license plate question

[jeff elliott CLC #23590]

Hi,

I would like to fit origional (both in style and origional number) Washington license plates to my Caddy when it is on show at car meets in the UK.
I can't seem to find places that make up USA style show plates on the internet. how does the american system work do the authorities actually issue the car owner with the metal license plates.

regards Jeff

[okccadman]

These folks do a great job I'm told:

http://www.licenseplates.tv/index.php?main_page=resources&resource=antique_collectors

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

Do you mean Washingont State plates.  If so I should be able to get you in touch with a couple of people here local.  You will get the original style and color of plate for the year of the car but not the original number.  These are old plates that have been restored.  A pair cost about $200 restored that last time I bought.  They keep going up.  In our state you are only required to have one of these old plates on the car but I have always bought a pair.  After you buy the plates you take them to the License Dept and register them to the car.  That would not apply of course if you are in the UK. 

[jeff elliott CLC #23590]

Hi Brad,

I was after state plates, however, I want a plate with the origional number stamped on, I know what the washington number was due to the paperwork I have with the car.
The link that Jim posted looks good (making show plates) but it seems they only ship within the States, I've sent them an e/mail to check this out. Any other suggestions as to manufacturers of plates would most be welcome.
In the UK the authorities issue the car with a number, you then get the plates made. USA style plates are illegal over here even if I got a pair made with a my cars UK number on.

regards Jeff

[Davidinhartford]

I have used this company to get a reproduction plate.   They are metal and really nice.   $80 US Dollars per plate.  Any state, any year, any numbers-letters you want.

http://www.licenseplates.tv/washington-189.html

[jeff elliott CLC #23590]

Hi,
thanks for previous replies,

as part of my checking out the history of my car I noticed the car has had 2 Washington license numbers.

mid way during the second owners tenure the State license number changed  in 2000, why would this be?

regards Jeff

[Eric S. Maypother #15104]

Maybe the plate style changed, sometimes when they come out with the new design you have to get the new style when you renew your registration and the number will be different if you don't have a reserved number or vanity plate.

I'm lucky, my state switched to 2 plates about 10-15 years ago for new registrations but I still have a single plate since we were able to keep them as long as I keep re-newing it, I just got my 2 year renewal in the mail so I know I'll have it another 2 years at least.

In the past in my state you had to get new plates every time the style changed.

You can also buy old plates on eBay.

[Steve Passmore]

Jeff, just type in "States Plates" in Goggle, we get all our American styled plates made by them here in the UK. You can design your own plates on their site.

[Brad Ipsen CLC #737]

In Washington State you have to buy new plates every 7 years I believe.  The justification is the reflectance in the paint goes bad.  This would not apply to year of manufacturer or other special plates.