Florida
Plates in that era were tricky, and that's why the FDMV has strict rules
about re-issuing plates on an old car.
Back then, plates were issued to cars based on their curb weight. Cars below
3000 lbs were issued a W designation. Cars above that weight were issued a WW
designation. For example, if your plate has the number:
4WW 2312
That meant that the plate was for a heavier car. The 4 designates the county
or region in the state. (4 was Palm
Beach County).
Plate condition is also critical. The FDMV will not reissue a tag to a plate
that no longer meets the standards as far as condition, color scheme,and reflective
numbers. This I believe was not the case for 1963 plates, but the condition
still applies.
The process takes about 4 weeks or so, to make sure there are no snags.
Government issue plates did not have a W designation, and neither did trailer
plates.
As far as I recall, the FDMV was very particular about not reissuing trailer
plates to a car and so forth.
Hope this info is somewhat helpful.
Chris Middlebrook
1962 Custom Southampton
--- On Sun 03/12, < randalpark@xxxxxxx > wrote:
From: [mailto: randalpark@xxxxxxx]
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2006 11:16:11
-0500
Subject: IML: Registering Car
w/Old Plate
Most
states have laws allowing the owners of older cars to register them as
antiques for limited use for a one time fee. Most offer options including an
original restored plate, or a new plate designating the car as a historical
vehicle. In our state, the new historical plate is obvious, and doesn't
appeal to me, or most folks with older cars. Finding an original plate seems
to be the preferred way. This is called a "restored plate". They
only require one plate on the back, the plate MUST match what was available
the year the car was originally sold new (including the stick on tab), and
the plate is subject to approval based on review of the condition of the
plate. Here, the plate doesn't have to be sent any place, but can be reviewed
by the clerk at the DMV.
Most of the time there is no problem, and they usually don't enforce the
"stick on tab" requirement, these things however are in the law.
This has created opportunity for license plate collectors, who also can
recreate stick on tabs for a price. They often have a good selection at most
swap meets, and online.
In Washington,
private business may provide licensing services. Those shops are usually
easier to do business with. Their profits are based on repeat, fee based
transactions, so they want people to come back. I have a relationship with
one of these, and find them to be most helpful. They do things legally
(obviously), but offer helpful advice, and frequently don't scrutinize
transactions as closely as the officious State DMV Offices. They are usually very friendly. Other states
may have similar offices operating.
This is sort of a ramble, but hopefully, some of what works for me may help
with the situation in Florida.
Each state is different, so maybe nothing will. The spirit of our law is to
allow hobbyist to enjoy
their vehicles on a limited basis. That doesn't mean that every cashier gives
a darn about us, or our cars. It is important to figure out how to obtain the
most cooperation from the most cooperative individuals. That can be tricky,
and nearly always requires the ability to be charming, to maintain an
attitude of professionalism, and possess a sense of grace.
Paul W.
-----Original Message-----
From: Todd Fretwell <bluechryimperial@yahoo.com>
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Sun, 12 Mar 2006 06:01:46 -0800 (PST)
Subject: RE: IML: 1960
serial number and first registration date
I went to a big car show that they hold every year down in Fl called the Turkey Run around
thanksgiving time. I bought an original 1963 Florida license plate and took it to the DMV to registrar my car. They told
me first it had to be the year of the vehicle and second I had to ship it off
to the corporate office in Tallahassee.
Then they would see if the tag can be used based on condition etc.
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