California Year of Manufacture (YOM) License Plates: What They Are and How to Get One

If you own a vintage California car and you've been down the restoration rabbit hole, you've probably come across the term "YOM plates". You might have a rough idea of what they are — something to do with old license plates and the DMV — but the details get murky fast. This guide cuts through the confusion.

Whether you're restoring a 1967 Mustang, a 1974 Alfa Romeo GTV, or a 1979 pickup, here's everything you need to know about California's Year of Manufacture plate program.

 

What Is the Year of Manufacture Program?

California's Year of Manufacture (YOM) program is authorized under Section 5004.1 of the California Vehicle Code. In plain terms: it allows vintage vehicle owners to register their car using a set of original California license plates from the same year as the vehicle's model year, rather than using modern white plates.

So instead of a current-issue white California plate, your 1968 muscle car can legally wear the black plates it would have come with new — and be properly registered to drive on public roads.

The YOM program isn't just for show. These are legally registered plates, not display pieces.

Which Vehicles Qualify?

The program has been extended several times over the years. As of now, vehicles with a model year of 1980 or earlier qualify — a significant expansion from the original cut-off of 1969. This means the classic 1970s blue plates are now eligible too, not just the older yellow or black plates.

Trucks qualify as well, though the eligibility year may differ slightly from passenger cars — always check the current REG 352 form for the latest details.

 

What Plates Do You Need?

This is where most people get confused. The DMV does not issue you vintage plates — you have to source them yourself. Specifically, you need:

  • A matching pair of original California plates from the correct year for your vehicle's model year
  • Plates that are legible and in road-legal condition (properly restored plates are acceptable)
  • Plates with a number not currently in use in the DMV database — this means the number hasn't been registered to another vehicle in the past 5–10 years

You can check whether a plate number is available by calling the DMV at 1-800-777-0133. Good sources for period plates include eBay, automotive swap meets, and specialty dealers who sell pre-cleared vintage California plates.

Important: Reproduction or counterfeit plates cannot be used for YOM registration and are subject to fines of up to $500 if displayed on a vehicle operated on public roads. Original plates only.

What About the Year Sticker?

Here's the detail that catches a lot of people off guard. For vehicles with model years 1964–1969, if the plate already carries a year sticker matching the vehicle's model year, that sticker must be intact and legible — its serial number will be recorded by the DMV. If no original sticker is present, a period-correct reproduction sticker works for any year in the YOM range.

For 1970–1980 vehicles using the blue plate era, the requirement is less strict, but having the correct year sticker on your plate completes the period-correct look and demonstrates to the DMV clerk that you've done your homework.

Once your YOM registration is approved, the DMV will send you two metal sticker wells that bolt onto the rear plate, along with current month and year registration stickers to display your active registration. These go in the sticker wells — separate from the original year sticker, which stays visible on the plate.

 

The DMV Process: Step by Step

The registration process requires an in-person DMV visit — AAA cannot process YOM registrations. Book an appointment to avoid a long wait. Here's what to bring:

  • Your current registration paperwork
  • Your current plates (the DMV will keep these)
  • The YOM plates you've sourced
  • Proof of current insurance
  • Your vehicle title
  • Completed form REG 352
  • $45 fee

One important heads-up: DMV clerks don't process YOM registrations often, and some may be unfamiliar with the program — particularly the 1980 extension, which many clerks still don't know about. If you encounter resistance, politely point them to the relevant sections of form REG 352. The law is on your side.

When you leave, the DMV will keep your current plates and issue you a temporary window sticker and temporary registration. Your permanent registration documents and current stickers will arrive by mail — check with your local DMV office for current processing times. Don't mount the YOM plates until the official registration arrives.

Pro tip: Print a copy of Section 5004.1 of the California Vehicle Code and bring it with you. It's been known to resolve confusion at the counter.

Where Do the Year Stickers Come In?

Getting the right year sticker for your plate is one of the trickier parts of the YOM process. Original DMV-issued stickers from the 1950s through 1980 are increasingly hard to find — and when they do surface, they're often in poor condition after decades on a plate, or in storage.

CalTags makes period-correct year stickers for every year from 1957 through 2010, reproduced accurately from the original DMV designs of each era. Each sticker is made from engineer-grade reflective vinyl, UV and water-resistant, and die-cut to the original dimensions — and each carries a unique serial number, just like the originals.

Browse the full YOM year sticker collection — shop 1957–1980 year stickers at CalTags — and find the exact year you need.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a reproduction plate for YOM registration?
No. Only original, unaltered California plates are eligible for YOM registration. Reproduction plates cannot legally be displayed on a vehicle operated on public roads.

Do I need a matching year sticker to register?
For 1964–1969 vehicles, if the plate already has a matching year sticker it must be intact and legible as its serial number is recorded by the DMV. If no original sticker is present, a period-correct reproduction sticker works for any year in the YOM range — 1957 through 1980. For 1970–1980 vehicles the requirement is less strict, but the correct year sticker completes the period-correct look.

What happens to my current plates?
The DMV keeps them. You'll drive on a temporary window sticker until your permanent registration and current stickers arrive by mail.

Is there an extra fee for YOM plates?
Yes — the $45 DMV fee is in addition to your regular registration cost. YOM is treated similarly to a personalized plate and carries an annual renewal component.

My car has been out of the DMV system for years. Can I still do YOM?
Possibly, but there are additional requirements. A vehicle re-entering the system may need to use its original plates with paperwork proving they were issued to that VIN. Speak to a DMV supervisor if you encounter issues.

Find Your Year Sticker

Whether you're completing a full restoration or just want your YOM plate to look exactly right, CalTags has the year sticker you need. Every design is reproduced accurately from the original DMV issue for that year — and they work for any year in the YOM range.

Shop YOM year stickers 1957–1980 at CalTags →

Always consult the California DMV for current YOM registration requirements, as program details may change.

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