Utah’s black and white vintage plates are (finally!) here

What’s black and white and cool all over? The retro black Utah license plate, of course. With a solid black background and white lettering — no images at all — the plate that graced cars in the late ’60s is back, baby. It’s been a long road.

Demand for black plates

At the behest of South Jordan resident Johnny Lange, in 2018 Utah Sen. Lincoln Fillmore introduced SB41 to create a black Utah license plate, similar to the one used from 1966-68. A petition to support the plate had gathered the necessary 500 signatures in just four hours. In fact, more than 1,800 people ultimately signed on in favor of it. 

Stopped short

The bill was passed and signed by then Gov. Gary Herbert in 2019. And then it kind of died. In 2021, Division of Motor Vehicles Director Monte Roberts said the return of the historic license plate was stalled because he couldn’t find a paint that was reflective enough. Police need to be able to read and record license plates, but cameras couldn’t read a black plate well. Toll roads couldn’t pick them up, either. Here are some cars from 1970 and older

Here at last

Bill sponsor Sen. Daniel McCay continued to work with the DMV to find a solution. Eventually, they did. “Improvements to the paint were made to increase reflective properties,” McCay said. And today, you can finally get the Legacy specialty plate. 

Credit: dmv.utah.gov

Who can own one?

The black Utah license plate is available for most vehicles in Utah, and can be personalized up to seven alphanumeric characters. The only exceptions are model years 1983 and newer that are registered as vintage vehicles. (If you have one of those vehicles and are willing to forfeit vintage status, you can get one, too.) Otherwise, any model year vehicle can use them, including motorcycles.

How to order a black plate

To order the Legacy plate, go to any DMV office; it will be mailed to you by the Utah State Tax Commission. You can also order by mail. You’ll need:

• Copy of current registration

• Check for $54, which covers $25 initial fee, $25 annual contribution and postage

• Any required special documentation, such as the application for a personalized plate and its additional fee

• If your vehicle is model year 1982 or older, you aren’t required to pay the annual fee

Send your application to:

Utah State Tax Commission

Motor Vehicle Division

P.O. Box 30412

Salt Lake City, UT 84130

If you just can’t wait any longer, choose the express service by using ZIP code 84116. Contact the DMV at 801-297-7780 with additional questions.

Promoting causes

Besides making your car look minimalist sleek, you’ll also be supporting the Utah State Historical Society with the annual $25 fee. The Legacy plate is one of more than three dozen Utah special license plates available, each with a fee to benefit a specific cause. 

There are plates for autism research, collegiate support and amateur radio enthusiasts. Also, perhaps lesser known ones, include the Boys and Girls Club, snowmobiler safety education programs and recognition of women’s suffrage. 

Need a new car to go with your new plate? Check out vintage and modern vehicles currently available on KSL Cars.

Want to learn more about Utah's black and white plates? Check out these other articles:

• GR8 PL8: Utah’s retro license plate hits a home run

• New black Utah license plate is a winner