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Originally posted by mschnittker
ok, so cars that were new in 1972 and sold in California were issued blue plates from the California DMV? Can someone explain that? The car would then keep the same plate all its life? So a car in CA with a blue plate could be presented as one that had been in CA all its life? Is that why the plate is considered good to have?
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Yes, the color of California plates in 1972 was blue. Unlike most states that were still issuing new license plates every year, CA instead issued a DMV year sticker that would be placed in that rectangular box on the plate. Every year upon renewing the plate, a new year tag goes on. There's no sticker so that was a front plate. In the 1970's, there was no law that required motorists to drive with a front plate (like there is now). So the plates ended up on garage walls. And today, there are hundreds of single blue front license plates for sale at swap meets all over the state every weekend.
When a used car is sold in CA, the new owner has the option of keeping the old plate upon registration or getting a new plate.
If there is documentation that was the original plate to your car, it would only prove the car was in California before it was sold to the 2nd owner and reregistred.
The only blue plate that would prove the car's been in CA it's entire life would been attached to the rear of your car upon purchase with a current year DMV registration tag.
Hope that helps. If you have more questions, there are a variety of license plate collector clubs that can be quite helpful.