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Pennsylvania License Plate Images

John McDevitt and Jordan Irazabal

ALPCA

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UNUSUAL & UNIQUE PLATES  Governor Plates  |  Mystery, Oddballs, etc.  |  Special Event Plates  |  Front Plates  |  Group Displays  |  Older plates in use

REFERENCE Old Documents  |  Legislation  |  Plate Codes  |  Plate Hist A-F  |  Plate Hist G-M  |  Plate Hist N-Z Plate Hist Pass 1  |  Plate Hist Pass 2  |  Plate Hist Trk  | Plate Hist Spec OrgStickers  |  Links

ARCHIVED HOME PAGES BY YEAR 2022  |   2021  |   Older  Archives

* * * PLATE HISTORY LINKS * * *

Plate types have been linked to various pages
ADP - Advertising Device Permit Dept of Highways

Motorcycle

Special Organization

Amateur Radio 

Emergency Vehicle

Motorcycle Dealer

State Officials & Dignitaries

Apportioned (Truck)

Farm Truck

Motor Vehicle Business

State Representative

Apportioned (Bus)

Fire Department

Municipal

State Senator

ATV Dealer

Fleet Transporter

Municipal Motorcycle

Steel Worker

Auto Manufacturer

Foreign Consul (Includes Consular)

National Guard

Suburban

Auto Wheel

Governor

Official Use

Superior Court

Boat Dock Permit

Handicapped Person / Person w/ Disability

Omnibus (OB prefix)

Supreme Court

Bus (BA & O prefix) (also see Omnibus)

Hearing Impaired

Passenger Hist. 1 (Pre-state to 1936)

Taxi

Bus-Omnibus (H prefix)

House Car / Motor Home

Passenger Hist. 2 (1937 to present)

Temporary

Cabinet

Implement of Husbandry

Permanent Trailer

Tractor

Circus Carnival Truck

Judiciary

Person w/ Disability Motorcycle

Tractor Dealer

Civil Defense

Legislative

Press Photographer

Trailer

Combat Wounded Veteran (Purple Heart)

Limousine

Purple Heart (see Combat Wounded Veteran)

Trailer Dealer

Commercial Implement of Husbandry

Lincoln University (Official)

Repair / Service Towing

Transporter

Commercial Motorcycle

Liquid Fuels Permit

Repossessor

Truck

Commonwealth Court

Mass Transit

Salvage Yard

University of Pittsburgh (Official)

Consular (see Foreign Consul)

Moped

School Bus

U.S. Congress

Dealer

Moped Dealer

School Vehicle U.S. Senate

Dealer-Farm Equipment

Motorbike Snowmobile Dealer Validation Stickers

Dealer-Multi Purpose

Motorboat Special Event Watercraft Trailer/Dealer
Dept of Forests & Waters Motorboat Dealer Special Mobile (Equipment)  

PLATE HISTORY - GENERAL ISSUE PLATES N to Z

Excluding Passenger and Truck

Plate Type (year first issued)

Description / History

Image

Comments, what's needed?

National Guard (1930-35 & 1984 to present)

1930, blue on yellow, 1 to 1000 flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1930 stacked on right, NAT'L GUARD along bottom.  Plates measure 6" by 12".  Tags were assigned in order of military rank.

from ebay


from Worthpoint

 

1931, yellow on blue, 1 to 1000 flanked by keystones, 1931 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, NAT'L GUARD along bottom.  Plates measure 6" by 12".

 

 

from Eric Tanner

 

1932, blue on yellow, 1 to 1000 flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1932 stacked on right, NAT'L GUARD along bottom.  Plates measure 6" by 12".

from Larry Noble

 

1933, yellow on blue, 1 to 1000 flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1933 stacked on right, NAT'L GUARD along bottom.  Plates measure 6" by 12".

from Worthpoint

 

1934, blue on yellow, 1 to 1000 flanked by keystones, 1934 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, NAT'L GUARD along bottom.  Plates measure 6" by 12".

from Jeff Francis

 

1935, yellow on blue, 1 to 1000 flanked by keystones, 1935 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, NAT'L GUARD along bottom.  Plates measure 6" by 12".  The upper two plates are the pair grouped together.  The single 506 plate is one plate by itself.

 

Sample

 

from Clayton Moore


Sample

from John Willard

 

After 1935 there were no National Guard plates issued until 1984.

 

1984, yellow on blue base, N/G0001 to N/G2499, sticker well lower left.  Note use of 2 embossed logos.  Plates measure 6" by 12".

 

Sample

 

from Drewski



Sample

 

 

2000, www base, N/G2500 to current high, sticker well upper left.  NOTE: In 2000 when this series was replaced, those with NG0001 through NG0020 from the previous issue had the option to keep the same number on the new plates, while all others got new plate numbers starting at NG2500.  No plates from that 1 to 20 series have been documented.  Plates measure 6" by 12".

 

Sample 

 

To Highs Page


Sample

 

 

 

Official Use (1924 to the present)

It appears that Official plates were first introduced as early as 1924.  The 1924 and '25 plates used the format described below.  The remainder of the early plates thru 1935 followed the format shown in the 1926 and '27 plates shown below.  In 1936 the format changed slightly and the plate legend became Official Use Only.  In 1938 the format changed again with the appearance of the map outline and a return to Official as the legend.  At least from 1940 to 1956 no plates had the term Official on them but there was a reserved block of numbers from the standard passenger series.  In 1957 the legend again became Official Use Only.  Plates were undated and had Pennsylvania within the top border.  This series was used until 1965 or 66.

1924, 0-S to 000-S, blue on yellow, serial number with a dash separator, the letter S identifies it as a state-owned vehicle.  PENNA 1924 along the bottom with keystones in the left and right corners.  Plates measure 6" x 10" and 6" x 12" depending on the number of characters.

Eric Tanner, found an article in the Altoona Mirror of December 13, 1923, describing all of the new code letters for 1924 types: "The numerals on state-owned cars are followed by the letter "S"."

6-inch by 10-inch plate

from Jeff Lesher


6-inch by 12-inch plate

from Eric Tanner

 

1925, 0-S to 000-S, yellow on blue, serial number with a dash separator, the letter S identifies it as a state-owned vehicle.  PENNA 1924 along the bottom with keystones in the left and right corners.  This plates measure 6" x 12", unknown if other sizes were used.

from Jeff Lesher

 

1926, blue on yellow, serial number, PENNA stacked on left, 1926 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom, flanked by small keystones.

According to the eBay seller, ultrararecollectables, who gave me permission to use the #1 image, it was used by Governor Gifford Pinchot, and the plate was a gift from the Governor to his grandfather who was the caretaker of Grey Towers in Milford, PA at the time. His father received the plate when he passed and the current owner in turn when he passed. There is no further provenance available at this time.  Grey Towers in Milford, PA was the home of Gov. Pinchot.  No plates this far back in history have been documented with the word Governor, so it is entirely possible that the earliest plates, with a legend, used the term Official prior to the use of the word Governor.  Pinchot served as Governor from 1923 to '27 and from 1931 to '35.  For now this plate will be cross listed with Governor plates.  Plate appears to measure 6" x 12".

from ultrararecollectables


from eBay

 

1927, yellow on blue, serial number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1927 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom.  Plate appears to measure 6" x 12".

from Clayton Moore

 

1928, blue on yellow, serial number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1928 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom.  Plate appears to measure 6" x 12".

unknown source

 

1929, yellow on blue, serial number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1929 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom.  Plate appears to measure 6" x 12".

from Jeff Francis

 

1930, blue on yellow, serial number flanked by 2 keystones unless plate is 4-digit in which case the right keystone is dropped, PENNA stacked on left, 1930 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom.  Plate appears to measure 6" x 12".

from Worthpoint


from Eric Conner

 

1931, yellow on blue, serial number flanked by keystones, 1927 stacked  on left, PENNA stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom.  Plate appears to measure 6" x 12".

NOTE: The #9 pair are aluminum, the PENNA and 1931 are reversed.  There were a small number of passenger plates on aluminum, unknown if these were test plates or issued plates.

Aluminum plate

from Jeff Lesher


from Eric Tanner

 

1932, blue on yellow, serial number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on left, 1932 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom.  Plate appears to measure 6" x 12".

from Sarge/Klassy Karz

 

1933, yellow on blue, serial number flanked by 2 keystones, unless plate is 4-digit in which case the right keystone is dropped, PENNA stacked on left, 1933 stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom.  Plate appears to measure 6" x 12".

from Sarge/Klassy Karz


 

 
1934, blue on yellow, serial number flanked by keystones unless plate is 4-digit in which the right keystone is dropped, 1934 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom.  Plate appears to measure 6" x 12".

Boyertown Auto Museum

via Tim Gierschick

 

1935, yellow on blue, serial number flanked by 2 keystones, unless plate is 4-digit in which the right keystone is dropped, 1935 stacked on left, PENNA stacked on right, OFFICIAL along bottom.

Sample - 000

 

from Eric Conner


Sample

from John Willard

 

 

1936, blue on yellow, serial number flanked on the left by a keystone stacked over PA, and on the right by a keystone stacked over 36, OFFICIAL USE ONLY along bottom, wide format appears to be 6" by 15", the serial number series is believed to run from 31-001 and 32-000.  The numerical sequence appears to come from the passenger series.

from John Anshant

 

1937, yellow on blue, map outline, PA OFFICIAL 37 is the legend below top border.  The serial number appears to be part of a reserve block of numbers from the passenger series.  Plate is 6" by 12".

from Clayton Moore

 

 

 

 

 

1938, blue on yellow, map outline, PA OFFICIAL 38 is the legend below top border.  The serial number appears to be part of a reserve block of numbers from the passenger series.  Plate is 6" by 12".

Sample - 00000

from Clayton Moore


Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

 

Plates from 1939 thru 1955 were from a reserved number block of passenger plates and therefore had no distinguishing features to identify them as Official plates.  All plates consisted of 5-digit serial numbers.  See http://www.statetrooperplates.com/pennsylvania.html  for a partial listing with images of these plates.

1956 to 1965, map outline border.  Plates were undated yellow on blue.  Plate legend was Official Use Only.  Pennsylvania is embossed in top border.  There were three issues.  Early issue (3290) was on steel with early wide dies.  Next plate (4322) was on steel with '57 dies.  Bottom plates (7772, 7823 & 8038) were on aluminum and use '57 dies.  Number range at least to 9006..

Format 1: Steel with early wide dies

Format 2: Steel with '57 dies

Format 3: Aluminum with '57 dies

Format 1

from Norm Ratcliff


Format 2

from Clayton Moore


Format 3

from Klassy Karz


from Kyle Kuser

 

1965 to '67, map outline border.  Plates were blue on yellow.  Plate legend was Official Use Only below top border.  Pennsylvania was embossed within top border.  Serial numbers began at PA-1000 to PA-9999, then 1000-PA to 9999-PA.

Format 1: PA-1000 to PA-9999

Format 2: 1000-PA to PA-9999

Format 1

from Eric Conner


Format 2

Image needed

 

 

1968 to '71, used a smaller map outline border to allow an additional digit.  Plates were blue on yellow.  Plate legend was Official Use along top border.  Pennsylvania was embossed above bottom border.  A sticker well with an embossed border was located on the lower left, with a permanent sticker.  Serial numbers began at PA-10000.

Some had the etched 68 in the sticker well, and others used a black on red PA over a black state map over permanent.

from Eric Conner

 

1971 to '77, embossed border.  Plates were yellow on blue.  Plate legend was Official Use along top border.  Pennsylvania was embossed above bottom border.  Serial numbers began at PA-10000 and extends to PA-37165.

from Worthpoint


Samples

from Eric Conner

 

1977 to 1984 but still valid.  Plates were blue on reflective white.  Plate legend was Pennsylvania along top border.  Official Use was embossed above bottom border. 

Format 1: Plates from PA-10000 to PA-2999 were issued in pairs to passenger vehicles.

Format 2: Plates from PA-30000 to PA-55999 were issued as single to commercial vehicles

 

Format 1


Format 2

from Eric Conner

 

 

1985 to 2009, PA-60000 to PA-99999, reflective white on blue, PENNSYLVANIA on top, OFFICIAL USE on top, issued 1985 until early 2009.  Issued to commercial or truck type vehicles as single plates.


 

 
1985 to present, 10000-PA , reflective white on blue, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, OFFICIAL USE on top, first issue date uncertain, to present.  Issued to passenger vehicles in pairs.

from Chuck Harrington


from Tom Perri


Sample

Unknown

 

2009 - 2010, PA-0000A to PA-1499A, white on blue, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, OFFICIAL USE on top. This is a continuation of the 1985 to 2009 commercial or truck type plates. Issued to commercial vehicles as single plates.

 
2010 - 2011, PA-1500A to PA-2499A. Note the use of COMMERCIAL as the plate legend in place of OFFICIAL USE.  Issued to commercial or truck type vehicles as single plates.

from Tom Perri

 
2011 to 2018, PA-2500A to PA-1499B. Note the dropping of the word COMMERCIAL and return to using OFFICIAL USE.  Issued to commercial or truck type vehicles as single plates.

 

2018, PA-1500B Added 7/15/2018.  PA-2215B or below.

New graphic base for commercial vehicles.  State agencies will have the option of using their own logo in place of the coat of arms shown here.  PennDOT and PA Turnpike have opted for their own plates.

 

To Highs Page


anonymous

 

 

Omnibus (1974, also see BUS history section)

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

1974, OB-10000 to between OB-24604 and OB-26297 blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, dash separator,  PENNSYLVANIA on top, OMNIBUS on bottom, validated with stickers thru 2000.

 

1984, continuation of serial progression from previous base, from between OB-24605 and OB-26298 to between OB-49201 and OB-49999, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, OMNIBUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on  bottom, validated thru 2000.

 

Bus/Omnibus registration credential indicates that Omnibus plates were issued at least as high as OB-49201.  Plates were not necessarily issued in order.


from Clayton Moore

 

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

 

From OB-59000 to OB-60999, series uses the serif I on tag line. Other formatting same as 2000 version.

Sample


Sample

 

 

From OB-61000 to OB-63999, series uses the sans serif I on tag line. Other formatting same as 2000 version. 

 

From OB-64000 to OB-68999, uses the serif I on tag line. Other formatting same as 2000 version.

from Nick Tsilakis

 

5/2006, OB-69000 to OB-86799, on visitPA base, keystone separator, tag line font on this type uses a serif I.

 

Sample


Sample

 

 
8/2017, OB-86800 to OB-87699 on visitPA base, keystone separator, tag line font on this type uses a serif I.  No sticker well.

from Tom Perri

 
6/2019 , OB-88200 to current high, on visitPA base, keystone separator, tag line font on this type uses a serif I. Now with map outline.

To Highs Page

from Bruce Bufalini

 

 

Permanent Trailer (1997 to present)

VERSION 1, 1997: PT-00000 to at least PT-31616 (actual high unconfirmed), yellow on blue base, PERM-TRAILER on top, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no validation stickers used, valid thru changeover in 4/2001.

Sample

 

 


 

 

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

Sample

 

from Jim Moini


Sample

 

 

VERSION 3, 2007: PT-0000L to PT-9999Z, first seen 3/2007, then PT-000A0 to ~PT-499D9, first seen 5/2015 on visitPA base base, keystone separator. Sticker well upper left, no sticker issued.

 

VERSION 4, 2017: ~PT-500D0  on visitPA base base, keystone separator.  The sticker well has been removed and the state map outline put in its place.  First seen 8/2017.

To Highs Page

from Preston Turner

 

 

Person with Disability, Motorcycle (late 1990s?)

This was part of the Motorcycle series with the only known distinction being the presence of Handicapped or Person with Disability sticker on the plate.  These were first seen on 1977 base plates, but the stickers may not have been issued until the late 1990s.

1977 Base, undated, issued thru '85, revalidated thru 2000, unknown when sticker was added, possibly in the 1990s.

from Clayton Moore

 

1985 Base, undated, issued thru 2002, revalidated thru '02

 

Image needed

 

 

2001 Base, undated, revalidated thru present

from Clayton Moore

 

2007 Person with Disability, P00A, the PD and wheelchair symbol which are flat screened are not part of the registration number. The embossed P is part of the number but is a static, non-advancing character.  Type added 11/15/07, plates available 12/21/07.

 

To Highs Page

 

 

 

Press Photographer (1956 to present)

From the PA state archives — On February 10, 1956, Governor George M. Leader signed the Press Photograph License Plate Bill along with Secretary Gleason, Pat Cahill, Paul Vathis and Tom Leask. This enabled the issuing of Press Photograph License Plates beginning 1956.

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

There are also reports of early unofficial plates using the PP-prefix dating back to 1948.

Pre-1956 PP-prefix plates?

Unofficial and unconfirmed plate.  No provenance; however plates with identical numbers were issued in 1957 and 1958.  Of course this could just be coincidence. 

 

from Edward Lipski

 

VERSION 1: 1956, first year Press Photographer plates were sanctioned.

from John Anshant


from eBay

 
VERSION 2: 1957

from John Anshant


Mini Keychain tag (Disabled Vet)

from Jerry McCoy


from eBay

 
VERSION 3: 1958 thru 1963

from John Anshant

 

VERSION 4: Suburban, 1960 thru 1963

Used on station wagons.

 

Jake Eckenrode collection

via John Anshant


from John Willard

 
VERSION 5: 1963 - 1964

from John Anshant


from eBay

 

VERSION 6: 1965 thru 1970

from Jordan Irazabal at Tim Gierschick's show, owner unknown

from John Anshant

 

VERSION 7: 1971 thru 1976

from Mike Sells


from Ed Coghill

 
VERSION 8: 1977 base, could be renewed thru 2001 unless replaced by a later base.

from Chuck Harrington


from Chuck Harrington

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

from Chuck Harrington


from Chuck Harrington

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


from Chuck Harrington


from Matt Ciecka

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

from Sol Bress


from Alec Hussey

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

from Sol Bress


from Nick Santiago

 
VERSION 13: Beginning at about PP800, on visitPA base, 7/2014.

To Highs Page

from Ryan Battin

 
VERSION 14: Personalized, up to 3 characters with PP prefix.

from Joe Pavlo


from Drew Steitz

 

VERSION 15: Plates with small map outline in place of sticker well.  Personalized, up to 3 characters with PP prefix.

This plate may be personalized or a re-make of an earlier issue.

 

from Jim McDevitt

 

 

Repair / Service Towing (1984 to present)

History:  In 1966 a new series of plates was issued called Motor Vehicle Business.  This series continued until about 1984, when it was split into four groups, the largest of which was Repair/Service Towing.  The other three included Salvage Yard, Transporter and Repossessor (sometimes referred to as Financier or Collector-Repossessor).  Each of these new types had their own distinctive prefix.  RS & RT for Repair/Service Towing which was abbreviated REP / SER TOWING and later shortened to REPAIR TOWING.  Salvage Yard used a WL prefix, while Transporter and Repossessor used DT and RE respectively.  Some years later (1995) Watercraft Trailer Dealers also became part of this group.  These plates use a WD prefix.
VERSION 1: First issued around 1984, RS-00000 to between RS-01999 and RS-02299, yellow on blue, REP / SER TOWING on top which is screen printed, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no sticker well, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

from Clayton Moore


from Clayton Moore

 
VERSION 2: From between RS-02000 and RS-02300 to between RS-14999 and RS-16999, REP / SER TOWING on top which is now embossed, Pennsylvania on bottom now uses the "You've got a friend" font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

from Matt Ciecka

 
VERSION 3: From between RS-15000 and RS-17000 to between RT-27726 and RS-29999, REP / SER TOWING on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom now reverts back to standard font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

 

 

VERSION 4: From between RT-27727 and RS-30000 to unknown series high, REPAIR TOWING on top, note change in legend; PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.


Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

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

 

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

 

 
VERSION 7: RT-49000 to RT-71899 switched to visitPA base with keystone separator and wide legend, sticker well upper left.

 

 

VERSION 8: RT-71900 , without sticker well, and with map outline.

 

To Highs Page

 

 

 

 

 

Repossessor (1984 to present)

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

VERSION 1, 1984: First issued around 1984, RE-00000 to changeover point possibly at RE-00499, yellow on blue, REPOSSESSOR on top which is screen printed, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no sticker well, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

 

 

VERSION 2: Changeover possibly at RE-00500 to unknown high below RE-00785, yellow on blue, REPOSSESSOR on top which is now embossed, dash separator, Pennsylvania on bottom now uses the "You've got a friend" font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

 

VERSION 3: From between RE-00524 and RE-00784 to at least RE-01166, REPOSSESSOR embossed on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom now reverts back to standard font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

from Clayton Moore

 

VERSION 4, 1999: From RE-05000 , on www base with dash separator, REPOSSESSOR embossed on bottom, sticker well upper left.  Reissued 9/1/1999.

 

To Highs Page

 

 

Salvage Yard (1984 to present)

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

VERSION 1, 1984: First issued around 1984, WL-00000 to a point between WL-01499 and WL-02599, yellow on blue, SALVAGE YARD on top which is screen printed, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no sticker well, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

from Matt Ciecka

 

VERSION 2: From a point between WL-01500 and WL-02600 to WL-09612 or higher.  SALVAGE YARD on top is now embossed, Pennsylvania on bottom now uses the "You've got a friend" font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

 

NOTE: It is unknown if there was a yellow on blue base after Version 2 which used the standard font for the state name.  If so, it would likely have been above WL-09612, or more likely starting at WL-10000 such as Version 3 of Rep / Ser Towing.

VERSION 3, 1999: From WL-15000 to WL-22999, on www base with dash separator, SALVAGE YARD embossed on bottom, sticker well upper left.  Reissued 9/1/1999

 

 

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

from Tom Perri

 

VERSION 5, 2008: From approx. WL-23450 , on visitPA base now with keystone separator, sticker well upper left.  Spotted 3/23/08.

 

To Highs Page

 

 

 

School Bus (1956 to present)

Prior to 1956 it may seem logical that School Buses would have used regular Bus plates, however, Clayton Moore posted a period photo of a School Bus with what appears to be a 1938 Class-T Truck plate.

 

School Bus with

1938 Class T Truck plate

from Clayton Moore

 

1956, 0000 to at least 7486, yellow on blue, wide border map outline, expiration date 6-30-57 in upper border, PA SCHOOL BUS under top border, year diagonally stacked on left, wide dies.

 

 

1957, 0000 to at least 7733, blue on yellow, narrower map border outline than Version 1, expiration date 6-30-58 in upper border, PA SCHOOL BUS under top border, year diagonally stacked on left, narrower dies.

 

 

1958 to 63, 0000 to 9999, then to at least 14998, yellow on blue, narrower map border outline than 1957, PA SCHOOL BUS 58 on top, tab slot on 4-character plates no slot on 5-character plates, validated with stickers thru '63.

 

Sample

 


wide character spacing

from Clayton Moore



Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

 

1964 - 67, 0000 to at least 16296, yellow on blue, same map border outline as 1958, PA SCHOOL BUS 64 on top, validated with stickers thru '67.


 

 

1968, SA-10000 to at least SA-28999, 68 base, blue on yellow, narrow  map border outline, keystone separator, SCHOOL BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, sticker well lower left with border, validated with stickers thru '71.

from Jeff Lesher

 

1971 SAMPLE, 71 Base, with 71 etched into sticker well.  Samples do not correspond to any issued plate.

Sample


from Jeff Lesher

 

1972 - '77, SA-10000 to at least SA-41301, blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, 72 lightly etched in upper left well, keystone separator, SCHOOL BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, validated with stickers thru 7-00.

 

1978 - '92 or '93, SB-10000 to at least SB-24728, blue on yellow, sticker wells upper left & right, keystone separator, SCHOOL BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, validated with stickers thru 2000 or 2001.

 

 

 

 

 

1992/93, from SB-25751 or below.  Number series is a continuation of the previous version, yellow on blue, sticker well lower left, SCHOOL BUS on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, validated with stickers thru 2000 or later.

 

2000, SC-00000 to SC-05999, on www base with small keystone separator, tag line font has slightly wider characters than the next format plate.

 

Sample


Sample

 

 

Font comparison between plates below SC-05999 and those above that point.

Font comparison

 

 

2001, From SC-05500 or more likely SC-06000 to SC-46999, on www base with small keystone separator, tag line font has slightly narrower characters than the previous format plate.

 

2006, from SC-47000 to SC-80299, on visitPA base with larger keystone separator.  Sticker well retained.

 

Sample

 

from Nick Tsilakis


Sample

 

 

2018, SC-80300 to SC-82299 believed to be starting point of plates without sticker well  Still on n visitPA base, with keystone separator.

 

2019, SC-82300 , map outline replacing the sticker well.

 

To Highs Page

from Matt Ciecka

 

 

School Vehicle (1993 now appears doubtful, more likely 1997 to present)

VERSION 1, SV10000 to unknown high but under SV14000

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

 

unknown


Sample

 

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

from Bruce Bufalini

 

VERSION 3: SV14500 to SV17499

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

 


Sample

 

 

VERSION 4: SV17500 to SV17799

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

 


Sample

 

 

VERSION 5: SV17800 to SV19799

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

 

 

 

VERSION 6: SV-19800 to SV-20249?

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

 

 

from Nick Tsilakis

 

VERSION 7: SV20250? to SV20750?

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

 

 

 

 

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

On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, with keystone separator.  Appears to be same as Version 6.  Added 5/16/10.

 

 

VERSION 9: SV21250(?) to SV21999(?)

On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, without keystone separator.  Appears to be same as Version 7.  Added 3/27/11.

 

 

 

VERSION 10: SV-22000(?) to SV-26300 or above

On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, with keystone separator. Appears to be same as Version 6 & 8.  Added 3/11/12.

 

from Nick Tsilakis

 
VERSION 11: ~ SV-26800 . On visitPA base, wide font on tag line, with keystone separator.  Now with map outline.  Added 12/3/2017.

To Highs Page

 

 

 

Snowmobile Dealer (1974 to present)

1974 only year with metallic plates, 0001 to unknown high, likely under 3000, issued in pairs, white on blue, SNOWMOBILE on top border, PENNA on bottom border, 74 stacked on left side, DLR stacked on right, plate measures 4½" x 8", same as motorcycle plates of the era.

 

 

1975,  This style used from 1975 to present, 3" by 5" white on blue vinyl sticker, serial number in black in center, background colors vary by year, text is always white, PENNSYLVANIA on top, SNOWMOBILE on bottom, the 4-digit year stacked vertically on left and DEALER stacked vertically on right.

 

 

1976, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on red.

 

 

1977, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on green.

 

 

1978, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on yellow.

from Jeff Lesher

 

1979 through 1987

Images needed

 

1988, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on blue

 

 

1989, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on green.

from Jeff Lesher

 
1990, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on pink.

from Jeff Lesher

 
1991, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on orange.

from Jeff Lesher

 
1992, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on violet.

from Jeff Lesher

 
1993 and 1994

Images needed

 
1995, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on pink, expiration May 31, 1995.

from Jeff Lesher

 

1996, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on orange, expiration of May 31, 1996.

from Jeff Lesher

 
1997, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on violet, expiration of May 31, 1997.

from Jeff Lesher

 
1998, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on blue, expiration of May 31, 1998.

from Jeff Lesher

 
1999, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on pink, expiration of May 31, 1999.

from Jeff Lesher

 

2000, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on orange, expiration of May 31, 2000.

from Jeff Lesher

 

2001, see description under 1975 sticker above, clear or white on violet, expiration of May 31, 2001.

from Jeff Lesher

 

2002 through 2004

Images needed

 

2005, see description under 1975 sticker above, white on black (background color needs to be confirmed), expiration of May 31, 2005.

 

 

2006 and newer

Images needed

 

 

Special Mobile (Equipment) (1984 to present)

When Tractor (TR) plates were discontinued about 1984, they were replaced either by Implement of Husbandry (IMP) or Special Mobile Equipment (SME) plates, depending on their use.  It may be worth noting that while Special Mobile Equipment plates may be used on some industrial tractors, they can also be used on well drillers, fork lifts, highway maintenance equipment, etc.

VERSION 1, 1984, SME-0000 to SME-9999, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, SPECIAL MOBILE on top, Pennsylvania at bottom uses the "You've got a friend" font. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

from Bryan Hummel

 

VERSION 2, 0000-SME to 3691-SME or above where Pennsylvania at bottom uses the "You've got a friend" font, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, SPECIAL MOBILE on top, Pennsylvania at bottom uses the "You've got a friend" font. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

from Lee Madigan

 

VERSION 3, from 4403-SME or below where PENNSYLVANIA switches to block letters to 9999-SME, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, SPECIAL MOBILE on top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

 

VERSION 4, SME-000A to SME-999C, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, SPECIAL MOBILE on top, PENNSYLVANIA at bottom. Valid thru the 2000 plate reissue.

 

 

VERSION 5, 4/2000, SME-000D to SME-999Z, www base, sticker well upper left, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, SPECIAL MOBILE on bottom with wide font.

 

 

VERSION 6, 8/2013, A000-SME to B999-SME visitPA base, sticker well upper left, separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, SPECIAL MOBILE on bottom with wide font.

from Ryan Battin

 

VERSION 7: C000-SME to D444-SME, same as above except SPECIAL MOBILE is entirely between the bolt holes.  Spotted 10/2017.

 

VERSION 8: D445-SME or above, same as above but now with map outline.  Spotted 10/2017.

from John Fedorchak

 

VERSION 9: Plate without keystone separator may be an error plate but was also with other such plates also without the keystone.

 

To Highs Page

No keystone separator

from Ryan Battin

 

 

State Representative (1956 or '57 to present)

After 1935, Legislative plates were not issued again until 1956 or '57.  Legislative plates were divided into State House of Representatives and State Senate.  Click link to view early Legislative plates.
1956 House of Representatives (unconfirmed)

HR1 to HR210

 

Image needed

 

1957 House of Representatives, blue on yellow, map outline, 1957 PENNA below top border, expiration date in top border.  Serial number used HR in prefix and likely in suffix position also.

HR prefix

 

 

1958 - 1964 House of Representatives, yellow on blue, map outline, PA 58 below top border, originally to be revalidated with a metal tab, annual stickers were used instead.  Early plates had tab slot.  Serial number used HR in prefix or suffix position also.

HR prefix

from Lee Madigan


HR suffix

from Eric Conner

 

1965 - 1970 House of Representatives, could be revalidated to 1970, blue on yellow, map outline, undated, PENNSYLVANIA below top border.  Serial number uses HR with keystone separator in prefix and likely in suffix position also.

See also 1966 - 1970 House of Representatives below.

HR prefix

from Eric Conner


from Eric Conner


HR suffix image needed

 

 

Circa 1965 - 1966 Legislature

These are believed to be prototypes and were not issued.  They were likely the work of a Dept. of Transportation official who had a keen interest in PA license plates.  Note the use of the word LEGISLATURE, whereas issued plate used LEGISLATOR.

Prototype or test plates

from Jerry McCoy


from Michael Wiener

 

1966 - 1970 House of Representatives, blue on yellow, map outline, undated plate used validation stickers, PENNSYLVANIA within top border and LEGISLATOR below top border.  Serial number used HR within keystone in prefix and likely in suffix position also.  Some plates use a keystone separator.

 

This LEGISLATOR PA 0 has the Keystone / PA indicator that would normally only be seen on a State Senator plate.  This plate may have been produced as a test plate, or possibly a sample that was not formatted correctly.

HR prefix

plate source unknown


HR prefix & suffix w/ keystone separator

both above from Worthpoint


from Eric Conner


Sample or test plate

 

 

1971 - 1976 House of Representatives, yellow on blue, undated plate used validation stickers, LEGISLATOR below top border and PENNSYLVANIA above bottom border. Serial number uses HR within keystone in prefix and in suffix position also.

HR prefix

from Worthpoint


from Eric Conner


from Clayton Moore


HR suffix

from Matt Boyer

 

1977 - 1983 House of Representatives, undated, could be revalidated thru 1999/2000 with stickers, blue on yellow, PENNSYLVANIA below top border and LEGISLATOR above bottom border. Serial number used HR within keystone in prefix and in suffix position.

HR prefix

unknown source


from Lee Madigan


HR suffix image needed

 

 

1984 - 1999 House of Representatives, yellow on blue, undated plate used validation stickers, REPRESENTATIVE below top border and PENNSYLVANIA above bottom border. Serial number uses HR within keystone in prefix or suffix position also.

 

Sample

 

HR prefix

from Lee Madigan


HR suffix

from Clayton Moore


Sample

from Worthpoint


 

 

1999 - 2004 House of Representatives, undated www base, uses validation stickers, PENNSYLVANIA screened along top border, REPRESENTATIVE embossed along bottom border (wide and narrow fonts), serial number uses HR within a keystone in prefix and in suffix position and senatorial district number.  Plates still in use.

HR prefix, narrow legend




HR prefix, wide legend,

smaller HR symbol

from Tom Perri


HR suffix, narrow legend


from Jordan Irazabal

 

2005 House of Representatives, undated visitPA base, uses validation stickers, PENNSYLVANIA screened along top border, REPRESENTATIVE embossed along bottom border, serial number uses HR within a keystone in prefix and in suffix position and legislative district number.  Plates still in use.

HR prefix

from Tom Perri


from Tom Perri


 
2016 or after, with map outline and without sticker well.

from Nick Tsilakis

 

 

State Senator (1956 or '57 to present)

After 1935, Legislative plates were not issued again until 1956 or '57.  Legislative plates were divided into State House of Representatives and State Senate.  Click link to view early Legislative plates.
1956 State Senator (unconfirmed)

PA1 to PA50

 

Image needed

 
1957 Senator, blue on yellow, map outline, legend 1957 PENNA below top border. Expiration 3-31-68 in top border.  Serial number uses PA prefix and possibly in suffix position and senatorial district number.

late Jake Eckenrode collection

via John Anshant

 

1958 - 1964 Senator, yellow on blue, map outline, PA 58 below top border, originally to be revalidated with a metal tab, annual stickers were used instead.  Early plates had tab slot.  Serial number used PA in prefix or suffix position and senatorial district number.

The image to the right, PA57, is likely a retired senator plate since the number is above 50, the number of senatorial districts.

 

from Eric Conner


from Lee Madigan

 

1965 - 1970 Senator, could be revalidated to 1970, blue on yellow, map outline, undated, PENNSYLVANIA below top border.  Serial number uses PA with keystone separator in prefix and in suffix position and senatorial district number.

from Eric Conner


from Michael Wiener

 

1966 - 1970 Senator,  blue on yellow, map outline, undated plate used validation stickers, PENNSYLVANIA within top border and SENATOR below top border.  Serial number used PA within keystone in prefix and likely in suffix position also.  Some plates may have used a keystone separator.

Jake Eckenrode plate

 
1971 - 1976 Senator, yellow on blue, undated plate used validation stickers, SENATOR below top border and PENNSYLVANIA above bottom border. Serial number uses PA within keystone in prefix and suffix positions and senatorial district number.

Jake Eckenrode plate


Jake Eckenrode plate


from Eric Conner


from Chuck Harrington

 

1977 - 1983 Senator, undated, could be revalidated thru 1999/2000 with stickers, blue on yellow,  PENNSYLVANIA below top border and SENATOR above bottom border. Serial number used PA within keystone in prefix and in suffix position and senatorial district number.

from Michael Wiener


from Clayton Moore

 
1984 - 1999 Senator, yellow on blue, undated plate used validation stickers, SENATOR below top border and PENNSYLVANIA above bottom border. Serial number uses PA within keystone in prefix and in suffix position and senatorial district number.

from ebay


Sample

 
1999 - 2004 Senator, undated www base, uses validation stickers, PENNSYLVANIA screened along top border, SENATOR embossed along bottom border, serial number uses PA within a keystone in prefix and in suffix position and senatorial district number.  Plates still in use.





from Eric Conner

 
2005 - Senator, undated visitPA base, uses validation stickers, PENNSYLVANIA screened along top border, SENATOR embossed along bottom border, serial number uses PA within a keystone in prefix and in suffix position and senatorial district number.  Plates still in use.

from Eric Conner


from Tom Perri

 

2016 or after, with map outline and without sticker well.

from Bill Young

 

 

Suburban (1960 - 1964) (1965 Prototype)

These were multi-year plates, renewable with annual stickers, and were used on station wagons at the time, a term more likely today would be an SUV or crossover, although PennDOT still uses the term SW (station wagon) as a type of vehicle.  They all had the characteristic Q in the serial number, except for Amateur Radio and Press Photographer plates.  Plate legend PA SUBURBAN 60, all 6-character plates used a small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th character.

See 1965 Prototype below.

Format 1: Q100 to Q99-999

Format 2: 0Q00 to 9Q9-999,

Format 3: 00Q0 to 99Q-999

Format 4: 000Q to 999-Q99,

Format 5: 0000Q to 999-9Q9

Format 6: 000-00Q to 999-99Q,

Format 7: QA0-000 to QZ9-999,

Format 8: Q0A-000 to Q6C-318

Fomat 1, Q000

from Ed Lybarger


Fomat 1, Q0000

from Jerry McCoy


Format 1, Q100-000


Format 2, 0Q000

from John Willard


Format 2, 0Q0-000

from John Willard


Format 3, 00Q0

from pl8s.com


Format 3, 00Q00


Format 3, 00Q-000

from Worthpoint


Format 4, 000Q


Format 4, 000Q0

from Worthpoint


Format 4, 000-Q00


Format 5, 0000Q

from Amanda Pierson


Format 5, 000-0Q0


Format 6, 000-00Q

from John Willard


Format 7, QA0-000


Format 8, Q0A-000

from John Willard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amateur Radio Suburban

Plate legend PA SUBURBAN 60.  Serial number was FCC call sign, W or K usually followed by 3, then 2 or 3 letters.

from ebay

 

Press Photographer Suburban

Plate legend PA SUBURBAN 60.  Serial numbers came from the Press Photographer series, always PP followed by 1 to 3 numbers.

Jake Eckenrode collection

via John Anshant


from John Willard

 

1965 Suburban Prototype

No Suburban plates were issued for 1965.

 

from Jerry McCoy

 

 

Superior Court (1980s - 90s?)

This plate type has an interesting history; it is unknown when the plate type was first issued, but I saw one in 1997 — unfortunately no picture.  That plate was yellow on blue and had SUPR as a prefix followed by a one or two-digit number like 4 or 04.  Then in September of 1999 the plates were reissued on the www base.  Plate were reissued on a number for number basis using the same format as the previous issue.  Then in February 2002 the plates were redesigned and reissued in the current format.  It is unknown how many of these plates are in use, but the series is reserved from S/C01 to S/C30.
1980s -90s, starting year unknown, SUPR1 to SUPR25 and 1SUPR to 25SUPR, yellow on blue, SUPERIOR COURT on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.

 

Images needed


Front plate


from Lee Madigan

 
1999 Superior Court, SUPR1 to SUPR25 and 1SUPR to 25SUPR, www base, PENNSYLVANIA on top, SUPERIOR COURT on bottom.

 

Images needed

 

 

2002 Superior Court, www base, PENNSYLVANIA on top, SUPERIOR COURT on bottom S/C01 to S/C30 some with state coat of arms.  Also SCPJ1, for President Judge, with state coat of arms..


from Ned Flynn


from Tom Perri


from Ned Flynn

edited by Jim Moini

 

 

Supreme Court (1984)

1984 Supreme Court, SCJ-1 to SCJ-25 and 1-SCJ to 25-SCJ, starting year unknown, yellow on blue, You've Got a Friend in on top, Pennsylvania on bottom.

from ALPCA Archives

 

1987 Supreme Court, SCJ1 to SCJ25 and 1SCJ to 25SCJ, yellow on blue, state coat of arms, SUPREME COURT on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.

 

 

Sample

 

from Michael Wiener


from Paul Bagnarol

 
2001 Supreme Court, issued on a number for number basis beginning 1/2001, www base, SCJ1 to SCJ25 and 1SCJ to 25SCJ, PENNSYLVANIA on top (screened) and SUPREME COURT on bottom embossed.

anonymous contributor

 

 

Taxi (1977 to present)

Pre-1977, before 1977 Taxi vehicles were registered as Buses and used Bus plates.

 

Registration credential for 1972 Checker Taxi registered as a Bus BA-24743

unknown

 
1977, TX-10000 to TX-24952, blue on yellow base, sticker wells upper left & right, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on top, TAXI on bottom, validated with stickers thru 2000.

 

1984, TX-25000 to TX-34999, in actuality plates were issued up to around TX-31821, or possibly higher, yellow on blue base, sticker well lower left, dash separator, TAXI on top, PENNSYLVANIA on  bottom, validated thru 2000.

 

 

Sample

from Clayton Moore


Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

 

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

 

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

 

 

2007, from TX-46000, visitPA base with keystone separator, sticker well upper left, plate legend font on this version uses a serif I.

 

 

Sample

 

To Highs Page

 


Sample

 

 

 

Temporary (1946 to the present.)

Cardboard temporary tags, started 4/1/1946, date periods are approximate as there are many overlaps.  Plates were not issued by the year but were issued until a new format or number series was issued.  Newspaper articles at the time indicate that legislation authorizing such plates was passed in 1943, but there is no confirmation of the plates until another article in 1946.

1st Generation.  100-001 to 994-535

Black on white cardboard, plate measures 6" by 11".  This is believed to be the earliest version, earliest known plate 1946, and used into 1951 or '52, possibly later, plate legend on top, T-PENNA-T with dashes between the Ts and PENNA.  Note, the next edition of this plate used the same legend but without the dashes.  6 numeric characters with a dash separator between 3rd and 4th characters.  Along bottom are spaces for entering the following data: Issued; Expires; Make; and Serial.

Sample

from Jeff Lesher


Lowest known plate

100-437


Dated 1947

from Worthpoint


dated 1949

from Pat Damico / Libertysales2

 

2nd Generation.  At least as early as 1952, up to around 1964 1950s.  A00-000 to 0Z9-999, black on white cardboard, plate measures 6" by 11", T PENNA T along top border, but without the dashes.  6 characters, may be all numeric or have 1 alpha character.  Dash separator between 3rd and 4th characters.  Along bottom are spaces for entering the following data: Issued; Expires; Make; and Serial.

dated 9/54

from Devan Ciemiewicz


dated 6/1957

from Harlots.n.hussies

 

3rd Generation.  From around 1964 to late 1960s, TEMPORARY TAG.   100-000 to 4H9-999 or above. Black on white cardboard, plate measures 6" by 11", T PA T along top border.  It appears that the order in which they were made has little to do with the order in which they were issued. I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that this round of plates started with a 6-digit, all numeric format, then went to an alpha character in the first position, then in the second position, for example: 123-456, A12-345, then 1A2-345, with a dash between the 3rd and 4th characters I'm only referring to the plates with T PA T as the top legend.  Along bottom are spaces for the following data: Issued; Expires; Make; and Serial.  Plates are being grouped by alpha-numeric sequence along with their associated issue date, if known.

 

 

 

dated 10/1964

from Bob Connison


dated 8/1967

from Tim Gierschick


dated 4/1961

from Pl8source

 

4th Generation.  ~1968 - ~1972, TEMPORARY

T00-000 to T99-999, black on white cardboard, plate measures 6" by 12", Serial is T followed by 3 digits, keystone separator, and 3 digits.  An alpha character may be used in place of one of the digits.  Top line are spaces for the following data: Issued; Make; Serial and Expires.

dated 6/1969

from Bob Connison


dated 12/1970

from Andy Vereen

 

5th Generation.  ~1972 - ~1975, TEMPORARY

7 digit serial with keystone separator between the 4th and 5th position.  Top line are spaces for the following data: Issued; Year; Make; Model; Serial; Expires; Dealer I.D.

dated 2/1973

from Bob Connison


dated 1974

from Steve Ondik

 

6th Generation.  ~Mid 1970s to at least the early to mid-90s, TEMPORARY TRANSIT 45 days

dated 3/77

from Steve Ondik

 

7th Generation.  ~1999 - 2002, 30 DAY TEMPORARY TRANSIT, predated boxes from 1999 to 2002, no logo or watermark.  Number series uncertain.

from Clayton Moore

 

8th Generation.  ~2001, 30 DAY TEMPORARY IN-TRANSIT, 0000-000 to ~ 0499-999.  Uses Commonwealth seal as repetitive watermark.

 

from Bruce BufalinI

 

9th Generation.  ~2003, 30 DAY TEMPORARY IN-TRANSIT, 0500-000 to ~ 0999-999.  Uses large Commonwealth coat of arms as watermark.

 

 

10th Generation.  ~2008, 30 DAY TEMPORARY IN-TRANSIT~ 1000-000 to 1499-999 or 1749-999.  Uses a repetition of square PennDOT logos as a watermark

 

 

11th Generation.  ~2010 through 2017, 30 DAY TEMPORARY IN-TRANSIT, 1500-000 or 1750-000 . Uses Pennsylvania over Department of Transportation followed by a PennDOT keystone logo as a watermark.  Format spotted 1/15/10.


from Jordan Irazabal

 

12th Generation.  ~2018, 60 DAY TEMPORARY IN-TRANSIT, ~3100-000 .

To Highs Page

from Jordan Irazabal


from Jordan Irazabal

 

 

 

 

 

Tractor (1914 - 1977, revalidated to 1984)

Tractor plates were first issued in 1914, and used an E prefix, standing for Engine until 1927, from 1928 to 1933 a TE prefix, meaning Traction Engine, was used.  Then the prefix was removed and the word TRACTOR was used as the legend until the discontinuation of tractor plates after 1983.  Both the 1971 and 77 bases used the prefix TR.  In 1984 tractor plates were replaced by two different types.  If the tractor was used for industrial purposes, it received a Special Mobile Equipment (SME) plate.  If the tractor was used for agriculture, the vehicle was issued an Implement of Husbandry (IMP) plate.  There has been a proliferation of SME plates and profound scarcity of IMP plates.  As of the end of 2011 there were 24,367 SME plates in use and 216 IMP plates.

1914, E1 to E9999, actual high unknown but less than 1350, white on black porcelain, left side has legend PENNA over 1914 over TRACTOR, width depends on number of characters.  Plates with E+1 digit are 6" x 8"; E+2 digits are 6" x 10"; E+3 digits are 6" x 12"; E+4 digits are 6" x 14".  1914 and 1915 were the only years that plates were issued in pairs.

Format 1: E1 to E9, 6" x 8"

Format 2: E10 to E99, 6" x 10"

Format 3: E100 to E999, 6" x 12"

Format 4: E1000 to E1167, 6" x 14"

1914 vehicle registration data from Ben Vaughn

Click to enlarge


Format 1

Image needed


Format 2


Tim Gierschick plates


Format 3

from Tim Gierschick


Format 4

from Dave Lincoln

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1915, E1 to E9999, actual high unknown, white on light blue porcelain, left side has PENNA over1914 over TRACTOR, width depends on number of characters.  Plates with E+1 digit are 6" x 8"; E+2 digits are 6" x 10"; E+3 digits are 6" x 12"; E+4 digits are 6" x 14".  1914 and 1915 were the only years that plates were issued in pairs.

Format 1: E1 to E9, 6" x 8"

Format 2: E10 to E99, 6" x 10"

Format 3: E100 to E999, 6" x 12"

Format 4: E1000 to E 2183 or above, 6" x 14"

Format 1

Image needed


Format 2

from John Willard


Format 3

from Tim Gierschick


Format 4

from Tim Gierschick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1916, E1 to E2241 or higher, actual high unknown, black on orange, all plates were embossed & painted, left side has PENNA over 1916 over TRACTOR, width depends on number of characters.  Plates with E+1 digit are 6" x 11", E+2 digits are 6" x 13"; E+3 digits are 6" x 14"; E+4 digits are 6" x 16".

Format 1: E1 to E9, 6" x 11" (size not verified)

Format 2: E10 to E99, 6" x 13"

Format 3: E100 to E999, 6" x 14"

Format 4: E1000 to E2421 or above, 6" x 16"

 

See Class 2 Tractor description under 1917, the law designating two classes was passed in 1915; however, it is not known exactly when the law went into effect, or how long it remained in effect, or if there was a higher number series for such plates.

Format 1

Image needed


Format 2

from Tim Gierschick


Format 3

Bill Krellner collection


Format 4

from Tim Gierschick

 

1917, Class 1, E1 to ~E2799, white on brown, left side has PENNA over1917 over TRACTOR.  Plates with E+2 or 3 digits are 6" x 14"; E+4 digits are 6" x 16".

It is unconfirmed what size E+1 digit plates are.

Format 1: E1 to E9, 6" x 11"

Format 2: E10 to E999, 6" x 14"

Format 3: E1000 to E2799 and above, 6" x 16"

Class 2, E3450 to ~E3475,

Vehicle registration records from 1917 list two classes of Tractor plates.  First Class which started at E1 and Second Class appears to have started at E3450.  According to information below received from Jake Eckenrode:

Act 410 of 1915, Section 3.

Traction–engines or tractors, for the purpose of this act, shall be divided into two classes:

First Class. Traction-engines or tractors used exclusively for agricultural purposes, road-grading, and transporting the machinery and appliances, which, when at rest, they operate with their own power; and excluding engines used for hauling of freight of any kind.

Second Class. Traction-engines or tractors used for freighting, which shall include all hauling upon the public highway, excepting such as is specified in the preceding paragraph.

Information concerning the breakdown of the numbering system from Eric Tanner.

Class 1, Format 1

Image & size needed


Class 1, Format 2

from Tim Gierschick


from Tim Gierschick


Class 1, Format 3

Bill Krellner collection


Class 2

Image needed

 

 

1918, E1 to E9999, actual high unknown, white on black, left side has PENNA over1918 over TRACTOR, width depends on number of characters.  Plates with E+1 or 2 digits are 6" x 10"; E+3 digits are 13½", E+4 digits are 6" x 16".

Format 1: E1 to E99, 6" x 10"

Format 2: E100 to E999, 6" x 13½"

Format 3: E1000 to E3066 or above, 6" x 16"

 

See Class 2 Tractor description under 1917, the law designating two classes was passed in 1915; however, it is not known exactly when the law went into effect, or how long it remained in effect.

Format 1

Image needed


Format 2

from Tim Gierschick


from Tim Gierschick


Format 3

from Clayton Moore


from Jason Cook

 

 

 

 

 

Image added 4/23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1919, E1 to E9999, actual high unknown, red on black, right side has PENNA over1919 over TRACTOR, width depends on number of characters.  E+ 1 or 2 digits are 6" x 10", E+3 digits are 6" x 13½"; E+4 digits are 6" x 16".

Format 1: E1 to E99, 6" x 10"

Format 2: E100 to E999, 6" x 13½"

Format 3: E1000 to E3019 or above, 6" x 16"

 

Format 1

Image needed


Format 2

from Tim Gierschick


Format 3

from Tim Gierschick

 

1920, E1 to E999, E1-000, etc, actual high unknown, white on black embossed & painted, legend PENNA TRACTOR 1920 along lower border of plate.  All plates believed to be 6" x 16".

Format 1: E1 to E999 (no dash)

Format 2: E1-000 to E2-320 or above

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Clayton Moore

 
1921, E1 to E999, E1-000, etc, actual high unknown, black on yellow, legend PENNA TRACTOR 1921 along lower border of plate.  Size is 6" x 16".

Format 1: E1 to E999 (no dash)

Format 2: E1-000 to E4-163 or above

Format 1

Before and after

both from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

 

1922, E1 to E999, E1-000, etc., actual high unknown, brown on cream, legend PENNA TRACTOR 1922 along lower border of plate.  Size is 6" x 16".

Format 1: E1 to E999 (no dash)

Format 2: E1-000 to E4-283 or above

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

This plate measures 6" by 16", however, in the picture, the right border and lower right corner were obscured when photographed.

Bill Krellner Collection

 

1923, E1 to E999, E1-000, etc., actual high at least E04-304, yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA TRACTOR 1923 along lower border of plate.  Size is 6" x 16".

Format 1: E1 to E999 (no dash)

Format 2: E1-000 to E4-304 or above

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

 

1924, E1 to E999, E1000, etc., actual high at least E1886, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1924 along lower border of plate flanked by keystones.  Sizes of plates are 6" x 10" for E+1, 2 or 3, and 6" x 12" for E+4.

Format 1: E1 to E999, 6" x 10"

Format 2: E1000 to E1886 or above, 6" x 12"

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


from Jerry McCoy


Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

 

1925, E1 to at least E3084, actual high at least E3084, yellow over dark blue, legend 1925 PENNA flanked by small keystones along lower border of plate.  Sizes of plates are 6" x 10" for E+1, 2 or 3, and 6" x 12" for E+4.

Format 1: E1 to E999, 6" x 10"

Format 2: E1000 to E3084 or above, 6" x 12"

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Tim Gierschick


from Tim Gierschick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image added 5/14

1926, E-1 to E-999, then E1-000, etc., actual high at least E-4552, dark blue over yellow, legend 1926 PENNA along bottom flanked by keystones in the lower corners.  Sizes of plates are 6" x 10" for E+1 or 2 digits; 6" x 12" for E+3 digits; 6" x 13" for E+4 digits.

Format 1: E-1 to E-99, 6" x 10"

Format 2: E-100 to E-999, 6" x 12"

Format 3: E1-000 to E4-552 or above, 6" x 13"

Format 1

Image needed


Format 2

from Tim Gierschick


Format 3

from Tim Gierschick

 

1927, E-1 to E-999, then E1-000, etc., actual high at least E4-199, yellow over dark blue, legend 1927 PENNA along top flanked by keystones.  Plates were likely 6" x 10" for E+1, 2 or 3 digits; 6" x 13" for E+4 digits.

Format 1: E-1 to E-99, then E100 to E999, 6" x 10"

Format 2: E1-000 to E4-199 or above, 6" x 13"

Format 1

from Jake Eckenrode


from Clayton Moore


Format 2

from Clayton Moore

 

1928, TE-1 to TE-999, then TE1-000, first year for TE (Traction Engine) also TE is smaller than numbers, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1928 along top flanked by keystones in the upper corners.  Plates were likely 6" x 15"

Format 1: TE-1 to TE-999, 6" x 15" (confirm size)

Format 2: TE1-000 to TE4-060 or above, 6" x 15"

Format 1

Image needed


Format 2

from Clayton Moore

 

1929, TE-1 to TE-999, then TE1-000, yellow over dark blue, legend 1929 PENNA along top, flanked by keystones in the upper corners. Plates size varied by the number of characters, see below.

Format 1: TE-1 to TE-999, 6" x 13½"

Format 2: TE1-000 to TE5-237 or above, 6" x 15"

Format 1

from Bob Connison


Format 2

from John Willard

 

1930, TE-1 to TE-999, then TE1-000, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1930 along bottom flanked by keystones in the lower corners, width 6" x 15".

Format 1: TE-1 to TE-999, 6" x 15"

Format 2: TE1-000 to TE4-863 or above, 6" x 15"

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Rick Kretschmer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1931, TE-1 to TE-999, then TE1-000, yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA 1931 along bottom, flanked by keystones in the lower corners, width 6" x 15".

Format 1: TE-1 to TE-999, 6" x 15"

Format 2: TE1-000 to TE3-066 or above, 6" x 15"

Format 1

from Lee Madigan


from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Clayton Moore

 

1932,TE-1 to TE-999, then TE1-000, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1932 along top, flanked by keystones in the upper corners, width 6" x 15".

Format 1: TE-1 to TE-999, 6" x 15" (confirm size)

Format 2: TE1-000 to TE4-747 or above, 6" x 15"

Format 1

Image needed


Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

 

1933, TE-1 to TE-999, then TE1-000, yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA 1933 along top, flanked by keystones in the upper corners, width 6" x 15".

Format 1: TE-1 to TE-999, 6" x 15"

Format 2: TE1-000 to TE4-621 or above, 6" x 15"

 

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

 

 

 

 

1934, 1 to unknown high, dark blue over yellow, legend 1934 stacked on left, TRACTOR flanked by keystones along bottom, PENNA stacked on right.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1: 1 to 5261 or above

from Tim Gierschick


from Clayton Moore


from Tim Gierschick

 

1935, 1 to 4699 (authorized high), yellow over dark blue, legend 1935 stacked on left, TRACTOR flanked by keystones along bottom, PENNA stacked on right.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1: 1 to 5204 or above

 

from Tim Gierschick


from Tim Gierschick


from Robert Rosengarten


Sample

from John Willard

 

Image added 4/16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image added 4/16

 

1936, 1 to high above 4800, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA stacked on left, TRACTOR flanked by keystones along top, 1936 stacked on right.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1: 1 to 4843 or above

from Tim Gierschick


from Clayton Moore


Sample

from John Willard

 

1937, 0001 to unknown high, yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA stacked stacked on left, TRACTOR flanked by keystones along top, 1937 stacked on right.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1: 0001 to 3859 or above

 

 

from Jim Moini


from Tim Gierschick

 

1938, 0001 to unknown high, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, top legend 38, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1: 0001 to 6636 or above

 

 

from Tim Gierschick


Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

 

1939, 0001 to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, top legend 39, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1: 0001 to 7341 or above

 

 

1940, 0001 to unknown high, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, top legend 40, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1: 0001 to 8437 or above

from Tim Gierschick

 

1941, 0001 to high under 9999, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, top legend 41, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA.  Exp. 3-31-42 added to top border.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1: 0001 to 9997 or above

from Tim Gierschick

 

1942, 0001 to 9999, then A000, the use of the alpha prefix is unconfirmed, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, top legend 42, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-43 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to C424 or above

 

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

John Willard & John Anshant plate

 

1943 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, high number TR9453.  Tab measured 1⅞" x 2⅛".

 

from Clayton Moore


from Tim Gierschick

 

1944, 0001 to 9999, then A000, the use of the alpha prefix is unconfirmed, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, top legend 44, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-45 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1: 0001 to 3952 or above

Format 1

from Clayton Moore

 

1945, 0001 to 9999, then A000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, top legend 45, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-46 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to B572

Format 1

from Clayton Moore


Format 2

from Worthpoint

 

1946, 0001 to 9999, then A000, state map outline, yellow
over dark blue, top legend 46, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-47 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to B434 or above

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Clayton Moore

 

1947, 0001 to 9999, then A000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 47 TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-48 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to J372 or above

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

 

1948, 0001 to 9999, then A000, state map outline, yellow
over dark blue, top legend 48, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-49 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to M944 or above

 

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from eBay

 

1949, 0001 to 9999, then A000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 49 TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-50 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to P195 or above

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Clayton Moore

 

1950, 0001 to 9999, A000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 50, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-51 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to K156 or above

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Worthpoint

 

1951, 0001 to 9999, A000 to S896, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 51 TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-52 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to S896 or above

Format 1


Format 2

from Clayton Moore

 

1952, 0001 to 9999, A000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 52, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-53 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to S354

Format 1

from Clayton Moore


1952 registration card for 2273

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

 

1953, 0001 to 9999, A000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 53 TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-54 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to N387 or above

Format 1

from Clayton Moore


Format 2

from Ed Burr

 

1954, 0001 to 9999, A000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 54, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-55 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to U513 or above

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Clayton Moore

 

 

 

 

 

 

1955, 0001 to 9999, A000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 55, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-56 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to U609 or above

Format 1


Format 2

from Worthpoint

 

1956, 0001 to 9999, A000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 56, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-57 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1: 0001 to 9999

Format 2: A000 to V847 or above

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick


Format 2

from Clayton Moore

 

1957, 100000 or 100001 to 136385 state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 57 TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-58 in top border, all plates were 6 numeric characters with no separators.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format: 100000 to 136385

from Clayton Moore

 

1958 to '64, 100-000 or 100-001 to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend PA TRACTOR 58, a small keystone separator was placed between the 3rd and 4th digit.  Early plates had a tab slot to the left of 58 for a renewal tab.  Tabs were never issued, instead an annual validation sticker was issued for the upper left corner.  Later plates did not have the tab slot.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1: Lower numbered plates, 100-000 to between 131-000 and 132-000, with tab slot

Format 2: Higher numbered plates starting between 131-000 and 132-000 to 150-023 or above, without tab slot

Sample

With tab slot

from Clayton Moore


Without tab slot

from Worthpoint


Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

 

1965 to '70, 100-000 to 138-828, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend PA TRACTOR below top border, small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th digit.  A validation sticker was issued for renewal.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

from Tim Gierschick


from Tim Gierschick

 

1971 to 76, TR-10000 to TR-50998, TR prefix, small keystone separator between TR and serial number, yellow over dark blue, legend TRACTOR along top border, PENNSYLVANIA along bottom border.  Sticker wells upper left and right, lightly debossed 71 in left sticker well.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Image to the bottom right is a sample.

 

from Tim Gierschick



Sample

 

 

1977 to 1984, TR-10000 to TR-39456, TR prefix, small dash separator between TR and serial number, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA along top border, TRACTOR along bottom border.  Sticker wells upper left and right.  Plates measure 6" x 12".  In 1984 tractor plates were replaced by two different types.  If the tractor was used for industrial purposes, it received a Special Mobile Equipment (SME) plate.  If the tractor was used for agriculture, the vehicle was issued an Implement of Husbandry (IMP) plate.  Since then there has been a proliferation of SME plates and profound scarcity of IMP plates.

from Tim Gierschick


 

 

 

Tractor Dealer (also issued to Trailer Dealers) (1915 or '16 to 1984)

It was generally thought that Tractor Dealer plates were first issued in 1916, however, Eric Tanner has suggested that 7 Tractor Dealer plates were issued in 1915.  Unfortunately is it unknown if the plates were issued as part of the regular Dealer plate series, or if they were actually Tractor Dealer plates.  My own research suggests that the vehicle registration records for 1915 are no longer in existence.  The answer to this question may lie within those records.  Tractor Dealer plates for many years used TX as the prefix, the TX does not advance.
1915 - See note above.

Plate history unknown

 

 

1916, TX0, black on orange, legend PENNA over 1916, over DEALER, plates measure 6" x 13½".

from Jake Eckenrode

 

1917, TX0, TX00, white on brown, legend PENNA over 1917, over DEALER, plates measure 6" x 13½".

from Clayton Moore


Bill Krellner collection

 
1918, TX0, TX00, TX000, white on black, legend PENNA over 1918, over DEALER, plates measure 6" x 13½" for TX+2 digits and 6" by 16" for TX+3 digits.

13½" plate

from Jake Eckenrode


16" plate

from Eric Tanner

 
1919, TX0, TX00, TX000 red on black, legend on right side PENNA over 1919, over DEALER, plates measure 6" x 16".  It is not known if shorter lengths were used for TX+1 or 2 digit serial numbers.

from Robert Rosengarten

 
1920 and 1921

 

Images needed

 
1922, TX0, TX00, brown on cream, legend PENNA over 1922, TRACTOR DEALER along bottom, plates measure 6" x 16".

from Jake Eckenrode


from Eric Tanner

 
1923

 

Image needed

 

1924, TX0, TX00, TX000 unknown, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1925 flanked by keystones along bottom, plates measure 6" by 10"; however if TX+3 digits were used, then 6" by 12".

 

from Jason Cook


from Jeff Lesher

 

1925, TX-0, TX-00, yellow over dark blue, legend 1925 PENNA flanked by keystones along bottom, plates measure 6" by 12".

from Jake Eckenrode


from Worthpoint

 
1926,TX-0, TX-00, dark blue over yellow, legend 1926 PENNA flanked by keystones along bottom, plates measure 6" by 13".

from Jake Eckenrode

 
1927  

Image needed

 
1928, TX-0, TX-00, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1928 flanked by keystones along top, plates measure 6" by 13".

from Tim Gierschick


from Eric Tanner

 

1929

 

 

Image needed

 

1930, TX-1 to TX-149, dark blue over yellow, legend 1930 PENNA flanked by keystones along bottom, plates measure 6" by 12".

from Jake Eckenrode


from Tim Birkmire

 

1931 and 1932  

Images needed

 
1933, TX0, TX00, yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA 1933 on top top flanked by keystones.  

Image needed

image in Archives

 
1934  

Image needed

 

1935, 1 to 29 authorized, plates measure 6" by 12" yellow over dark blue, legend 1935 stacked on left, serial number flanked by keystones, PENNA stacked on right, TRACTOR DLR along bottom

 

from BMV Plate Design doc


Image needed

 
1936, serial unknown, dark blue over yellow, legend TRACTOR DLR along top, PENNA stacked on left, serial number flanked by keystones, 1936 stacked on right.

Graphic depiction


Image needed

 
1937  

Image needed

 

1938, TX000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 38, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

 

Image to the right is a sample plate, and should probably read TX00.

 

Image needed


Sample plate

from John Willard

 
1939 through 1949  

Images needed

 
1950, TX000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 50, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-51 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

from Jake Eckenrode

 
1951  

Image needed

 
1952, TX000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 52, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-53 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ.

from John Willard & Ed Burr

 
1953  

Image needed

 

1954, TX000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 54, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-55 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ.

from Jeff Lesher

 

1955, TX000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 55, then TRACTOR flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-56 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ.

 

1956 and 1957

 

Images needed

 
1958 base revalidated thru '61, TX0-000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend PA, then TRACTOR, then 58.  Early plates had tab slots, later ones did not.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

w/ tab slot

from Jake Eckenrode


w/o tab slot

from Jake Eckenrode

 
1962 base revalidated thru '63, TX0-000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend PA, then TRACTOR, then 63.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

from Jake Eckenrode

 
1964, TX0-000, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend PA, then TRACTOR, then 64.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

from Jake Eckenrode

 
1965, undated, TX0-000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend PA, then TRACTOR.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

John Willard plate

 
1966, TX-0000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend PA, then DEALER then 1966.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

from Jake Eckenrode

 
1967, TX-0000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend DEALER then 1967.  PENNSYLVANIA within top border.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

 

  • 1966 base with 67 sticker.

from Jake Eckenrode


John Willard plate

 
1968, TX-0000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend DEALER then 1968.  PENNSYLVANIA within top border.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

from Mike at pl8source

 
1969, TX-0000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend DEALER then 1969.  PENNSYLVANIA within top border.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

from Jake Eckenrode

 
1970, TX-0000, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend DEALER then 1970.  PENNSYLVANIA within top border.  Plates measure 6" x 12".
  • Plate and registration credential

from Glenn

from Glenn

 

Tractor Dealer plates in 1971 used a totally new format of D10-000D and used this format thru the mid-80s and also followed the same minor yearly formatting changes that were seen on other plates in the dealer series, i.e. the years from '71 to '74 had embossed years while plates for '75 and '76 were undated with validation stickers.  Then in 1977 the colors were reversed to blue on yellow and embossed years were used again for '77 and '78.  In 1979 plates were undated and continued to be renewed with stickers up to the time when Farm Equipment Dealer was introduced in 1991.  It should be noted that some time in the mid-80s the A-series New Car Dealer and B-series Used Car Dealer plates were running out of numbers so the D (tractor), E (trailer) and eventually the F series plates were assigned as needed and the letter no longer designated a particular dealer type.

 

1971, D10-000D, new format, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER 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.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

 

from Jake Eckenrode

 

1972, D10-000D, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER 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.

from Jake Eckenrode

 

1973, D10-000D, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER 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.

from Jake Eckenrode

 
1974, D10-000D, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER 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.

from Jake Eckenrode

 
1975 - 1976 - two-year undated plate, D10-000D, yellow on dark blue, legend DEALER, 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 in sticker wells upper left and right.

from Jake Eckenrode

 

1977, D10-000D, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER 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.

from Jake Eckenrode

 

1978, D10-000D, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER 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.

from Jake Eckenrode

 

1979 - 1983, multi-year undated base could be revalidated until 1991 or '92 when Dealer Farm Equipment was released.  Dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER on bottom.  All plates used 7 characters with dash separator between the 3rd and 4th character.  First and last alpha characters do not advance.  See information above.

 

 

Trailer (1914 to present)

1914, T1 to T116, white on black porcelain, left side has legend PENNA over 1914 over TRAILER, width depends on number of characters.  Plates with T+1 digit are 6" x 8"; T+2 digits are 6" x 10"; T+3 digits are 6" x 12", if that format existed. 

1914 vehicle registration data from Ben Vaughn

Click to enlarge


from Harry Nowak

 

1915, T1 to unknown high, white on sky blue porcelain, left side has legend PENNA over 1915 over TRAILER, width depends on number of characters.  Plates with T+1 digit are 6" x 8"; T+2 digits are 6" x 10"; T+3 digits are 6" x 12", if that format existed. 

Jake Eckenrode plate

Image from Stephen Tuday

 

1916, T1 to at least T427, actual high unknown, black on orange, left side has PENNA over 1916 over TRAILER, width depends on number of characters.  T+3 digits are 6" x 14ĵ".

from Clayton Moore

 

1917,T1 to at least T864, actual high unknown, white on brown, left side has PENNA over 1917 over TRAILER, width inconsistent and may also depend on number of characters.  The T494 plate measures 6" by 14", while the T715 plate measures 6" by 16".  Reason for size difference is unknown.

6" by 14" confirmed

from Clayton Moore


6" by 16"

from John Willard

 

1918, T1 to unknown high, white on black, left side has PENNA over 1918 over TRAILER, width depends on number of characters.  This plate is believed to measures 6" by 13½".

6" by 13½"

from John Willard


6" by 16"

Bill Krellner collection

 

1919, T1 to T9999, actual high unknown, red on black, right side has PENNA over1919 over TRAILER, width depends on number of characters.  T + 1 or 2 digits are 6" by 10", T+3 digits are 6" x 13½"; T+4 digits are 6" x 16".

6" by 13½"

from Jeff Hinkle


6" by 16"

from Clayton Moore

 

1920, T1 to unknown high, white on dark blue, T prefix and the legend PENNA along the bottom left, TRAILER bottom center and the 4-digit year along the bottom right.  Plates measure 6" by 15" or 16".

 

Image(s) needed

 

 

1921, T1 to unknown high, dark blue over yellow, T prefix and the legend PENNA along the bottom left, TRAILER bottom center and the 4-digit year along the bottom right.  Plates measure 6" by 15" or 16"

from Mike & Ruth Culbert


from John Willard

 

1922, T1 to unknown high, brown on cream, T prefix and the legend PENNA along the bottom left, TRAILER bottom center and the 4-digit year along the bottom right.  Plates measure 6" by 16".

All plates believed to be 6" by 16"

T 20 image in Archives


Bill Krellner collection

 

1923, T1 to unknown high, dark blue over yellow, T prefix and the legend PENNA along the bottom left, TRAILER bottom center and the 4-digit year along the bottom right.  Plates measure 6" by 15" or 16"

 

Image needed

 

 

1924, TT prefix, number series uncertain, dark blue over yellow,.  PENNA and 1924 as bottom legend with small keystones left and right, no top legend used.  Likely TT1, thru TT2000+, however, this is unconfirmed.  Based on other 1924 plates, sizes are believed to be 6" x 10", 6" x 12" and 6" x 15" depending on the number of characters.

 

TT1 to TT99 format, 6" by 10"


TT100 to TT999 format, 6" by 12"

TT142 image in Archives


TT1-000 format, 6" by 15"

Bill Krellner collection

 
1925, Likely started at TT1, actual high unknown, yellow over dark blue, legend 1925 PENNA flanked by small keystones along lower border of plate.  Sizes are believed to be 6" x 10", 6" x 12" and 6" x 15" depending on the number of characters.

TT1 to TT99 format, 6" by 10"


TT100 to TT999 format, 6" by 13"

Bill Krellner collection


TT1-000 format, 6" by 15"

from Clayton Moore

 

1926, Likely started at TT1, actual high unknown, dark blue over yellow, legend 1926 PENNA flanked by small keystones along lower border of plate.  The plate pictured here appears to measure 6" x 15"; however, other sizes were possible depending on the number of digits.

Note: TT2-511 uses Ts that are the same size as the numbers, while TT2-837 uses smaller Ts.  This marked the beginning for PA to use smaller size letters in serial numbers. 

Full size TT

from Eric Tanner


Smaller size TT

Bill Krellner collection

 
1927, TT-1 to TT3-454 or higher, TT is smaller than numbers, yellow over dark blue, legend 1927 PENNA along top flanked by keystones in the upper corners.  Plates measure 6" x 15"

Bill Krellner collection

 
1928, TT-1 to TT3-186 or higher, TT is smaller than numbers, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA 1928 along top flanked by keystones in the upper corners.  Plates measure 6" x 15"

Bill Krellner collection


from Clayton Moore

 
1929, TT-1 to TT4-820 or higher, TT is smaller than numbers, yellow over dark blue, legend 1929 PENNA  along top flanked by keystones in the upper corners.  Plates measure 6" x 15"

from Clayton Moore

 
1930, T1 to T9999, no identifying legend except for year and state along bottom flanked by keystones, dark blue on yellow.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

from John Willard

 
1931, T1 to T9999, no identifying legend except for year and state along bottom flanked by keystones, yellow on dark blue.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

from John Willard

 
1932, T1 to T9999, no identifying legend except for the state and year along top flanked by keystones, yellow on dark blue.  Serial T prefix and series under 10000, plus the size being 10" or 12" identifies it as a Trailer rather than a Truck.

from Clayton Moore


from Eric Tanner

 

1933, T1 to T9999, no identifying legend except for the state and year along top flanked by keystones, yellow on dark blue.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

from John Willard

 

1934, 1 to 9999, A to Z999, dark blue over yellow, legend 1934  stacked stacked on left, TRAILER flanked by keystones along top, PENNA stacked on right.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 1 to 9999

Format 2 - A to B924

 

Format 1

from Jeff Hinkle


Format 2

from eBay user simbacurt

 

1935, 1 to 9999, A1 to Z999, yellow over dark blue, legend 1935  stacked stacked on left, TRAILER flanked by keystones along top, PENNA stacked on right.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 1 to 9999

Format 2 - A1 to Z999

Sample - 0000

 

 

 

 

Format 1

from Gierschick


Format 2

from Clayton Moore


unknown source


Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

 

1936, 1 to 9999, A000 to Z999, dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA stacked stacked on left, TRAILER flanked by keystones along top, 1936 stacked on right.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 1 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Sample - 0000

 

 

Format 1

from Clayton Moore


Format 2

from eBay user simbacurt


Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

 

1937, 1 to 9999, A000 to Z999, yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA stacked stacked on left, TRAILER flanked by keystones along top, 1937 stacked on right.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 1 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to at least R585

Format 1

from Clayton Moore


Format 2

from Jeff Hinkle

 

1938, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 38, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Sample - PA00

 

Format 1

from Bob Connison


Format 2

from John Willard & John Anshant


Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

 

1939, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 39, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 1

from Worthpoint


Format 2

from Clayton Moore

 

1940, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 40, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9D94

 

 

Format 1

from Clayton Moore


Format 2

from Bob Connison


Format 2

Bill Krellner collection

 

1941, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 41, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-42 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 1

from Clayton Moore


Format 2

from Worthpoint


Format 3

from Worthpoint

 
1942 & '42 with '43 tab, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 42, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-43 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 1

from Drewski


Format 2

from Worthpoint


Format 3

John Willard & John Anshant plate

 

1943 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".

from Clayton Moore

 
1944, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 44, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-45 in top border.  Plates measure 5⅞" x 11⅞".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 1

from Bob Connison


Format 2

John Willard & John Anshant plate


Format 3

from Clayton Moore

 

1945, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 45, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-46 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9

 

Format 1

from Worthpoint


Format 2


Format 3

from Clayton Moore


Format 4

from Bob Connison

 
1946, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 44, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-47 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9

 

Format 1

from Bob Connison


Format 2

from Clayton Moore


Format 3

from Clayton Moore


Format 4

Bill Krellner collection

 

1947, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 47, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-48 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

 

Format 1

from Bob Connison


Format 2

unknown


Format 3

unknown


Format 4


Format 5

from Worthpoint

 

1948, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 48, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-49 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

Format 1

unknown


Format 2

from Jeff Francis


Format 3

from Clayton Moore


Format 4

from Clayton Moore


Format 5

ebay user willy-k

 

1949, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 49, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-50 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

 

Format 1


Format 2

unknown source


Format 3

from Worthpoint


Format 4

from Bob Connison


Format 5

from Clayton Moore

 

1950, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, 10000, if needed, to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 50, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-51 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

Format 1

from Michael Wiener / Bestplates


Format 2

from Bob Connison


Format 3

licenseplatekingcompany


Format 4

from Clayton Moore


Format 5

 

 

1951, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, 10000 to unknown high, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 51, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-52 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

Format 6 - 10000 etc. this format is unconfirmed

 

Format 1


Format 2

from Peter Cohen


Format 3

from eBay user j0hnnyo


Format 4

from Bob Connison


Format 5

from Clayton Moore


Format 6

Image needed

 

1952, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, 10000 to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 52, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-53 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

Format 6 - 10000 to unknown high

Sample measures 6" by 10ĵ"

 

Format 1

from Clayton Moore


Format 2

from Chuck Sakryd


Format 3

from Worthpoint


Format 4

from Chuck Sakryd


Format 5

from Clayton Moore


Format 6


Sample

from John Willard

 
1953, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, 10000 to unknown high, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 53, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-54 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

Format 6 - 10000 to unknown high

Format 1

from eBay user agentsteel53


Format 2

from Jeff Hinkle


Format 3

from Rob Baran


Format 4

from Clayton Moore


Format 5

from Tom Firth


Format 6

from Bob Connison

 

1954, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, 10000 to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 54, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-55 in top border. Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

Format 6 - 10000 to unknown high

 

Format 1

from Clayton Moore


Format 2


Format 3

from Clayton Moore


Format 4

from Carstuffstore


Format 5

from Bob Connison


Format 6

 

 

1955, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, 10000 to unknown high, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 55, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-56 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 10ĵ".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

Format 6 - 10000 to unknown high

Format 1

from Clayton Moore


Format 2


Format 3

from Steve Ondik


Format 4

from Worthpoint


Format 5

Image needed


Format 6

from Clayton Moore

 

1956, 0001 to 9999, A000 to Z999, 0A00 to 9Z99, 00A0 to 99Z9, 000A to 999Z, 10000 to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend 56, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-57 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 0001 to 9999

Format 2 - A000 to Z999

Format 3 - 0A00 to 9Z99

Format 4 - 00A0 to 99Z9

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

Format 6 - 10000 to unknown high

Format 1


Format 2

from Clayton Moore


Format 3


Format 4


Format 5

from Worthpoint


Format 6

from Chuck Sakryd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1957, 100000 to ~216256, all plates use a 6-digit serial, state map outline, dark blue over yellow, legend 57, then TRAILER flanked by keystones, then PA, EXP. 3-31-58 in top border.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

from Clayton Moore

 
1958 to '64, 100-001 to unknown high, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend PA TRAILER 58, first use of a keystone separator which is located between the 3rd and 4th digit.  Early plates had a tab slot to the left of 58 for a renewal tab, this may have been on plates under 275-000.  Annual validation sticker was issued for the upper left corner in place of the tabs.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

with tab slot

from Clayton Moore


without tab slot

from John Willard

 
1964 to '67, 100-001 to a high above 397-704, state map outline, yellow over dark blue, legend PA TRAILER 64 below top border, keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th digit.  A validation sticker was issued for renewal.  Plates measure 6" x 12".

from Tim Gierschick

 

1968 to '71, TA-10000 to unknown high above TH-76947, 68 base, blue on yellow, narrow map border, keystone separator, TRAILER on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, sticker well lower left with border, early plates had 68 lightly stamped into the sticker well.

 

1972 to '77, TA-10000 to unknown high above TJ-72134, yellow over dark blue, embossed border, TRAILER legend below top border, PENNSYLVANIA above bottom border, small keystone separator between the 2-letter prefix and the 5-digit serial number.  Sticker wells upper left and right corners.

 

 

1978 to ~'84, revalidated until 2000,

TA10000 to TK-10882, blue on yellow, embossed border, PENNSYLVANIA legend below top border, TRAILER legend above bottom border, dash separator between the 2-letter prefix and the 5-digit serial number.  Sticker wells upper left and right corners.

 

 

~1984 to 2000, revalidated until 2002,

TL-10000 to TZ-99999, however, TR- and TX- were not used for Trailers.  Yellow on blue, dash separator, earliest plates to at least  TL-12638 had PENNSYLVANIA on the top and TRAILER on the bottom.  Sticker well lower left.  Later plates from the changeover to TZ-99999 + XA to XJ plates had TRAILER as top legend, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, yellow embossed border.

Format 1 - TL-10000 to at least TL-12638

Format 2 - TL-16365 or below to TZ-99999

Format 3 - XA-00000 to XJ-99999, from about 1993 to 2000

 

 

Format 1

from Clayton Moore

& Rick Kretschmer


Format 2


Format 3

 

 

2000 to 2004, revalidated to present

XK-00000 to  XZ-99999, on www base with dash separator

 

from Clayton Moore

 

2004 to 2005, revalidated to present

XBA-0000 to XBZ-9999, on www base with dash separator, series began with XBA.  XAA was skipped.  First seen May 2004.

 

 

2005 to 2017 

XCA-0000 to XKX-9999, on visitPA base with keystone separator, first reported in early July 2005.

 

 

 

 

2018

XKY-0000 .  On visitPA base with small map base and without sticker well. 

 

To Highs Page

from Tom Firth

 

 

Trailer Dealer (1971 to present)

The first Trailer Dealer plates (sometimes referred to as Utility Trailer Dealer) had no distinguishing features except the word DEALER and the E00-000E format. They may have made their debut as early as 1971 and from then thru the mid-80s used the E10-000E format and also followed the same minor yearly formatting changes that were seen on other plates in the dealer series, i.e. the years from '71 to '74 had embossed years while plates for '75 and '76 were undated and used validation stickers.  Then in 1977 the colors were reversed to blue on yellow and embossed years were used again for '77 and '78.  In 1979 plates were undated and continued to be renewed with stickers up to the time that Trailer Dealer plates with that legend were introduced in 1995.  It should be noted that some time in the mid-80s the A-series New Car Dealer and B-series Used Car Dealer were running out of numbers so the D (Tractor), E (Trailer) and eventually the F series plates were assigned as needed and were no longer designated as a particular dealer type.

 

1971 starting year unconfirmed

 

Image needed

 

1972, E10-000E, yellow on blue, DEALER 1972 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.

 

 

1973, E10-000E, yellow on blue, DEALER 1973 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.

from Clayton Moore

 

1974, E10-000E, yellow on blue, DEALER 1974 on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom.

 

Image needed

 

1975 -'76, undated, E10-000E, yellow on blue, DEALER on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, used validation stickers both years.

from Clayton Moore

 

1977, E10-000E, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER 1977 on bottom.

from hpr4661

 

1978, E10-000E, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER 1978 on bottom.

 

Image needed

 

1979 thru 1983, undated, could be renewed with stickers thru 1994, E10-000E, dark blue on yellow, legend PENNSYLVANIA on top, DEALER 1977 on bottom.

 

from Clayton Moore

 

1984 thru 1994, 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 plates 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 whereas later plates at some point after D27-270 had DEALER on top.  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.

ShopLicensePlates.com

 

1995: TD0000D to TD0999D (actual high unknown), yellow on blue base, the TD prefix and D suffix are static non-advancing characters, Trailer Dealer on top, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no separator used, sticker well lower left.

 

 

1999: TD1000D to TD9999D (or current high), www base, the TD prefix and D suffix are static non-advancing characters, PENNSYLVANIA on top, Trailer Dealer on bottom, no separator used, sticker well upper left.

 

To Highs Page

 

 

Transporter (1984 to present)

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

VERSION 1: First issued around 1984, DT-00000, yellow on blue, TRANSPORTER on top which is screen printed, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom, no sticker well, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

from Jake Eckenrode

 

VERSION 2: Range unknown but above DT-00100 and below DT-00989 if they existed.  TRANSPORTER on top is now embossed, Pennsylvania on bottom now uses the "You've got a friend" font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

It has not been confirmed that this version was produced, however, it was made for Repair / Service Towing, Salvage Yard and Repossessor plates, which are all part of the same family.

 

Confirmation

& Image needed

 

 

 

VERSION 3: Range known to exist to at least DT-03437, PENNSYLVANIA on bottom now reverts back to standard font, sticker well lower left, valid thru the 1999 plate changeover.

from Lee Madigan

 

VERSION 4: Reissued 9/1/1999, DT-05000 to DT-09499, www base, TRANSPORTER embossed on bottom, uses dash separator.

 

 

VERSION 5: DT-09500 to likely DT-10274.  On visitPA base with keystone separator.  Spotted 11/13/07 

from Jim Moini

 

VERSION 6: Likely from DT-10275 to DT-10749 or DT-10999.  On visitPA base with unexpected dash separator in place of the keystone separator.

from Tom Perri

 

VERSION 7: Likely from DT-10750 or DT-11000 .  On visitPA base with the keystone separator again. Format variation added 4/17/11.

To Highs Page

from Jaska Börner

 
VERSION 8: Personalized, up to 5 characters with DT prefix.  With map outline.

from Rob Baran

 

 

University of Pittsburgh (official) (starting year unknown to present)

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

 

 

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

from Bruce Bufalini

 

VERSION 3: From changeover at or before U1000P to U1099P. Uses 'small caps' on plate legend.  PENNSYLVANIA at top, University Of Pittsburgh at bottom, no stickers used, plate is semi-permanent. Issued in pairs.  Format added 2/08.

 

 

VERSION 4: From changeover at or before U1100P  on visitPA base.  Plate legend format unchanged.  Format added 1/22/10.

 

To Highs Page

from Eric Conner

 

VERSION 5: From U1500P.   Numbers will likely start at the end of the Version 4.  New format added 2/24/19.  First image added 5/30/21.

 

To Highs Page

 

from Bruce Bufalini

 

 

U.S. Congress

U.S. Congressional and Senatorial plates are not easy to research, nor are images easy to come by.  Additional pictures or information would be appreciated.
It is unknown if this plate type existed on the '57 base.

Unconfirmed

 

1958 - 1964 Member of Congress, yellow on blue, map outline, PA 58 below top border, annual stickers were used for renewal.  Some plates had tab slot.  Serial number used MC1 to at least MC27, and likely 1MC to at least 27MC for the U.S. Congressional districts.

ebay user pinkocelot


from Eric Conner

 

1965 - 70 Member of Congress, '65 base blue on yellow, PENNSYLVANIA on top, MC for member of Congress, small keystone separator, then a 1 or 2 digit number.  The opposite configuration with the number followed by MC was also likely possible.  It is unknown if the number stood for the congressional district at the time.

Jake Eckenrode plate

 

1966 - 70 Member of Congress, this plate configuration is unconfirmed but is likely a 1966 update that was seen in other political plates.  PENNSYLVANIA was now embossed in the top border, US stacked, a C and a 1- or 2-digit number.  The U/SC stood for United States Congress.  A reversed configuration, such as 16 U/SC was also likely available.

from Barefoot Jaime


from Jerry McCoy

 

1971 - 76 Member of Congress, early plate format used the Bicentennial State base, yellow on blue, PENNSYLVANIA along top border and BICENTENNIAL STATE '76 along bottom border, MC then liberty bell then serial number, or in reverse order with serial number first.  Later format PENNSYLVANIA along top border and U.S. CONGRESS along bottom border, serial number had US stacked left of center then number to right.  Also in reverse order with serial number first.

from Eric Conner


from Barefoot Jaime


from Barefoot Jaime


Unconfirmed

from Clayton Moore

 

1977 - 83 Member of Congress, could be revalidated until 2000, blue on yellow, PENNSYLVANIA along top border and U.S. CONGRESS along bottom border, serial number had US stacked, then C to left of serial number on right.  Also in reverse order with serial number first followed by US stacked, then C.

from Reid Williamson


from Lee Madigan


from Michael Wiener

 

1984 - 99 Member of Congress, could be revalidated until 2000, yellow on blue base, PENNSYLVANIA along top border and U.S. CONGRESS along bottom border, serial number had US stacked left of center then number to right.  Also in reverse order with serial number first.  No sticker wells. 

from Eric Conner


from Eric Conner


unknown source

 

1999 Member of Congress can be revalidated to present.  On www base. U.S. Congress embossed at bottom.  Serial U/SC1 to U/SC19 or C1U/S to C19U/S representing the congressional district.

from Tom Perri & Jordan Irazabal


from Bill Ceravola


from Tom Perri & Jordan Irazabal

 

 

U.S. Senate

U.S. Congressional and Senatorial plates are not easy to research, nor are images easy to come by.  Additional pictures or information would be appreciated.

It is unknown if this plate type existed on the '57 base.

Unconfirmed

 

1958 - 1964 U.S. Senate, yellow on blue, map outline, PA 58 below top border, annual stickers were used instead.  Early plates had tab slot.  Serial number used US1 and US2, and likely 1US and 2US for the two U.S. Senate positions.

Jake Eckenrode plate

 

1965 - 1970 U.S. Senate, like other political plates between 1965 and '70 there were at least two versions, with the second version coming around 1966.  It is unknown which of these was first.  Blue on yellow, map outline, annual stickers were used to revalidate.  Serial number used US1 and US2, and likely 1US and 2US, or USS1 and USS2, and likely 1USS and 2USS for the two U.S. Senate positions. 

with separator


without separator

from Worthpoint


 David Sampugnaro

 

1971 - 1976, early plate format used the Bicentennial State base, yellow on blue, PENNSYLVANIA along top border and BICENTENNIAL STATE '76 along bottom border, US then liberty bell then serial number, or in reverse order with serial number first.  It is unknown if a later format with PENNSYLVANIA along top border and U.S. SENATE along bottom border was used.  If so the serial number would have had US stacked left of center then number to right.  Also in reverse order with serial number first.

from Eric Conner

 

1977 - 1983

 

Image needed

 

1984 - 1999 U.S. Senate

from Eric Getchell

 

1999 - 2004, revalidated to present U.S. Senate, the plates to the right are fax renderings of actual plates U.S. Senate plates on the www base.  It is believed that such plates have never been issued as none of PA's senators have chosen to use such plates.

Fax rendering of actual plate


Fax rendering of actual plate

 

2005 to present U.S. Senate

 

Not known to exist

 

 

 

Watercraft Trailer/Dealer (1995 to present)

1995, WD00000 to plate changeover during 9/99, yellow on blue,  Watercraft Tlr / Dlr top legend, PENNSYLVANIA bottom legend.  Plate WD-00127 is also known to exist.

 

Sample plate is not an accurate representation of an actual plate.

 

from Brandon Sowers


 

 
1999, WD00500, www base, PENNSYLVANIA screened top legend, Watercraft Tlr / Dlr embossed bottom legend.

To Highs Page


from Nick Tsilakis

 

 

 

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