Pars1-2 Format 4, 6" x 14" John Willard & John Anshant |
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1915, White on sky blue porcelain, PENNA over
1915 over DEALER on left, series began at X1 and ran to at least X5093,
while DMV records indicate 4834.
Format 1, X+1 digit, 6" x 8" Format 2, X+2 digits, 6" x 10" Format 3, X+3 digits, 6" x 12" Format 4, X+4 digits, 6" x 14"
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Format 1 needed Format 2 from Tim Gierschick Format 3 from Jeff Lesher Format 4 from Kelly Brewer |
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1916, Black on Orange, steel, PENNA over 1916 over DEALER on left, series began at X1 with some 6000 plates issued, according to DMV records. Format 1, X+1 & X+2 digit, 6" x 11" Format 2, X+3 digits, 6" x 13" Format 3, X+4 digits, 6" x 16" |
Format 1 needed Format 2 from Worthpoint Format 3 from Bill Koneski |
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1917, White on brown, steel, PENNA over
1917 over DEALER on left, series began at X1 and ran to X7891, according to DMV records.
Format 1, X+1, X+2 & X+3 digit, 6" x 13½" Format 2, X+4 digits, 6" x 16" |
Format 1 from Clayton Moore Format 2 Unknown |
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1918, White on black, steel, PENNA over 1918 over DEALER on left, series began at X1 and ran to about X7771 according to DMV records. Format 1, X+1, X+2 & X+3 digit, 6" x 13½" Format 2, X+4 digits, 6" x 16"
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Format 1 from Worthpoint from Eric Tanner Format 2 Bill Krellner collection |
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1919, Red on black, steel, PENNA over 1919 over DEALER on right, series began at X1 and ran to about X9199 according to DMV records. Format 1, X+1, X+2 & X+3 digit, 6" x 13½" Format 2, X+4 digits, 6" x 16"
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Format 1 needed
Format 2 from Platedog |
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1920, White on dark blue, steel, legend on bottom, PENNA, then DEALER, then 1920. Format 1, X1 to X999, 6" x 16" Format 2, X1-000 to X13-925 or above, 6" x 16"
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Format 1 needed
Format 2 from Bob Connison from Jeff Francis |
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1921, Black on yellow, steel, legend on bottom, PENNA, then DEALER, then 1921. Format 1, X1 to X999, 6" x 16" Format 2, X1-000 to X12-622 or above, 6" x 16"
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Format 1 John Willard plate Format 2 John Willard & John Anshant from Clayton Moore |
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1922, Brown on cream, steel, legend on bottom, PENNA,
then DEALER, then 1922. Format 1, X1 to X999, 6" x 16" Format 2, X1-000 to X11-802 or above, 6" x 16"
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Format 1 Boyertown Auto Museum Format 2 eBay user securityautoparts Bill Krellner collection |
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1923,
Yellow on dark blue, steel, legend on bottom, PENNA, then DEALER, then 1923. Issued in pairs. Format 1, X1 to X999, 6" x 16" Format 2, X1-000 to X16-091 or above, 6" x 16"
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Format 1 needed
Format 2 from Bob Connison from Clayton Moore |
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1924,
Dark blue on yellow, steel, legend on bottom, PENNA 1924 flanked by
keystones, series likely ran from X1 to X9999, then X10-000 to at least
X20-404. Sizes are
believed to be 6" x 10 for X+1, 2, or 3; 6" x 12" for X+4 and 6" x 15" for
X+5 digits. Issued in pairs. Format 1, X1 to X999, 6" x 10" Format 2, X1000 to X9999, 6" x 12" Format 3, X10-000 to X20-404 or above, 6" x 15"
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Format 1 needed
Format 2 both from Bob Connison Format 3 from Drewski |
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1925, Yellow on dark blue, steel, legend on
bottom, 1925 PENNA flanked by keystones toward the lower left and right corners. Issued in pairs. Format 1, X-1 to X-99, then X100 to X999, 6" x 10" Format 2, X1000 to X9999, 6" x 12" Format 3, X10-000 to X17-535 or above, 6" x 15"
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Format 1 from Bill Koneski Format 2 from Eric Tanner Format 3 from Bob Connison |
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1926,
Dark blue on yellow, steel, legend on bottom, 1926 PENNA flanked by
keystones. Issued in pairs. Format 1, X1 to X99, 6" x 10" Format 2, X100 to X999, 6" x 12" Format 3, X1-000 to X9-999, 6" x 13" Format 4, X10-000 to X26-986 or above, 6" x 15", early plates, X21-242 used full size X, X26-986 used smaller X.
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Format 1 needed
Format 2 needed
Format 3 from Rob Baran Format 4 from Bob Connison |
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1927, Yellow on dark blue, steel, legend on
top, 1927 PENNA flanked by keystones in the upper left and right corners. Issued in pairs. Format 1, X1 to X990, 6" x 10" Format 2, X1-000 to X9-999, 6" x 13" Format 3, X10-000 to X28-000 or above, 6" x 15"
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Format 1 needed
America on Wheels Format 3 from Bob Connison |
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1928,
Dark blue on yellow, steel, legend on top, PENNA 1928 flanked by keystones. Format 1, X1 to X990, 6" x 10" Format 2, X1-000 to X9-999, 6" x 13" Format 3, X10-000 to X25-233 or above, 6" x 15"
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Format 1 (seeking owner) Format 2 from Eric Tanner Format 3 from Clayton Moore |
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1929, Yellow blue on dark blue, steel, legend on top, PENNA 1929 flanked by keystones. Format 1, X1 to X999, 6" x 10" Format 2, X1-000 to X9-999, 6" x 13" Format 3, X10-000 to X22-266 or above, 6" x 15"
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Format 1 needed
Format 2 from Eric Tanner Format 3 from Bob Connison |
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1930, Dark blue on yellow, steel, legend on bottom, PENNA 1930 flanked by keystones, series ran from X1 to X999, then additional series with X in other positions. Sizes were 6" x 10" for X+1 digit, X+2 digits, and X+3 digits, and 6" x 12" for X+4 digit plates. Format 1, X1 to X9999, (10" & 12") Format 2, 0X to 9X999, (10" & 12") Format 3, 00X to 99X84, (10" & 12") |
Format 1 from Mike at Pl8source Format 2, 10" from ebay user oldies_museum Format 2, 12" from Worthpoint Format 3 Boyertown Auto Museum |
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1931, Yellow on dark blue, steel, legend on bottom, PENNA 1931 flanked by keystones, series likely ran from X1 to X999, then additional series with X in other positions. Sizes were 6" x 10" for X+1 digit, X+2 digits, and X+3 digits, and 6" x 12" for X+4 digit plates. Format 1, X1 to X9999, (10" & 12") Format 2, 0X to 9X999, (10" & 12") Format 3, 00X to 99X99, (10" & 12") |
Format 1, 10" Bill Krellner collection Format 1, 12" from Jeff Francis Format 2, 10" (seeking owner) Format 2, 12" Boyertown Auto Museum
Format 3 needed
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1932, Dark blue on yellow, steel, legend on top, PENNA 1932 flanked by keystones, series likely ran from X1 to X9999, then additional series with X in other positions. Sizes were 6" x 10" for X+1 digit, X+2 digits, and X+3 digits, and 6" x 12" for X+4 digit plates. Format 1 - X1 to X9999, (10" & 12") Format 2 - 0X to 9X999, (10" & 12") Format 3 - 00X to 89X93, (10" & 12")
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Format 1, 10" from Jeff Hinkle Format 1, 12" Format 2, 12" from Worhpoint Format 3, 10" from Clayton Moore Format 3, 12" from Bob Connison |
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1933, yellow on dark blue, steel, legend on top, PENNA 1933 flanked by keystones, series likely ran from X1 to X9999, then additional series with X in the second position positions. Sizes were 6" x 10" for X+1 digit, X+2 digits, and X+3 digits, and 6" x 12" for X+4 digit plates. Format 1 - X1 to X9999, (10" & 12") Format 2 - 0X to 9X999, (10" & 12") Format 3 - 00X to 58X1 or higher |
Format 1, 10" from Jeff Lesher Format 1, 12" from Bob Connison Format 2, 12" from Jeff Lesher Format 3, 10" from Clayton Moore from eBay user oldies_museum |
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1934, dark blue on yellow, steel, legend on bottom, 34 then DEALER flanked by keystones then PA. Serial sequence could be all numeric or alpha-numeric but X was not used. 1, 2, 3 and 4 character all numeric were issued, then a single alpha character followed by 1, 2 or 3 numeric characters were used. All plates are believed to be 6" x 10". Format 1 - 1 to 9999, Format 2 - A1 to P311 |
Format 1, 10" from Clayton Moore Format 2, 10" Bill Krellner collection from Bob Connison |
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1935, yellow on dark blue, steel, legend on bottom, sizes were 6" x 10" for up to 4 characters, and 6" x 12" for 5 characters. 6" x 10" plates had 35 then DEALER flanked by keystones, then PA; 6" x 12" had the keystones on both sides of the legend to the outside of the bolt holes. Formatting was X1 to X9999, 1X0 to 9X9999, and 0X to 59X or higher. Format 1 - X1 to X9999, (10" & 12") Format 2 - 0X to 9X999, (10" & 12") Format 3 - 00X to 52X88 or above, (10" & 12") |
Format 1, 10" from Bob Connison Format 1, 12" from Pl8 Source Format 2, 12" from Worthpoint Format 3, 10" from Brandon Sowers Format 3, 12" from Hippiechicksfaroutfinds |
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1936, Dark blue on yellow, steel, legend on top, 36 then DEALER flanked by keystones then PA. Serial sequence used X in varying positions. Plates are believed to be 6" x 10" for 4 or fewer character plates and 6" x 12" for 5-character plates. Format 1 - X1 to X9999, (10" & 12") Format 2 - 1X to 9X999, (10" & 12") Format 3 - 10X0 to 90X22 or above, (10" & 12")
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Format 1, 12" from Bob Connison Format 2, 10" Boyertown Auto Museum Format 2, 12" from Clayton Moore Format 3, 10" from Pl8 Source Format 3, 12" from Chuck Sakryd |
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1937, Yellow on dark blue, steel, legend on top, 37 then DEALER flanked by keystones then PA. Serial sequence used X in at least the first and second positions. Plates are believed to be 6" x 10" for 4 character plates and 6" x 12" for 5-character plates. Format 1 - X100 to X9999, (10" & 12") Format 2 - 1X00 to 5X999, (10" & 12") Format 3 - 10X0 to 12X5 or above, (10")
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Format 1, 10" from Bob Connison Format 1, 12" from Chuck Sakryd Format 2, 12" from Chuck Sakryd Format 3, 10" from Jeff Francis |
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1938, Dark blue on yellow, steel, first year for state map outline on dealer plates, legend on top, 38 then DEALER flanked by keystones then PA. Serial sequence used X in at least the first and second positions. Plates are believed to be 6" x 10" for 4 character plates and 6" x 12" for 5-character plates; however, this has not been confirmed. Format 1 - X100 to X9999, (10" & 12") Format 2 - 1X00 to 9X999, (10" & 12") Format 3 - 10X0 to 99X99, (10" & 12") Format 4 - 100X to 583X or higher to 9999X, (10" & 12")
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Format 1, 12" from Bob Connison Format 2, 10" from Worthpoint Format 2, 12" from eBay seller Mollypitcher Format 3, 12" Boyertown Auto Museum Format 4, 10" from eBay user Fabboss7 |
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1939, Yellow on dark blue, steel, legend on top, 39 then DEALER flanked by keystones then PA. Serial sequence used X in the first three positions. Plates are believed to be 6" x 10" for 4 character plates and 6" x 12" for 5-character plates. Format 1 - X100 to X9999, (10" & 12") Format 2 - 1X00 to 9X999, (10" & 12") Format 3 - 10X0 to 61X54 or above, (10" & 12") |
Format 1, 10" Boyertown Auto Museum Format 1, 12" from Bob Connison Format 2, 12" from Worthpoint Format 3, 12" from Worthpoint Sample w/ colors reversed from John Willard |
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1940,
Dark blue on yellow, steel, legend on top, 40 then DEALER flanked by
keystones then PA. Serial sequence used X in at least the first three
positions. Plates are believed to be 6" x 10" for 4 character
plates and 6" x 12" for 5-character plates; however, this has not been
confirmed. Format 1 - X100 to X9999, (10" & 12") Format 2 - 1X00 to 9X999, (10" & 12") Format 3 - 10X0 to 99X99, (10" & 12") Format 4 - 000X to 149X9, (10" & 12")
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Format 1, 10" from ALPCA 4739 Format 1, 12" from Worthpoint Format 2, 12" from Pl8 Source Format 3, 12" from Bob Connison Format 4, 12" from Michael Vislocky |
Image added 8/20 |
1941,
yellow on dark blue, steel, state map outline, expiration 3-31-42 in top
border, legend on top, 41 then DEALER flanked by keystones then PA.
Serial sequence used X in varying positions. Plates are believed to be
6" x 10" for 4 or fewer characters and 6" x 12" for 5-character
plates. Format 1 - X100 to X9999, (10" & 12") Format 2 - 1X00 to 9X999, (10" & 12") Format 3 - 10X0 to 99X99, (10" & 12") Format 4 - 000X to 187X4 or above, (10" & 12")
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Format 1, 12" from Bob Connison Format 2, 12" from Shawn Bergan Format 3, 12" from Worthpoint Format 4, 12" from Brandon Sowers |
Image added 8/20 |
1942, Dark blue on yellow, steel, legend on top, 42 then DEALER flanked by keystones then PA. Serial sequence used X in varying positions. Plates are believed to be 6" x 10" for 4 character plates and 6" x 12" for 5-character plates. Format 1 - X100 to X9999, (10" & 12") Format 2 - 1X00 to 9X999, (10" & 12") Format 3 - 10X0 to 99X99, (10" & 12") Format 4 - 000X to 160X6, (10" & 12")
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Format 1, 10" from Jeff Francis Format 1, 12" from Jeff Francis Format 2, 12" from Worthpoint Format 3, 10" unknown Format 3, 12" from Worthpoint Format 4, 10" from Michael Vislocky Format 4, 12" from Clayton Moore |
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1943,
same as '42 plate above but with
addition of validation tab. Due to the war effort, for 1943 only a
black on red steel tab was issued with a keystone and the year 43 and
3-31-44 expiry within the keystone. There was also a small serial number
lightly stamped below the 3-31-44. Tab measured 1⅞" x 2⅛". Format - X+serial number |
John Willard & John Anshant
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1944,
yellow on dark blue, steel, state map outline, expiration 3-31-45 in top
border, legend on top, 44 then DEALER flanked by keystones then PA.
Serial sequence used X in the first and second positions. 4-character plates used
a 6" x 10", while 6" x 11" was used for 5-character plates. Format 1 - X100 to X9999, (10" & 11") Format 2 - 1X00 to 9X999, (10" & 11") Sample - PA00, (10") |
Format 1, 10" Boyertown Auto Museum Format 1, 11" from Jeff Francis Format 2, 11" John Willard & John Anshant plate |
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Sample from Paul Bagnarol |
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1945,
dark blue on yellow, steel, state map outline, expiration 3-31-46 in top
border, legend 45, then dealer type flanked by keystones, then
PA. All plates are believed to be 6" x 11". Format 1 - X100 to X9999 Format 2 - 1X00 to 9X999 |
Format 1 from Clayton Moore Format 2 from Pl8source from Bob Connison |
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1946 , yellow on dark blue, steel, state map outline, expiration 3-31-48 in top border, legend 47, (then dealer type flanked by keystones on X series) then PA. All plates are believed to be 6" x 11". | ||
· New Car Dealer, NEW CAR DL'R legend, serial A000A, initial A does not advance. · Format 1 – A000A to A449N · Used Car Dealer, USED CAR DL'R legend, serial B000A, initial B does not advance. · Format 1 – B000A to B353A · Miscellaneous Dealer, DEALER legend, serial X could be in various positions progressing from the left. · Format 1 - X0000 to X9999 · Format 2 - 0X000 to 3X387 |
New Car Dealer from Bob Connison |
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Used Car Dealer from Bob Connison |
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Miscellaneous Dealer X position 1 John Willard plate Miscellaneous Dealer X position 2 John Willard & John Anshant plate |
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1947, dark blue on yellow, steel, state map outline, expiration 3-31-48 in top border, legend 47, (then dealer type flanked by keystones on X series) then PA. All plates are believed to be 6" x 11". |
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· New Car Dealer, NEW CAR DL'R legend, serial A000A, initial A does not advance. · Format 1 – A000A to A999Z · Format 2 – A00A0 to A68C3 · Used Car Dealer, USED CAR DL'R legend, serial B000A, initial B does not advance. · Format 1 – B000A to B637B · Miscellaneous Dealer, DEALER legend, serial X could be in various positions progressing from the left. · Format 1 - X0000 to X9999 · Format 2 - 0X000 to 3X387
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New Car Dealer, A000A format from Jeff Francis New Car Dealer, A00A0 format Image needed |
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Used Car Dealer John Willard plate |
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Miscellaneous Dealer X position 1 from Pl8 Source X position 2 from Jeff Francis |
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1948, yellow on dark blue, state map outline, expiration 3-31-49 in top border, legend 48, (then dealer type flanked by keystones on X series) then PA. All plates used 5 characters and were 6" x 11". | ||
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New Car Dealer, A000A format John Willard plate New Car Dealer, A00A0 format from Jeff Francis |
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Used Car Dealer John Willard plate |
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Miscellaneous Dealer X position 1 from Bob Connison X position 2 from Clayton Moore |
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1949, dark blue on yellow, state map outline, expiration 3-31-50 in top border, legend 49, (then dealer type flanked by keystones on X series) then PA. All plates used 5 characters and were 6" x 11". | ||
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New Car Dealer, A000A format John Willard plate New Car Dealer, A00A0 format from Jeff Francis |
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Used Car Dealer from Bob Connison |
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Miscellaneous Dealer X position 1 from Jeff Francis X position 2 from Bob Connison |
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1950, yellow on dark blue, state map outline, expiration 3-31-51 in top border, legend 50, (then dealer type flanked by keystones on X series) then PA. All plates used 5 characters and were 6" x 11". | ||
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New Car Dealer, A000A format from Chuck Sakryd New Car Dealer, A00A0 format ebay |
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Used Car Dealer from Shawn Bergan |
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Miscellaneous Dealer X position 1 from Kelly Brewer John Willard plate |
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1951, dark blue on yellow, state map outline, expiration 3-31-52 in top border, legend 51, (then dealer type flanked by keystones on X series) then PA. All plates used 5 characters and were 6" x 11". | ||
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New Car Dealer, A000A format from Jeff Hinkle New Car Dealer, A00A0 format from Bob Connison |
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Used Car Dealer from Worthpoint |
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Transit Dealer needed C000A format
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Miscellaneous Dealer X position 1 from Jeff Francis
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1952, yellow on dark blue, state map outline, expiration 3-31-53 in top border, legend 52, (then dealer type flanked by keystones on X & Tractor series) then PA. All plates used 5 characters and were 6" x 10¼". |
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New Car Dealer, A000A format from Bob Connison New Car Dealer, A00A0 format Image needed New Car Dealer Sample John Willard plate Used Car Dealer John Willard plate Used Car Dealer Sample John Willard plate
Transit Dealer image needed
Transit Dealer Sample Miscellaneous Dealer X position 1 from Jeff Francis X position 2 Boyertown Auto Museum |
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1953, dark blue on yellow, state map outline, expiration 3-31-54 in top border, legend 53, (then dealer type flanked by keystones on X series) then PA. All plates used 5 characters and were 6" x 10¼". | ||
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New Car Dealer, A000A format from eBay? New Car Dealer, A00A0 format Used Car Dealer John Willard plate Transit Dealer image needed Miscellaneous Dealer, X0000 format Boyertown Auto Museum from Ed Burr Miscellaneous Dealer, 0X000 format from Worthpoint |
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1954, yellow on dark blue, state map outline, expiration 3-31-55 in top border, legend 54, (then dealer type flanked by keystones on X series) then PA. All plates used 5 characters and were 6" x 10¼". | ||
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New Car Dealer, A000A format from Jeff Francis New Car Dealer, A00A0 format Used Car Dealer John Willard plate Transit Dealer John Willard plate Bill Krellner collection Miscellaneous Dealer, X0000 format John Willard plate Miscellaneous Dealer, 0X000 format from Pl8 Source |
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1955, dark blue on yellow, state map outline, expiration 3-31-56 in top border, legend 55 then dealer type, then PA. All plates used 5 characters and were 6" x 10¼". |
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New Car Dealer, A000A format from Jeff Francis New Car Dealer, A00A0 format from Worthpoint Used Car Dealer John Willard plate
Transit Dealer image needed
Miscellaneous Dealer, X0000 format from Jeff Francis Miscellaneous Dealer, 0X000 format
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1956, yellow on dark blue, state map outline, expiration 3-31-57 in top border, legend 56, then dealer type (flanked by keystones on X series) then PA. All plates used 5 characters and were 6" x 12". There were two font types and two map outline bases used on later plates in '56. | ||
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New Car Dealer, A000A format from Jeff Francis A00A0 format John Willard plate With '57 Dies, A00A0 format Archives Used Car Dealer from Eric Tanner & Ross Day
Transit Dealer image needed
Miscellaneous Dealer, X0000 format from Arthur Levine 0X000 format from Bob Connison 00X00 format from Worthpoint With '57 Dies, 00X00 format
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1957, dark blue on yellow, state map outline, expiration 3-31-58 in top border, legend 57, then dealer type (flanked by keystones on X series) then PA. All plates used 6 characters and were 6" x 12". | ||
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New Car Dealer from Bob Connison Used Car Dealer John Willard plate
Transit Dealer image needed
Miscellaneous Dealer
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1958 - '61,
yellow on dark blue, state map outline, legend PA then dealer type, then 58.
All plates used 6 characters with a small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th characters.
It was generally accepted that early plates had tab slots; however, evidence
suggests that this is not consistently the case. Tab slot that were not used, instead renewal stickers
were issued. In a comment from Eric Tanner's website: It appears that 1958 plates were renewed in 1959, and that new plates were issued in 1960, dated "58" without tab slots, and renewed in 1961. No 1958 slotted plates have been found with 1960 or 1961 stickers, and no unslotted plates found with 1959 stickers. Low and high numbers have been seen in both types. |
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New Car Dealer w/o tab slot from Mike at pl8source New Car Dealer w/ tab slot John Willard plate Used Car Dealer w/ tab slot from Clayton Moore Used Car Dealer w/o tab slot John Willard plate
Transit Dealer image needed
Miscellaneous Dealer w/ tab slot from Steve Ondik Miscellaneous Dealer w/ tab slot from Mike at pl8source |
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1962 - '63, yellow on dark blue, state map outline, legend PA then dealer type, then 62. All plates used 6 characters with a keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. Renewal stickers were issued to revalidate. | ||
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New Car Dealer from Clayton Moore Used Car Dealer from Jeff Francis Transit Dealer John Willard plate Miscellaneous Dealer from Jeff Francis |
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1964, yellow on dark blue, state map outline, legend PA then dealer type, then 64. All plates used 6 characters with a keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. | ||
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New Car Dealer Used Car Dealer unknown source Transit Dealer from Clayton Moore Miscellaneous Dealer unknown source |
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1965, dark blue on yellow, state map outline, legend PA then dealer type or just DEALER, undated. All plates used 6 characters with a keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. | ||
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New Car Dealer John Willard plate Used Car Dealer from Clayton Moore Transit Dealer Miscellaneous Dealer from Jeff Hinkle |
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1966, dark blue on yellow, state map outline, legend PA then DEALER, or MV BUSINESS, then 1966. All plates used 6 characters with a keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. It appears that Transit Dealer and Miscellaneous Dealer were combined into Motor Vehicle Business. | ||
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New Car Dealer from Clayton Moore Used Car Dealer from Bob Connison Motor Vehicle Business
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1967, dark blue on yellow, state map outline, legend PENNSYLVANIA within top border, then DEALER or MV BUSINESS, then 1967. All plates used 6 characters with a keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. | ||
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New Car Dealer from Jeff Francis 66 New Car Dealer w/ 67 sticker from Clayton Moore Used Car Dealer from Clayton Moore Motor Vehicle Business John Willard plate |
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1968, dark blue on yellow, state map outline, legend PENNSYLVANIA within top border, then DEALER or MV BUSINESS, then 1968. All plates used 6 characters with a keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. | ||
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New Car Dealer from Bob Connison 67 New Car Dealer w/ 68 sticker John Willard plate Used Car Dealer from Clayton Moore 67 Used Car Dealer w/ 68 sticker John Willard plate Motor Vehicle Business
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1969, dark blue on yellow, state map outline, legend PENNSYLVANIA within top border, then DEALER or MV BUSINESS, then 1969. All plates used 6 characters with dash separator between the 3rd and 4th character. | ||
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New Car Dealer from Bob Connison Previous New Car Dealer w/ 69 sticker from John Willard Used Car Dealer from Bob Connison Motor Vehicle Business
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1970, dark blue on yellow, state map outline, legend PENNSYLVANIA within top border, then DEALER or MV BUSINESS, then 1970. All plates used 6 characters with dash separator between the 3rd and 4th character. | ||
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New Car Dealer from Tom Firth Used Car Dealer from Bob Connison Motor Vehicle Business
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1971, new format, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER or MV BUSINESS with 1971 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. | ||
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New Car Dealer from Lee Madigan Used Car Dealer from ShopLicensePlates.com Motor Vehicle Business Tractor Dealer from Jake Eckenrode
Trailer Dealer image needed
New Car Dealer (sample)
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1972, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER or MV BUSINESS with 1972 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. |
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New Car Dealer from Tom Firth Used Car Dealer from Chuck Sakryd Motor Vehicle Business Tractor Dealer from Jake Eckenrod
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1973, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER or MV BUSINESS with 1973 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. |
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New Car Dealer ShopLicensePlates.com Used Car Dealer ShopLicensePlates.com Motor Vehicle Business Tractor Dealer from Jake Eckenrode Trailer Dealer from Clayton Moore |
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1974, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER or MV BUSINESS with 1974 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. | ||
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New Car Dealer from Vern kreckel Used Car Dealer from Platedog Motor Vehicle Business Tractor Dealer from Jake Eckenrode
Trailer Dealer image needed
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1975 - 1976, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER or MV BUSINESS, undated, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. Used 75 and/or 76 validation stickers sticker wells upper left and right. | ||
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New Car Dealer from Clayton Moore Used Car Dealer FROM ShopLicensePlates.com Motor Vehicle Business Tractor Dealer from PL8 Source Trailer Dealer from Clayton Moore |
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1977, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER or MV BUSINESS with 1977 on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with dash separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. | ||
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New Car Dealer from Clayton Moore Used Car Dealer from ShopLicensePlates.com Motor Vehicle Business Tractor Dealer from Jake Eckenrode Trailer Dealer from eBay user hpr4661 |
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1978, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER, MV BUSINESS, with 1978 on bottom. All plates used 7 characters with dash separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. | ||
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New Car Dealer from Chuck Sakryd Used Car Dealer ShopLicensePlates.com Motor Vehicle Business Tractor Dealer
Trailer Dealer image needed
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ISSUED 1979 - 1983, USED TO 2000, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER, MV BUSINESS, AUTO MANUFACTURER. All plates used 7 characters with dash separator between the 3rd and 4th character. First and last alpha characters do not advance. | ||
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Auto Manufacturer New Car Dealer from Clayton Moore Used Car Dealer ShopLicensePlates.com Motor Vehicle Business Tractor Dealer Trailer Dealer from Clayton Moore |
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Toward the end of the run of the '79 base dealer plates, it appears that the A-series New Car Dealer and B-series Used Car Dealer plates were running out of numbers, and since the '79 base Dealer plates were not being replaced by the new '84 series, it was decided that for the future, all dealer types would be merged into a single dealer type as far as plate serial numbers. Therefore it appears that new '84 Dealer plates used the few remaining A & B-series numbers and then moved into the D-series, and likely started where the '79 base D-series Tractor Dealer left off. It also appears that the first D-series plates had PENNSYLVANIA on top. See D-series breakdown below. D-Series, · Format 1, Pennsylvania top; Dealer bottom, narrow typeface, series likely started after the 1979 to ’83 run at D17-348D , verified from D21-657D to D27-207D · Format 2, Dealer top, narrow typeface; Pennsylvania bottom, D38-602D to D75-394D · Format 3, Dealer top, wide typeface; Pennsylvania bottom, D83-970D to D94-794D As the now-generic Dealer plates progressed from the D-series into the E-series, the E-series would have started above where the E-series Trailer plates left off on the '77 base. Then as the E-series filled up, the progression expanded into the F-series which had not been used on the '77 base. The F-series ran at least as high as the F88-000F series. It is not believed that any G-series plates were ever issued. When the full scale plate replacement was done in 1999 - 2000, the new series started at H00-000H. It is believed that no C-series, or M.V. Business plates, were issued on the '84 base.
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A - Series from Clayton Moore B - Series from Clayton Moore D - Series, Format 1 from ShopLicensePlates.com D - Series, Format 2 from ShopLicensePlates.com D - Series, Format 3 from Matt Ciecka E - Series from ShopLicensePlates.com F - Series from Tom Firth |
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1999 - 2005, renewable to present This series replaced all previous plates. Includes new and used car dealers combined, H00-000H to J37-999J, the I00-000I series was not used. On www base with dash separator, sticker well upper left.
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H - Series J - Series, www base
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2006, K51-499, renewable to present Includes new and used car dealers, J38-000J to J99-999J, then K00-000K, etc. On visitPA base with keystone separator, sticker well upper left.
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J - Series, visitPA base from Jim Moini K - Series, visitPA base from Jordan Irazabal from Bruce Bufalini |
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2015, visitPA, (renewable to present) base was available for personalization, allowing up to 7 characters. |
VisitPA Personalized from Nick Tsilakis |
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2017, visitPA, (renewable to present) base was modified by removing the sticker well and adding a small white map outline in its place. Personalized plates still allow up to 7 characters. |
Map Outline Personalized
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2018, K51-500, visitPA, (renewable to 2023) base was modified by removing the sticker well and adding a small white map outline in its place. To current high NOTE:This type was discontinued in 2023 and split into Dealer (New) and Dealer (Pre-Owned), see below. |
from Jordan Irazabal |
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Dealer, New Vehicle, N/D00001, with a yellow on blue graphic silhouette of a vehicle with the word DEALER at the bottom of the silhouette. To current high |
from Brayden Harnish |
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Dealer, Pre-Owned Vehicle, P/R00001, with a blue on yellow graphic silhouette of a vehicle with the word DEALER at the bottom of the silhouette. To current high |
from John McDevitt |
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Dealer-Farm Equipment (1991 to present) | ||
VERSION 1: FE0000D Dealer-Farm Equip. on top, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, no separator PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.
SAMPLE
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from Paul Bagnarol |
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VERSION 2: FE0000D PENNSYLVANIA on top, www base, sticker well upper left, no separator, Dealer-Farm Equip. on bottom. To current high
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Dealer-Multi Purpose (1991 or 92 to present) | ||
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.
SAMPLE
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from Kelly Brewer Sample from Jeff Minard |
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VERSION 2, MP3000D , www base, sticker well upper left, no dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, Dealer-Multi Purpose at bottom. To current high |
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Dept of Forests & Waters (1937 to 1970) |
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These were plates issued to watercraft used on lakes or bodies of water under the ownership or control of the Department of Forests and Waters. The plates measured 3½" by 4½". Plates were all-numerical with the serial progression to going from 1 or 2 digits up to five digits. Later the Department of Forests and Waters became part of the Department of Environmental Resources. Several years ago Jason Michaels maintained an extensive display of such plates on his website. Sadly Jason passed away in March of 2020, and the website has been taken down. Previous efforts to contact someone associated with the website have been futile. |
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1937, black on silver | Image needed | |
1938, black on orange |
Image needed |
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1939, white on red |
Have image |
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1940, white on blue |
Have image |
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1941, white on black |
Have image |
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1942, white on red |
Have image |
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1943, white on blue |
Have image |
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1944, black on yellow |
Have image |
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1945, white on blue |
from Worthpoint |
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1946, white on red |
Have image |
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1947, white on blue |
from Worthpoint |
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1948, yellow on red |
from Worthpoint |
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1949, white on black | Image needed | |
1950, white on green |
Image needed |
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1951, white on red |
from Ian Emmett |
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1952, white on blue | Image needed | |
1953, yellow on red |
Image needed |
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1954, white on green |
from Worthpoint |
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1955, white on black |
from Worthpoint |
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1956, white on green |
from Worthpoint |
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1957, blue on white |
from Worthpoint |
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1958 |
Image needed |
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1959, blue on white |
Image needed |
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1960, white on blue |
Have image |
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1961, blue on yellow |
Have image |
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1962, yellow on dark blue |
from Worthpoint |
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1963, dark blue on yellow
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eBay User Themudlarks |
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1964, yellow on dark blue |
![]() eBay User Themudlarks |
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1965, dark blue on yellow |
![]() eBay User Themudlarks |
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1966, yellow on dark blue |
from Ian Emmett |
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1967, dark blue on yellow, plastic |
Have image |
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1968, yellow on dark blue, plastic |
Have image |
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1969, dark blue on yellow, plastic |
Have image |
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1970, black on red, plastic |
Have image |
Dept of Hwys (Department of Highways) (1930 to 1935) | ||
1930 |
Image needed
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1931, yellow on blue, 1 to 10? flanked by keystones, 1931 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, DEPT OF HWYS along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". |
John Willard plate |
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1932 |
Image needed
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1933 |
Image needed
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1934 |
Image needed
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1935, yellow on blue, 1 to 5 flanked by keystones, 1933 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, DEPT OF HWYS along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". |
John Willard plate |
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Emergency Vehicle (~1977 to present) | ||
VERSION 1: EV-10000 to EV-14999, red on white PENNSYLVANIA on top, EMERGENCY VEHICLE on bottom. Type dates to about 1977. |
Version 1 Registration credential unknown |
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VERSION 2: EV-15000 to EV-16999, white on red EMERGENCY VEHICLE on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no sticker well. SAMPLE of Version 2
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Version 2 Sample
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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. SAMPLE of Version 3 Error plate, painted with the municipal plate color scheme. It's also possible there was a short run of these. |
Version 3 Sample Error from Nick Tsilakis |
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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 4
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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 Version 3. Prior to 2006, If an EMERGENCY VEHICLE plate had 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.
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Version 5 |
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VERSION 6A: The starting number is between EV-30131 and EV-30309 and the series progresses to the current high. 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. NOTE: Version 6A and Version 6B are being issued concurrently. |
Version 6A 6A & 6B Sample from Devan Ciemiewicz |
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VERSION 6B: EV-50000 to EV-70999. On visitPA base, large keystone separator, embossed tag legend. PennDOT notified plate holders in February 2007 that all white on red EV plates would be replaced. First seen mid-March 2007. NOTE: Version 6A and Version 6B are being issued concurrently. |
Version 6B |
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FORMAT 6C: EV + up to 5 characters as a personalized plate. |
from Steve Noll |
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VERSION 7A: EV-71000. On visitPA base, large keystone separator, state map outline in place of sticker well, embossed tag legend. First seen September 2017. To current high |
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VERSION 7B: ~EV-37100. On visitPA base, large keystone separator, state map outline in place of sticker well, embossed tag legend. First seen September 2017. To current high
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from John McDevitt |
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Farm Truck (1977 to present) | ||
VERSION 1, 1977, FM-10000 to FM-47281 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. |
from Jeff Lesher |
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VERSION 2, 1984, FM-47875 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.
SAMPLE of VERSION 2 and/or VERSION 4
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from Clayton Moore Sample from Pauli Bagnarol |
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VERSION 3, FM-53000 or above to FM-58999 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. |
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VERSION 4, below FM-61234 to FM-76548 or above, 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. |
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VERSION 4A, below FM-77009 to unknown highpoint, 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. |
from Clayton Moore |
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VERSION 5 FM-0000A to FM-999C , www tri-color base, sticker well upper left, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, FARM TRUCK at bottom. All previous plates reissued in 2000. |
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VERSION 6, mid-2014, FM-0000D on visitPA base, sticker well upper left, keystone separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, FARM TRUCK at bottom. |
from Jordan Irazabal and Tom Perri |
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VERSION 7, From between FM-2587D and FM-4184D. On VisitPA base now with map outline. First seen around June 2019. To current high |
from John McDevitt |
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Fire Department (1968, issued till mid '80s, replaced by Emergency Vehicle 2007) | ||
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. It is now believed that the book was in error. NOTE: This type is no longer issued. Replaced by Emergency Vehicle in 2007. Validation Stickers: All are permanent. |
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VERSION 1: 1968, FD-10000 to FD-27999, state map outline base, keystone separator, sticker well lower left. |
Version 1 from Clayton Moore from Worthpoint Sample w/ keystone
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VERSION 2: FD-28000 to approximately FD-29397 or wherever production ended, uses a dash separator. |
Version 2 from Clayton Moore from Worthpoint Error plate Sample w/ dash Test plate from Devan Ciemiewicz |
Image added 7/16
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No plates based on this prototype were issues. Fire Department vehicles (year unknown) |
Prototype from Devan Ciemiewicz |
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Fleet Transporter (1997 to present) | ||
VERSION 1: FL0000T FLEET TRANSPORTER on top, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, no separator PENNSYLVANIA on bottom. See sample below.
SAMPLE
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Image needed
Sample from Pauli Bagnarol |
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VERSION 2: FL1000T PENNSYLVANIA on top, www base, sticker well upper left, no separator, FLEET TRANSPORTER on bottom. To current high
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from Tom Perri |
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Foreign Consul & Consular (1929 to 1935 and 1957 or '58 to ~ 1984 or '85) | ||
CONSULAR plates were first issued in1929 and continued until 1935. No plates are believed to have been issued again until 1957 or '58 when FOREIGN CONSUL plates were first issued. This type was last issued on the 1977 base and was discontinued when the U.S. State Department started issuing their own plates. Once the State Department 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 although a sample exists on the '84 base. | ||
1929 Consular, yellow on dark blue, plate serial number in center, number range from 10 likely to 100. Number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1933 stacked on right, CONSULAR along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". |
Image needed |
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1930 Consular, dark blue on yellow, plate serial number in center, number range likely from 10 likely to 100. Number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1930 stacked on right, CONSULAR along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". |
Image needed
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1931 Consular, yellow on dark blue, plate serial number in center, number range likely from 10 likely to 100. Number flanked by keystones, 1931 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, CONSULAR along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". |
unknown source |
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1932 Consular, dark blue on yellow, plate serial number in center, number range likely from 1 or 10 to 100. Number flanked by keystones, 1932 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, CONSULAR along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". |
Image needed |
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1933 Consular, yellow on dark blue, plate serial number in center, number range likely from 10 likely to 100. Number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1933 stacked on right, CONSULAR along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". |
Image needed
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1934 Consular, dark blue on yellow, plate serial number in center, number range likely from 10 likely to 100. Number flanked by keystones, 1934 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, CONSULAR along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12". |
from Clayton Moore |
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1935 Consular, yellow on dark blue, plate serial number in center, number range 10 to 100. Number flanked by keystones, 1935 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, CONSULAR along bottom. Plates measure 6" by 12".
Sample
Design drawing
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Image needed
Sample from John Willard BMV design drawing
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No plates are believed to have been issued again until 1957 or '58 when FOREIGN CONSUL plates were first issued.
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1957 Foreign Consul, FC000, blue on yellow on map outline, 1957 PENNA across top center. |
from John Willard |
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1958 Foreign Consul, FC1-000, 58 base, 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. |
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1965 Foreign Consul, FC-100, FC-1000, 65 base, issued from 1965 to 1970, blue on yellow, map outline, PENNSYLVANIA top, undated, validation stickers upper left, small keystone separator. |
from Brandon Sowers from Chuck Harrington |
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1971 Foreign Consul, 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. |
from Tom Firth
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1977 Foreign Consul, 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
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from Chuck Harrington
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1984 Foreign Consul: This is a sample or prototype on the 1984 base. No plates on this base were issued. |
from Pauli Bagnarol |
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