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Indiana Antique License Plates 1905-1919

You may plate a vehicle that is at least 25 years old with an antique license plate (Year of Manufacture license plate) that was issued by the Indiana BMV in the model year of the vehicle.

two-inch diameter brass

pre-1913

From 1905 to 1912, the Indiana General Assembly charged $1 to register a vehicle 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.aluminum circular seal

1913 License Plate

1913

Background: Yellow and black
Letters: Black and yellow

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

Indiana historic 1914 plate

1914

Background: Dark blue
Letters: White
Number issued: 66,410

1915 License Plate

1915

Background: Pink
Letters: Green
Number issued: 96,615

1916 License Plate

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 License Plate

1917

Background: Black
Letters: Yellow
Number issued: 192,195

1918 License Plate

1918

Background: Green
Letters: Black
Number issued: 227,170

1919 License Plate

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.