License Plate Restoration

[DWBookout]

In answer, yes, these are my state issued license plates. I have had them since 1971. In NJ you can transfer plates from one car to the next. It is possible that if you received your new license plates issued in 1959 and have continued to renew your registration each succeeding year, you can still have your 1959 number. My Dad had BWV-550 on his car from 1959 until 1969 when he passed away suddenly.

OK. What about contacting your BMV or whatever it's called. Seems that others would have the same issue. I seem to recall that Minnesota has a similar policy. In Wyoming, where I grew up, car owners retain the same license number as long as they stay current but new plates are issued periodically. Plates are passed down generation to generation with certain plates highly prized. Not much else to do out there in the wild west.

[nvonada]

Just don't tell them. In OH we are required to carry our historical tags in the car while using model year license plates. I know they are in there somewhere but nobody has ever asked to see them. My only legal problem ever in that car was convincing them that Stude really did use "I" for "1" on the serial number when I transferred the title.

[57pack]

Just out of curiosity, how would anyone know it was restored?

Maybe they would look better than the original issued plates? Not unlike a restored Model T verses a then new Model T as it rolled out of the factory door.

[my2R5]

Be aware that restored plates are illegal in at least some states.

Just out of curiosity, how would anyone know it was restored?

[57pack]

Are you referring to your regular state-issued plate or a special plate not tied to taxation. In Indiana, for example, we have only one state plate on the rear and that can be had with a myriad of special so-called non profit support plates. We now even have one for the Studebaker Museum. Just about anything goes on the front as long as it's not deemed improper. I have a restored 1950 Indiana plate right now and also have one from my home state of Wyoming. That's a 1950. The later was in mint condition but i had the Indiana plate air brushed by a talented friend. I understand that in California you can get a vintage plate of the year your car was manufactured in place of the state issued plate. No doubt there is a fee. Speaking of Wyoming, they still issue two plates so a non-legal plate would not be allowed there as do many other states.

In answer, yes, these are my state issued license plates. I have had them since 1971. In NJ you can transfer plates from one car to the next. It is possible that if you received your new license plates issued in 1959 and have continued to renew your registration each succeeding year, you can still have your 1959 number. My Dad had BWV-550 on his car from 1959 until 1969 when he passed away suddenly.

[DWBookout]

License plates on my Lark are looking somewhat tatty.
Any recommendations for someone who performs license plate restoration service?

Are you referring to your regular state-issued plate or a special plate not tied to taxation. In Indiana, for example, we have only one state plate on the rear and that can be had with a myriad of special so-called non profit support plates. We now even have one for the Studebaker Museum. Just about anything goes on the front as long as it's not deemed improper. I have a restored 1950 Indiana plate right now and also have one from my home state of Wyoming. That's a 1950. The later was in mint condition but i had the Indiana plate air brushed by a talented friend. I understand that in California you can get a vintage plate of the year your car was manufactured in place of the state issued plate. No doubt there is a fee. Speaking of Wyoming, they still issue two plates so a non-legal plate would not be allowed there as do many other states.

[57pack]

I’m sure it’s also illegal in NJ. In NJ you can get your current license plates reproduced by the state for a reasonable fee. And I would consider that but...the new plates being issued now are not embossed, they are printed. Call me old fashioned but I think the new plates are terrible looking.
I suppose they switched to the flat printed plate so the license plate readers / scanners the police and DMV use can read the characters easier.

[studegary]

Be aware that restored plates are illegal in at least some states.

[57pack]

License plates on my Lark are looking somewhat tatty.
Any recommendations for someone who performs license plate restoration service?