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Passenger Car License Plates Since 1966

It was during the 1960s and 1970s that many North American jurisdictions abandoned the practice of issuing new license plates annually in favor of "multi-year baseplates," plates used for multiple years and usually validated by a small sticker. The final annual D.C. issue was the 1965 plate, marked "3-31-66." Upon its expiration in early 1966, the first of seven multi-year baseplates was introduced. Because the history of these extended-use plates is so much more complex than plates used for only one year, they are addressed separately from the earlier plates.

The history of each of the seven D.C. baseplates issued since 1966 may be found on pages reached by the links shown below. Upon each page is described only the general-issue passenger car base. "General-Issue" refers to plates issued to the average motorist, one who does not request (and in some instances pay extra for) a reserved-number, optional, personalized, or other non-standard type of plate. Until April 1997 the general-issue numbering configuration in Washington, D.C. was six numbers, such as 123-456. As explained at the 1991 Baseplate page, during that month the general-issue configuration was changed to AB-1234.

All seven D.C. baseplates shown below have a reflective background and were issued in pairs. As long as they have been properly revalidated, 1984 and 1991 baseplates may still be used, but only the 2000 base is presently being issued for new registrations.

Photo link to 1966 baseplate page

1966 Baseplate

  
Photo link to 1968 baseplate page

1968 Baseplate
         
Photo link to 1974 baseplate page

1974 Baseplate

   Photo link to 1978 baseplate page

1978 Baseplate
         
Photo link to 1984 baseplate page

1984 Baseplate

   Photo link to 1991 baseplate page

1991 Baseplate
         
Photo link to 2000 baseplate page

2000 Baseplate

 

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This page last updated on August 9, 2008

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