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Indiana License Plates 1905-1919

Beginning in 2008, Hoosiers will be able to plate an antique vehicle with an antique license plate issued by the BMV in the year that their vehicle was manufactured.

To view other historic Indiana license plates, please select a decade from the list below:

pre-1913

From 1905 to 1912, the Indiana General Assembly charged $1 and gave each automobile owner a two-inch diameter brass or aluminum circular seal with a number printed on it. This was hung from the vehicle's dashboard. The owner was allowed to make an identifying placard out of leather, tin, wood or other materials to be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. 

 

1913

Background: Yellow and black

Letters: Black and yellow

In 1913, Indiana issued its first "real" license plate. It measured a generous 4.5" x 14.5" and is the only Indiana plate to have a porcelain finish on a heavy metal base.

  

1914

Background: Dark blue

Letters: White

Number issued: 66,410

  

1915

Background: Pink

Letters: Green

Number issued: 96,615

  

1916

Background: White

Letters: Black

Number issued: 139,117

In 1916, the warden of the Indiana State Prison suggested to the governor that prisoners be allowed to make Indiana's license plates. This arrangement did not occur, however, until 1930 when the prison was instructed to install machinery and establish the price of the license plates.

  

1917

Background: Black

Letters: Yellow

Number issued: 192,195

  

1918

Background: Green

Letters: Black

Number issued: 227,170

  

1919

Background: Black

Letters: White

Number issued: 277,255

  

 

Some license plate images presented with the assistance of the Jacob A. Newkirk Historic License Plate Collection.


 
 
 
 
 
 
All Indiana license branches will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2008. Full service license branches will resume regular business hours on Saturday, July 5, at 8:30 a.m.

License Branch Options


 
 
View current visit times
at any license branch in Indiana:


Make a branch appointment
at locations in these cities: