Individual Plates and Pairs
This is our full catalog of authentic license plates from vintage plates to specialty license plates for sale. Pick from individual plates to pairs from every US state and beyond, spanning from the early 1900s to more modern designs. Every plate is a genuine expired original; we never sell replicas or reproductions.
Collectors will find antique plates to modern graphics. Decorators and crafters can shop for all sorts of designs, conditions and colors. Resellers from antique stores to Route 66 shops can purchase bulk license plates. Classic car owners can look for year-of-manufacture plates marked YOM clear in the listing title. Browse wholesale lots by Buy Bulk, grab a complete 50-state set, or sell us your collection if you have plates of your own.
There are all sorts of types of plates from passenger, motorcycle, trailer, dealer, disabled, sample, occasional use, snow mobile, tribal and many more. Because we buy collections across the country, inventory turns over constantly, so check back often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these real license plates?
Absolutely! We only sell authentic expired license plates. We never sell replica or reproduction plates. As members of the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association (ALPCA), we follow the organization's guidelines regarding reproductions and authenticity to help preserve the integrity of the hobby.
In addition to authentic government issued license plates, we also carry a variety of license plate related collectibles, including:
• Booster plates
• Bicycle plates
• Boat registration plates
• Movie and television prop plates
• DAV and Goodrich tags
• Wheaties and other cereal promotional plates
• Other transportation-related collectibles and ephemera
How old are the license plates?
Our inventory spans more than a century of license plate history, from the early 1900s to modern specialty issues. We work to identify the exact year whenever possible. When an exact year can't be confirmed, we try to note the approximate decade or the base year that the plate design was first introduced.
What types of specialty license plates do you sell?
Our inventory changes constantly, but we regularly stock passenger, motorcycle, trailer, dealer, disabled, sample, tribal, amateur radio, university, veteran, and other specialty license plates.
What is the difference between a single plate and a pair?
A pair consists of two matching license plates with the same number, just as they were originally issued by many states.
Can I register one of these on my classic car?
Many states allow qualifying classic vehicles to use Year of Manufacture (YOM) license plates. While we do not pre-clear most plates for YOM eligibility, we will clearly note "YOM Clear" in the listing title whenever a plate has been verified as eligible. For some states, we use more specific terminology. For example, Arizona plates may be marked "MVD Clear."
Even if a plate is listed as YOM Clear, we recommend confirming eligibility with your state's DMV before purchasing. Requirements vary by state and vehicle type, so it's important to ensure you're purchasing the correct plate for your qualifying vehicle such as a passenger plate being used for a passenger vehicle.
Are the license plates cleaned or restored?
Most of our plates are sold in the condition in which we acquired them. A gentle cleaning and in some cases a good coat of wax can help preserve the finish and extend the life of a plate. However, unless a listing specifically mentions restoration, repainting, or a clear coat, you should expect normal wear consistent with the plate's age.
With rare exception, we are not fans of repainted or altered license plates, including the addition of gloss or clear coats. We believe an original plate's wear, patina, and imperfections are part of its history and character. In fact, that's part of the inspiration behind the name Rustic Plates. We've always appreciated the authenticity and character that only an original plate can have.