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California is running out of license plate numbers. Here’s what comes next
An entrance sign reads "State of California Department of Motor Vehicles"
(
Justin Sullivan
/
Getty Images
)
One lucky California driver will soon receive a license plate with the number 9ZZZ999, marking the end of an era for Golden State motorists.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles is quickly running out of numbers that follow its current license plate format. A DMV spokesperson told LAist the department expects to exhaust this series at some point in 2026.
California’s existing license plate configuration has enjoyed a long run. It was first christened in 1980 with the plate 1AAA000.
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California is running out of license plate numbers. Here’s what comes next
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Prior to 1980, California license plates followed a different, shortened format. The six-figure plates consisted of three numerals followed by three letters.
What comes next? The department has landed on a new configuration that is basically a mirror-image reversal of the current format.
In an email to LAist, DMV public information officer Ronald Ongtoaboc said, “The formatting of the next sequence will be ‘Numeral Numeral Numeral Alpha Alpha Alpha Numeral’ (e.g., 000AAA0).”
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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