How to Apply for Historical Car License Plates in California

• 1). Determine whether your car qualifies for a historical car license plate. The car must have been manufactured after 1922 and be a least 25 years old. Your car must also be of "historical interest." According to the California Vehicle Code, the car is of historical interest if "it is collected, restored, maintained, and operated by a collector or hobbyist principally for purposes of exhibition and historic vehicle club activities." (Reference 2)
  
  
• 2). Print your full name and address in the first section of the Special License Plate Application form. (Reference 1)
  
  
• 3). Provide complete information about your car in the second section. Include the date of manufacture, make, and model in the space marked "Plates to be placed on this vehicle (if known)." Include the current license plate number and the vehicle identification number. Mark the box for "Historical Vehicle" in this section. (Reference 1)
  
  
• 4). Read and sign the certification for historical vehicle license plates in sub-section "E." (Reference 1)
  
  
• 5). Submit the application, along with a check for the fee (indicated on the back of the form), to the DMV. For commercial vehicles, a Certificate of Title must be submitted with the application. You must submit the application by mail or in person. (Reference 1)