Home  |  About this site 

GENERAL DISPLAYS  Highs Page  |  Antique, Classic, etc.  |  Bus, Limo, Taxi, etc.  |  Dealer & MV Business |  Misc. Plates  |  Official Plates  |  Political Plates   |  Veterans Plates

SPECIALTY & SPECIAL ORG.  College, University, etc.  |  Fire, EMS & Police  |  Fraternal, Non-Profit, etc.  |  NASCAR  |  Special Fund Plates  |  Pending/Proposed Plates

UNUSUAL & UNIQUE PLATES  Governor Plates  |  Mystery, Oddballs, etc.  |  Special Event Plates  |  Front Plates  |  Group Displays  |  Older plates in use

REFERENCE Old Documents  |  Legislation  |  Plate Codes  |  Plate Hist A-F  |  Plate Hist G-M  |  Plate Hist N-Z |  Plate Hist Pass 1  |  Plate Hist Pass 2  |  Plate Hist Trk  | Plate Hist Spec Org |  Stickers  |  Links

ARCHIVED HOME PAGES BY YEAR 2022  |   2021  |   Older  Archives

 Passenger plate lookup by year —>  PASSENGER PLATE YEAR LOOKUP 1903 Pre-State 1904 Pre-State 1905 Pre-State 1906 Pre-State 1906 Passenger 1907 Passenger 1908 Passenger 1908 Pittsburgh Issued 1909 Passenger 1910 Passenger 1911 Passenger 1912 Passenger 1913 Passenger 1914 Passenger 1915 Passenger 1916 Passenger 1917 Passenger 1918 Passenger 1919 Passenger 1920 Passenger 1921 Passenger 1922 Passenger 1923 Passenger 1924 Passenger 1924 to 1930 Samples 1925 Passenger 1926 Passenger 1927 Passenger 1928 Passenger 1929 Passenger 1930 Passenger 1931 Passenger 1932 Passenger 1933 Passenger 1934 Passenger 1935 Passenger 1936 Passenger

PASSENGER PLATE HISTORY PAGE 1 - Pre-State to 1936

Plates from 1937 to the present are on Passenger History Page 2

If you have pre-state or city-issued plates or photos, I'd be happy to post them. 

In the meantime check Eric Taylor's Website, Porcelain Plates.net or http://www.porcelainplates.net/

or

Eric Tanner's All About License Plate / License Plate Information http://www.allaboutlicenseplates.com/

and

Ned Flynn's February 2012 ALPCA Plates article on The Pennsylvania Pre-State Era.  Link to article, must be an ALPCA member.

Pre-State Licensing and Registrations, beginning in 1903

Description / History

Image

Comments, what's needed, etc?

1903, this was the first year for pre-state plates.  County issued.

Pennsylvania passed legislation in 1903 (Act 202) requiring automobiles to be registered in the prothonotary’s office (a county court officer) of one of PA’s 67 counties, and to display a rear registration number.  The display of the registration number was the responsibility of the vehicle owner.  The display devices were generally made of a piece of leather or wood with metal numbers fastened to it such as those shown here.  The home-made 1903 Pre-State tags shown here are from Berks County and were provided by Tim Gierschick. Information on the 46 tag is unknown, but the 47 has provenance.  See 1903 Registration Form.

Vehicle operators were also required to obtain a driver’s license at the county treasurer’s office by paying a fee of three dollars,  For this a driver was issued a receipt which was equivalent to a driver's license and was to be carried by the vehicle operator.  See 1904 treasure's receipt for the license fee to operate the vehicle below right. 

Philadelphia registered vehicles as well, but imposed some additional vehicle safety requirements such as horns and lights.  In addition to registering vehicles, Philadelphia in 1903 began issuing porcelain number plates.  See plate display in next section below.  These plates, however, were assigned to the vehicle operator, so were in effect a driver's license tag rather than a vehicle registration plate, even though they were mounted to the rear of the vehicle.  These 4-inch by 7-inch porcelain plates were issued between 1903 and 1906.  In 1906, following the passage of another act, the state began to issue their own porcelain plates, however, these were drivers' license plates, not registration plates.  With the state taking over the licensing process state-wide in 1906, and after some legal wrangling, the Philadelphia pre-state era had come to an end.

The state's drivers' license tags lasted from 1906 thru 1909.  1910 brought about a more conventional vehicle registration plate with makers number.  Henceforth the plates were registered to the vehicle, and not the driver.

Some of the information contained in this section was provided by Ned Flynn, or gleaned from his February 2012 ALPCA Plates article on The Pennsylvania Pre-State Era.  Link to article, must be an ALPCA member.

Pre-state registration tags

from Tim Gierschick

1903 Registration Form

from Tim Gierschick

1904 treasure's receipt for the license fee to operate the vehicle.

from Tim Gierschick

1903 Olds Mobile Manf Co, photo caption reads:

First Automobile

in Fleetwood Pa.

A. K. Seaman, owner

1903 License # 47

from Tim Gierschick

1903 Pre-State, Philadelphia issued

There are known to be at least two metallic embossed plates that are sized and formatted much the same as the porcelain plates.  It is unclear if they are replacements or served some other purpose.

from Bob Connison

metallic embossed

Greg Gibson plate

Dave Lincoln plate

1904 Pre-State, Philadelphia issued

from Ned Flynn

State Museum

1905 Pre-State, Philadelphia issued

White on red, porcelain, 4-digit year vertical left, serial number to right, plate issued by City of Philadelphia.  Serial numbers are believed to start at 101, and extend to 3718 per Eric Tanner.  These plates were assigned to the vehicle operator so were in effect a driver's license rather than a registration plate.  All plates measure 4" by 7".

John Willard & John Anshant

from Bob Connison

from Chris Paulsen

1906 Pre-State, Philadelphia issued

Dave Lincoln plate

from Bob Connison

John Willard & John Anshant

1908 Pittsburgh Issued

Format 2, 1 to 941 serial range, 2-seat passenger vehicles, white on gray or slate porcelain, size 4-inch by 6-inch.

1-Seat Automobiles

from Eric Taylor

2-Seat Automobiles

from Eric Taylor

1909, Pittsburgh Issued

Format 2, 1 to 1300 serial range, 2-seat passenger vehicles, white on brown porcelain, size 4-inch by 6-inch.

Format 3, these plates were issued as overflow plates that were issued after the 2-seater plates reached 1300. Plates 501 to 435 serial range, were issued to 2-seat passenger vehicles, and were therefore white on green porcelain, size 4-inch by 6-inch.  No photo.

Link to 1909 registration records

1-Seat Automobiles

from Eric Taylor

2-Seat Automobiles

from Eric Taylor

Passenger Plates

It should be noted that the state first issued plates in 1906, and plates from 1906 thru 1909 were assigned to the driver rather than the vehicle. 

Passenger, 1906 to present

Description / History

Image

Comments, what's needed?

1906, this was the first year for state-issued plates.

All plates were white on dark blue porcelain.  Serial numbers from 1 to over 13000.  PENNA over 1906 on right side of 1 and 2 digit plates, PENNA 1906 across top of 3, 4 and 5 digit plates.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs.  Manufacturer was Ing-Rich also known as Ingram-Richardson of Beaver Falls, PA.

These #6  plates are the oldest surviving state-issued Pennsylvania plates known to exist. It all started off by getting an email from the then-owner of this plate pair in Florida. Unfortunately I no longer have his name. The story he related to me at the time was that many years ago his father picked up these plates at an antique dealer in Quakertown (PA). I don't know what he paid for them. Eventually the plates went to the son in Florida who decided he wanted to sell or auction them. He contacted me to see if there was a way to look up who the original owner was. Thru the help if fellow ALPCA member Jake Eckenrode, it was determined that the plates were issued to a Charles Henry Nadig of Allentown. The Nadig family were Swiss immigrants with a flare for creating some of the earliest horseless carriages. In fact Henry Nadig is credited in a Wiki article that one of his vehicles may be the oldest American made gasoline powered automobile that still exists. There were other Nadig generations in this family such as Henry Charles Nadig. So the plates were auctioned and as I recall fetched $21,000 thru an auction run by ALPCA member Jeff Minard. Since that time the plates have been separated. I recall seeing one of these plates in person at the ALPCA convention in Erie in 2009.

Format 1, 1 to 99, 6" x 7", legend on right

Format 2, 100 to 999, 6½" x 7", all others legend on top

Format 3, 1000 to 9999, 6½" x 8¼"

Format 4, 10000 to before 11516, 6½" x 10½"

Format 5, Before 11516 to over 13968 , 6½" x 10½", with larger strap slots.

Format 1

Bill Krellner collection

Note the difference in the spacing of the 6 on the two plates.

Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

Format 3

both from Tim Gierschick

Format 4

from Tim Gierschick

Format 5

from Tim Gierschick

1907

Plates were white on red porcelain.  Serial number from 1 to over 20000.  PENNA over 1907 on right side of 1 and 2 digit plates, PENNA 1907 across top of 3, 4 and 5 digit plates.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs.  Manufacturer was Ing-Rich aka Ingram Richardson of Beaver Falls, PA.

Format 1, 1 to 99, 6" x 7", legend on right

Format 2, 100 to 999, 6½" x 7", all others legend on top

Format 3, 1000 to 9999, 6½" x 8¼"

Format 4, 10000 to 19751, 6½" x 10½"

Format 1

from Eric Tanner at the

Swiegart Museum

Bill Krellner collection

Format 2

John Willard & John Anshant

Format 3

Sweigart Museum via Eric Conner

Format 4

from Worthpoint

1908

Plates were black on yellow porcelain.  Serial number from 1 to over 25000.  PENNA over 1908 on right side of 1 and 2 digit plates, PENNA 1908 across top of 3, 4 and 5 digit plates.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs.  Manufacturer was Ing-Rich aka Ingram Richardson of Beaver Falls, PA.

Format 1, 1 to 99, 6" x 7", legend on right

Format 2, 100 to 999, 6½" x 7", all others legend on top

Format 3, 1000 to 9999, 6½" x 8¼"

Format 4, 10000 to 25054, 6½" x 10½"

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

Image needed

Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

Format 3

Format 4

from Don Bucchi

from Worthpoint

1909

All plates were black on white porcelain.  Serial number from 1 to over 34000.  PENNA over 1909 on right side of 1 and 2 digit plates, PENNA 1909 across top of 3, 4 and 5 digit plates.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs.  Manufacturer was Ing-Rich aka Ingram Richardson of Beaver Falls, PA.

Format 1, 1 to 99, 6" x 7", legend on right

Format 2, 100 to 999, 6½" x 7", all others legend on top

*Format 3, 1000 to unknown, 6½" x 8¼"

*Format 4, some 4-digit plates, 6½" x 10½"

Format 5, 10000 to 34299, 6½" x 10½"

*Note that some 4-digit plates use the 6½" x 8¼" base while others use the 6½" x 10½" version.  

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

from Tim Gierschick

Image needed 

Format 2

from Eric Conner

Format 3

unknown

Format 4

Format 5

Bill Krellner collection

from Worthpoint

Repainted & renumbered

from Worthpoint

1910

Plates beginning in 1910 were assigned to the vehicle rather than the driver and bore the makers number.  Plates were white on dark blue porcelain.  Serial number from 1 to over 33000.  PENNA over the makers number on the aluminum keystone over 1910 on left side of plate.  Bolt holes at corners; strap slots at top corners.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs.  Manufacturer was Ing-Rich aka Ingram Richardson of Beaver Falls, PA.

Format 1, 1 to 99, 6" x 8"

Format 2, 100 to 999, 6" x 10"

Format 3, 1000 to 9999, 6" x 12"

Format 4, 10000 to 19999, 6" x 13"

Format 5, 20000 to 33198, 6" x 14" 

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

Image needed 

Format 2

from Jordan Irazabal

Format 3

from Don Bucchi

Format 4

AACA Museum

Format 5

AACA Museum

1911

Plates were black on yellow porcelain.  Beveled edges were present on many higher numbered plates and replacement plates.  Serial number from 1 to over 43000.  PENNA over the makers number on the aluminum keystone over 1911 on left side of plate.  Bolt holes at corners; strap slots at top corners.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs.  Manufacturer was Ing-Rich aka Ingram Richardson of Beaver Falls, PA.

Format 1, 1 to 99, 6" x 8"

Format 2, 100 to 999, 6" x 10"

Format 3, 1000 to 9999, 6" x 12"

Format 4, 10000 to 19999, 6" x 13"

Format 5, 20000 to 44272, 6" x 14", plates up to 30794 have flat edges, plates from 31022 and above have beveled edges.  Some plates below this group of numbers were reissued on the beveled edge base likely as replacements.  

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

Image needed 

Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

Format 3

from Mike Sells

Format 4

from Americana1900

Format 5, flat edge

from Worthpoint

 Format 5, beveled edge

from Shane Oake

1912

Format 1, 1 to 99, 6" x 8"

Format 2, 100 to 999, 6" x 10"

Format 3, 1000 to 9999, 6" x 12"

Format 4, 10000 to 19999, 6" x 13"

Format 5, 20000 to 59406, 6" x 14"

Format 1, Governor

See Governor 1912

Format 1

from John Willard

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2

John Willard & John Anshant

Format 3

From Don Bucchi

Format 4

from Tim Gierschick

Format 5

from Worthpoint

from Worthpoint

1913

Plates were white on green porcelain.  Serial number from 2 to nearly 80000.  PENNA over the makers number on the aluminum keystone over 1913 on left side of plate.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs.  Manufacturer was Brilliant Manufacturing Co., Phila., PA.

Format 1, 2 to 99, 6" x 8"

Format 2, 100 to 999, 6" x 10"

Format 3, 1000 to 9999, 6" x 12", some plates were re-fired over 1912 plates.  The 9497 plate shown here is an example.  The markings on the reverse of the plate were as used on early 1912 plates, not as shown on the 9620 plate below.

Format 4, 10000 to 19999, 6" x 13", some but not all plates were re-fired over 1912 plates.  The 18596 plate shown here is an example.

Format 5, 20000 to 79892, 6" x 14" 

Makers Number

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

Image needed

Format 2

John Willard & John Anshant

from Tim Gierschick

Format 3

from Tim Gierschick

Format 3, re-fired 1912

from Ned Flynn

9497 reverse

from Ned Flynn

Format 4,

from Steve Ondik

16384 reverse

from Steve Ondik

re-fired 1912

from Tim Gierschick

Format 5

John Anshant/John Willard plate

1914 Passenger

Plates were white on black porcelain.  Serial numbers ran from 1 for the Governor, then 2 to 115000 on pneumatic tired vehicles.  PENNA over the makers number on the aluminum keystone over 1914 on left side of plate.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs. 

Manufacturer:  Brilliant Mfg Co., 1035 Ridge Ave. Philadelphia, PA. stenciled on rear of plate

Format 1, 1 to 99, 6" x 8"

Format 2, 100 to 999, 6" x 10"

Format 3, 1000 to 9999, 6" x 12"

Format 4, 10000 to 19999, 6" x 13"

Format 5, 20000 to 39999 reserved for truck and solid rubber tired vehicles with space for weight class band to the left of the legend, plates were 6" x 15¼".  (Click here for 1914 Truck info.)  However, plates above 30000 from this series were issued to cars and did not have a weight strip attached.  This was in order to use some of the excess plates that had been manufactured and not needed for trucks. 

Format 6, 30000 to 99999, 6" x 14"

Format 7, 100000 to 115000, 6" x 15", then began using tags in the Format 5, 30000 series.

Data updated with help from Eric Tanner.  

Format 1, Governor

See Governor 1914

from Harry Nowak

Format 1, 1 to 99, 6" x 8"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2, 100 to 999, 6" x 10"

from John Willard

Format 3, 1000 to 9999, 6" x 12"

from Steve Ondik

Format 4

10000 to 19999, 6" x 13"

Format 5

20000 to 39999, 6" x 15¼"

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 6

30000 to 99999, 6" x 14"

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 7

100000 to 115000, 6" x 15"

from Tim Gierschick

1915 Passenger

Plates were white on sky blue porcelain.  Serial number from 1, for the Governor to at least 167673.  PENNA over the makers number on the aluminum keystone over 1915 on left side of plate.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs.  Manufacturer was Brilliant Manufacturing Co., Phila., PA. 

Format 1, 1 to 99, 6" x 8"

Format 2, 100 to 999, 6" x 10"

Format 3, 1000 to 9999, 6" x 12"

Format 4, 10000 to 19999, 6" x 13"

Format 5, 20000 to 29999 reserved for truck series with space for weight class band to the left of the legend, 6" x 15¼".  Some plates from this series were issued to cars and did not have the weight strip attached.

Format 6, 30000 to 99999, 6" x 14"

Format 7, 100000 to 167673, 6" x 15"

It has long been noted that some plates have raised numbers and no period after PENNA, while others have sunken numbers and a period after PENNA.  Sunken numbers are first reported in the 56000 series, and then were seen off and on.  At this point no attempt will be made to further parse this mystery.

Thanks to Ned Flynn and Eric Tanner for their assistance.

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1, 6" x 8"

from Tim Gierschick

Image needed 

Format 2, 6" x 10"

from John Willard

from Tim Gierschick

Format 3, 6" x 12"

from Steve Ondik

3781 reverse

from Steve Ondik

Format 4, 6" x 13"

John Anshant/John Willard plate

Format 5, 6" x 15¼"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 6, 6" x 14"

Format 7, 6" x 14"

from Tim Gierschick

highest known number

Ned Flynn plate

1916 Passenger

Plates were black on orange painted steel.  Serial number from 1, for the Governor to over 230000.  On left side of plate, PENNA over embossed keystone. Maker's number was stamped into the keystone.  1916 below keystone.  An aluminum keystone was only used if the plate was transferred to another vehicle.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs.  Manufacturer was Brilliant Manufacturing Co., Phila., PA. 

Format 1, 1 to 999, 6" x 11"

Format 2, 1000 to 9999, 6" x 13"

Format 3, 10000 to 19999, 6" x 14"

Format 4, 30000 to 231191, 6" x 16"

(20000 to 29999 were reserved for trucks)

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1, 2-digit

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1, 3-digit

from Bob Connison

from Jeff Hinkle

Image needed

Format 2

anonymous

Format 3

from jk*antiques

Format 4, 5-digit

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 4, 6-digit

1917 Passenger

Plates were white or light cream on brown painted steel.  Serial number from 1, for the Governor to over 300000.  On left side of plate, PENNA over embossed keystone. Maker's number was stamped into the keystone.  1917 below keystone.  An aluminum keystone was only used if the plate was transferred to another vehicle.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs.  Manufactured in PA prison system. 

Format 1, 1 to 999, 6" x 11"

Format 2, 1000 to 1999, 6" x 13½"

Format 3, 2000 to 99999, 6" x 14"

Format 4, 100000 to 312598 , 6" x 16"

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

from Jeff Hinkle

Image needed 

Format 2

from Jeff Hinkle

Different #2 die used

from Worthpoint

Format 3, 4-digit

from Bongocruiser2

Format 3, 5-digit

from Clayton Moore

America on Wheels / Kyle Gross

Format 4

Different #2 die used

from Robby Crowder

Different #4 die used

from Worthpoint

1918 Passenger

Plates were white on black painted steel.  Serial number from 1, for the Governor to over 367000.  On left side of plate, PENNA over embossed keystone. Maker's number was stamped into the keystone.  1918 below keystone.  An aluminum keystone was only used if the plate was transferred to another vehicle.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs.  Manufactured in PA prison system. 

Format 1, 1 to 999, 6" x 10"

Format 2, 1000 to 99999, 6" x 13½"

Format 3, 100000 and to 367812, 6" x 16"

Format 1

unknown source

unknown source

from Tim Gierschick

John Willard/John Anshant plate

Format 2, 4-digit

from Bongocruiser2

Format 2, 5-digit

State Museum

Format 3

from Rob Baran

1919 Passenger

Plates were red on black painted steel.  Serial number from 1, for the Governor to over 450000.  Legend has moved to right side of plate, PENNA over embossed keystone. Maker's number was stamped into the keystone.  1919 below keystone.  An aluminum keystone was only used if the plate was transferred to another vehicle.  See sizes below.  Issued in pairs.  Manufactured in PA prison system. 

Format 1, 1 to 999, 6" x 10", strap slots on top

Format 2, 1000 to 99999, 6" x 13½", strap slots on top, bolt holes top and bottom

Format 3, 100000 to 449444, 6" x 16", strap slots on top, bolt holes top and bottom

Unknown format

from Kettering Enterprises

Format 1, Governor

See Governor 1919

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

John Willard/John Anshant plate

John Willard/John Anshant plate

Format 2

from Jeff Lesher

from Tim Gierschick

Format 3

America on Wheels / Kyle Gross

1920 Passenger

White on dark blue, serial 2 to over 525-000, legend PENNA and 1920 along bottom, 10" plates did not have bottom holes.  Issued in pairs.  Manufactured in PA prison system. 

Format 1, 2 to 999, 6" x 10"

Format 2, 1-000 to 9-999, 6" x 12"

Format 3, 20-000 to 99-999, 6" x 13½"

Format 4, 100-000 to 531-893 , 6" x 16"

Note: According to 1920 Motor Vehicle Registration Records, the number block from 1-000 to 1-199, was registered to, or reserved for the PA State Highway Department.  It is unknown if all state-owned vehicles were registered to the PA State Highway Department.  It is also unknown if there were additional blocks of numbers reserved for automobiles or trucks.

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

from Jeff Hinkle

Image needed

Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

Format 3

from State Museum

Format 4

from Worthpoint

1921 Passenger

Black or dark blue on yellow, serial 2 to over 630-000, legend PENNA and 1921 along bottom flanked by small keystones, 10" plates did not have bottom holes.  Issued in pairs.  Manufactured in PA prison system. 

Format 1, 2 to 999, 6" x 10"

Format 2, 1-000 to 9-999, 6" x 12"

Format 3, 10-000 to 99-999, 6" x 13½"

Format 4, 100-000 to 635-273, 6" x 16"

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

from Worthpoint

Image needed

Format 2

from Pl8source

Format 3

from Securityautoparts

Format 4

from John Willard

1922 Passenger

Brown on cream, serial 2 to over 764-000, legend PENNA and 1922 along bottom flanked by small keystones, 10" plates did not have bottom holes.  Issued in pairs

Format 1, 2 to 999, 6" x 10" (strap slots only, no bolt holes)

Format 2, 1-000 to 9-999, 6" x 12" (strap slots & bolt holes, some plates have the spacing of the strap slots and bolt holes closer to the corners of the plate than others.  It is unknown if this changed occurred part way through production or if slot & hole placement is random.)

Format 3, 10-000 to 99-999, 6" x 13½" (strap slots & bolt holes)

Format 4, 100-000 to 764-797, 6" x 16" (strap slots & bolt holes)

Format 1

1 to 9

Format, 10 - 999

from Tim Gierschick

from Rob Baran

Image needed

Format 2, 1-000

from Rob Baran

top comparison

bottom comparison

from Rob Baran

Format 3

Runkle's Notary

Format 4

from Mike Alfonse

1923 Passenger

Yellow on dark blue, serial 2 to over 985-000, legend PENNA and 1923 along bottom flanked by small keystones, 10" plates did not have bottom holes.  Issued in pairs.

Format 1, 2 to 999, 6" x 10"

Format 2, 1-000 to 9-999, 6" x 12"

Format 3, 10-000 to 99-999, 6" x 13½"

Format 4, 100-000 to 852-394, 6" x 16"

Format 5, 883-073 to 989-997, later dies, 6" x 15"

Many plates with dash separators are above the mid-line, while others are at the mid-line.  There are two different locations for strap slots in the Format 4 and Format 5 plates.  Format 4 plates are are closer to the bolt holes; Format 5 are closer to the corners.

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

unknown source

Image needed 

Format 2

from Eric Tanner

Format 3

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 4

Runkle's Notary

Format 5

from Chuck Sakryd

1924 Passenger

Dark blue on yellow, serial 2 to 1-000-000, then A1 to over A-45000.  Alpha plate formatting is subject to verification.  Legend PENNA and 1924 along bottom flanked by small keystones.  Some plates had strap slots.  This was the final year for slots.  Issued in pairs.

Format 1,  2 to 9999, 6" x 10"

Format 2,  10000 to 99999, 6" x 12", plates have bolt holes & strap slots to between 32350 and 34396, no strap slots on higher plates.

Format 3,  100-000 to 999-999, 6" x 15", plates have bolt holes & strap slots to at least 575-096, no strap slots on higher plates.

Format 4,  1-000-000, 6" x 17¼", not an issued series

Format 5,  A-1 to A-48195, 6" x 15" (all plates believed to be same size)

Sample -   000, 6" x 10", believed to be first year for samples

Format 1, single digit, 10"

Upper right corner area is pre-punched or scribed to allow strap slot

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1

10 to 99

Format 1, 3-digit, 10"

from eBay user V16

from stonewall-gold-mining-company

Image needed  

Format 2, w/ strap slots, 12"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2, w/o strap slots

from Tim Gierschick

Format 3, w/ strap slots, 15"

from Mike Alfonse

Format 3, w/o strap slots

from Pl8source

Format 4, 17¼"

Sweigart Museum

Format 5, 15"

A-1 to A-999

from Vern Kreckel

from Rob Baran

Image(s) needed

Sample

from Jerry McCoy

1924 to 1929 Passenger, alpha-numeric group

1924 was the first year for passenger plates to use an alpha-numeric serial format.  Notice that with each succeeding year, an additional letter was needed to meet the demands of the ever increasing number of passenger vehicles.  Also note that beginning in 1926 letters were smaller than numbers.  It should be noted that the alpha character is the last character to advance.

from Rob Baran

1924 to 1930 Samples

from Jeff Lesher

1925 Passenger

Yellow on dark blue, serial 2 to 999-999, then A1 to over B57-000, legend 1925 and PENNA and along bottom flanked by small keystones.  Alpha characters were the same size as numeric characters.  Issued in pairs.

Format 1, 2 to 999, 6" x 10"

Format 2, 1-000 to 9-999, 6" x 12"

Format 3, 10-000 to 99-999, 6" x 13"

Format 4, 100-000 to 999-999, 6" x 15"

*Format 5, A-1 to B-99, 6" x 10"

*Format 6, A-100 to B-999, 6" x 12"

*Format 7, A1-000 to B9-999, 6" x 13"

*Format 8, A10-000 to B64-987, 6" x 15"

*It should be noted that while Formats 5, 6, 7 and 8 are shown as separate groups, the series progressed as one group with the alpha character being the last character to advance, and the series progressing as A, A-1, etc. to A99-999, then B-1, etc. to B57-475.  The plate size gets longer as the number of characters increases.

Sample - 000, 6" x 10"

Format 1, 2 to 99

from John Willard

via Tim Gierschick

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2

from Drew Steitz

Format 3

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 4

Format 5

A to B-99

Image needed

Format 6

from Worthpoint

Format 7

from Worthpoint

Format 8

Format 8, narrow font

from Tim Gierschick

Sample

from Jeff Lesher

1926 Passenger

Dark blue on yellow, serial 2 to 999-999, then A to over D65-000, legend 1926 and PENNA and along bottom flanked by small keystones.  Issued in pairs.

Format 1, 2 to 999, 6" x 10"

Format 2, 1-000 to 9-999, 6" x 12"

Format 3, 10-000 to 99-999, 6" x 13"

Format 4, 100-000 to 999-999, 6" x 15"

*Format 5, A-1 to C-99, 6" x 10"

*Format 6, A100 to C-999, 6" x 10" w/o dash, & 6" x 12" w/ dash

*Format 7, A1-000 to C9-999, 6" x 13"

*Format 8, A10-000 to C75-422, 6" x 15"

*It should be noted that while Formats 5, 6, 7 and 8 are shown as separate groups, the series progressed as one group with the alpha character being the last character to advance, and the series progressing as A, A-1, etc. to A99-999, then B-1, etc. to C65-060.  The plate size gets longer as the number of characters increases.

Beginning in 1926, alpha characters were smaller than numeric characters.

Sample - 000, 6" x 10"

Format 1

2 to 9

Format 1, Good Roads

from Tim Gierschick

from Mike at Pl8source

Image needed

Format 2

from Mike Alfonse

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 3

from Tim Gierschick

Format 4

Format 5, 10"

John Willard, John Anshant plate

Format 6, 10" w/o dash

Bill Krellner collection

from Vern Kreckel

Format 6, 12", w/ dash

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 7, without a dash

from Worthpoint

Format 7, with a dash

Greg and Peg from Aged2PerfectionStore1 on Ebay

Format 8 alpha-numeric

from Rob Baran

Sample

from Jerry McCoy

1927 Passenger

Yellow on dark blue, serial 2 to 999-999, then A, A1 to over D62-000, legend 1927 and PENNA and along bottom flanked by small keystones.  Issued in pairs.

Format 1, 2 to 9999, 6" x 10"

Format 2, 10-000 to 99-999, 6" x 13"

Format 3, 100-000 to 999-999, 6" x 15"

*Format 4, A-1 to A-99 then A1000 to D999, 6" x 10"

*Format 5, A1-000 to D9-999, 6" x 13"

*Format 6, A10-000 to D62-268, 6" x 15"

*It should be noted that while Formats 4, 5 and 6 are shown as separate groups, the series progressed as one group with the alpha character being the last character to advance, and the series progressing as A-1, A-2, etc. to A99-999, then B-1, etc. to D62-268.  The plate size gets longer as the number of characters increases.

Format 4	Format 5	Format 6
6" x 10"	6" x 13"	6" x 15"
A-1 to D999	A1-000 to D9-999	A10-000 to D62-268

Sample - 000, 6" x 10"

Format 1

2 to 9

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

from Tim Gierschick

from Chuck Sakryd

Image needed

Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

Format 3

from Jim Moini

Format 4

from Clayton Moore

Bill Krellner collection

Format 5

State Museum plate

Format 6

from Rob Baran

Sample

Worthpoint via Eric Tanner

1928 Passenger

Dark blue on yellow, serial 2 to 999-999, then A, A1 to over E24-000, etc., legend PENNA and 1928 along top flanked by small keystones.  Issued in pairs.

Format 1, 2 to 9999, 6" x 10"

Format 2, 10-000 to 99-999, 6" x 13"

Format 3, 100-000 to 999-999, 6" x 15"

*Format 4, A1 to E999, 6" x 10"

*Format 5, A1-000 to E9-999, 6" x 13"

*Format 6, A10-000 to E28-326, 6" x 15"

*It should be noted that while Formats 4, 5 and 6 are shown as separate groups, the series progressed as one group with the alpha character being the last character to advance, and the series progressing as A-1, A-2, etc. to A99-999, then B-1, etc. to E28-326.  The plate size gets longer as the number of characters increases.

The Format 3 blue on silver plate shown below to the right is 6"x 15" and believed to be a test plate, and is made of aluminum.

Sample - 000, 6" x 10"

Format 1

2 to 9

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

from Tim Gierschick

from eBay seller Kope2112

from Tim Gierschick

Image needed

Format 2

from Tim Gierschick

Format 3

from Jim Moini

Format 4

Bill Krellner collection

Format 4

A-10 to E-99

from SteinwayB7

Image needed

Format 5

from Jeopardyboy1

Format 6

from Rob Baran

Sample

from Jeff Francis

from Licenseplatekingcompany

Test

from John Willard

1929 Passenger

Yellow over dark blue, serial 2 to 999-999, then A, A-1 to over F23-000, etc., legend 1929 then PENNA along top border flanked by small keystones.  Issued in pairs.

Format 1, 2 to 9999, 6" x 10"

Format 2, 10-000 to 99-999, 6" x 13"

Format 3, 100-000 to 999-999, 6" x 15"

*Format 4, A-1 to F-99, to F999, 6" x 10"

*Format 5, A1-000 to F9-999, 6" x 13"

*Format 6, A10-000 to F23-960, 6" x 15"

*It should be noted that while Formats 4, 5 and 6 are shown as separate groups, the series progressed as one group with the alpha character being the last character to advance, and the series progressing as A-1, A-2, etc. to A99-999, then B-1, etc. to F23-960.  The plate size gets longer as the number of characters increases.

Sample - 000, 6" x 10"

Format 1

from David Abla

from Clayton Moore

from Tim Gierschick

from Worthpoint

from Bongocruiser2

Format 2

from Worthpoint

Format 3

from Joe Bosche

Format 4, A-0, 10"

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 4, A-00, 10"

from Ned Flynn

Format 4, A000, 10"

from Worthpoint

Format  5

from Clayton Moore

Format  6

from Jim Moini

Sample

from Jeff Lesher

1930 Passenger

Dark blue over yellow, legend 1930 then PENNA along bottom flanked by small keystones.  Issued in pairs.  1 to 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 1 to 99999

Format 2 - A1 to Z9999

Format 3 - 0A to 9Z999

Format 4 - 00A to 99Z99

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z9

Format 6 - 0000A to 9999Z

Format 7 - AA to ZZ999

Format 8 - 0AA to 8CJ55

Sample - 000, 6" x 10"

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1, 2-digit, 10-inch

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1, 3-digit, 10-inch

anonymous

Format 1, 4-digit, 10-inch

from Bongocruiser2

Format 1, 5-digit, 12-inch

from Jim Moini

Image needed 

Format 2, A0, 10-inch

John Willard, John Anshant plate

Format 2, A00, 10-inch

from Worthpoint

Format 2, A000, 10-inch

anonymous

Format 2, A0000, 12-inch

from Joe Bosche

Format 3, 0A, 10-inch

from Worthpoint

Format 3, 0A0, 10-inch

unknown source

Format 3, 0A00, 10-inch

from Pinkocelot

Format 3, 0A000, 12-inch

AACA Museum plate

Format 4, 00A, 10-inch

from Bob Connison

Format 4, 00A0, 10-inch

from Powerfullhammer

Format 4, 00A00, 12-inch

America on Wheels plate

Format 5, 000A, 10-inch

from Worthpoint

Format 5, 000A0, 12-inch

from Shane Oake

Format 6

from ebay user contorakes1234

Format 7, AA, 10-inch

from John Willard

Format 7, AA0, 10-inch

from Bryan Hummel

Format 7, AA00, 10-inch

from John Willard

Format 7, AA000, 12-inch

Format 8

0AA, 10-inch

Format 8

0AA0, 10-inch

Format 8, 0AA00, 12-inch

from Tudor32

Images needed

Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

1931 Passenger

Yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA then 1931 along bottom flanked by small keystones.  Issued in pairs.  1 to 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12".

Several one and two digit plates with unpainted aluminum features over a dark blue background are known to exist.  The #1 and 3 shown here are such plates, also UA pictured below.

Format 1 - 1 to 99999

Format 2 - A1 to Z9999

Format 3 - 0A to 9Z999

Format 4 - 00A to 99Z99

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z9

Format 6 - 0000A to 9999Z

Format 7 - AA to ZZ999

Format 8 - 0AA to 6AH79

Sample - PA00, 6" x 10"

Format 1, 10", aluminum

from Clayton Moore

from John Willard

Format 1, 10", steel

from Tim Gierschick

from Jeff Lesher

from Tim Gierschick

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1, 12"

from Tim Gierschick

Governor's plate or not?  Read the magazine article about this plate.

Format 2, A to Z, 10"

Format 2

A0 to A9

Format 2, A00, 10"

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 2, A000, 10"

America on Wheels plate

Format 2, A0000, 12"

from Joe Bosche

Image needed

Format 3, 0A 10"

from Ed Burr

Format 3, 0A0 10"

from Worthpoint

Format 3, 0A00 10"

from ebay user Donovan1998

Format 3, 0A000, 12"

from ebay user 1bidder

Format 4, 00A, 10"

from Worthpoint

Format 4, 00A0, 10"

alex-kollectibles-antiques

Format 4, 00A00, 12"

from John Kiehl

Image added 6/18

Format 5, 000A, 10"

Runkles Notary

Format 5, 000A0 12"

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 6, 12"

from Jim Moini

Format 7, AA, 10", aluminum

from John Willard

Format 7, AA, 10", steel

from John Willard

Format 7, AA0, 10"

from Bryan Hummel

Format 7, AA00, 10"

from Fred Carlton

Format 7, AA000, 12"

from Kenny Kuhns

Format 8

0AA, 10"

Format 8

1AA0, 10"

Format 8 1AA00. 12"

Bill Krellner collection

Images needed

Sample

from Mike Sells

1932 Passenger

Dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA then 1932 along top flanked by small keystones.  Issued in pairs.  1 to 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 1 to 99999

Format 2 - A1 to Z9999

Format 3 - 0A to 9Z999

Format 4 - 00A to 99Z99

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z9

Format 6 - 0000A to 9999Z

Format 7 - AA to ZZ99, issued first, then AA100 to ZZ999

Format 8 - 0AA to 3BK09

Sample - PA00, 6" x 10"

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1, 2-digit, 10"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1, 3-digit, 10"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1, 4-digit, 10"

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 1, 5-digit, 12"

from Chuck Sakryd

Image needed

Format 2, A, A1, 10"

late Jake Eckenrode collection

via John Anshant

Format 2, A00, 10"

from eBay user kope2112

Format 2, A000, 10"

from eBay user Mintcandy621

Format 2, A0000, 12"

from Bob Connison

Format 3, 0A, 10"

from Jeff Lesher

Format 3, 0A0, 10"

from Pl8source

Format 3, 0A00, 10"

from Worthpoint

Format 3, 0A000, 12"

from ebay user Jpaiewons

Format 4, 00A, 10"

from Paul, eBay user ipl8

Format 4, 00A0, 10"

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 4, 00A00, 12"

from Joe Bosche

Format 5, 000A, 10"

from Worthpoint

Format 5, 000A0, 12"

from Pl8source

Format 6, 12"

from John Willard

Format 7, AA, 10"

from jeopardyboy1

Format 7, AA0, 10"

U.S. Senator?

from John Anshant

Format 7, AA00, 10"

Runkle's Notary

Format 7, AA000, 12"

Format 8

0AA to 3BK9

Format 8 to 3BK09

from Worthpoint

Image(s) needed

Sample

from Mike Sells

1933 Passenger

Yellow over dark blue, legend PENNA then 1933 along top flanked by small keystones.  Issued in pairs.  1 to 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12".  Note some plates had the legend reversed reading 1933 PENNA.

Format 1 - 1 to 99999*

Format 2 - A to Z9999*

Format 3 - 0A to 9Z999*

Format 4 - 00A to 99Z99

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z9

Format 6 - 0000A to 9999Z

Format 7 - AA to ZZ & AA1 to ZZ99

Format 8 - AA100 to ZZ999

Sample - PA00, 6" x 10"

*Some plates have reversed legend.

Format 1, 1-9, 10"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1

10 to 99

Format 1, 100 to 999, 10"

from Worthpoint

Format 1, 1000 to 9999, 10"

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 1, 10000 to 99999, 12"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1, reversed legend

from Tim Gierschick

Image needed 

Format 2

A to Z

Format 2

A0 to A9

Format 2, A00, 10"

late Jake Eckenrode collection

via John Anshant

Format 2, A000, 10"

from eBay user Zekeyman50

Format 2, A0000, 12"

Normal H

from John Willard

Format 2, reversed legend

from Mike Alfonse

reversed legend

normal U

from Worthpoint

reversed legend

low U

from Worthpoint

from Tim Gierschick

Image(s) needed 

Format 3, 0A, 10"

John Willard, John Anshant plate

Format 3, 0A0, 10"

from eBay user rqb507

Format 3, 0A00, 10"

eBay user hildenbrandmilitaria

Format 3, 0A000 12",

reversed legend

from Worthpoint

Format 3, normal legend

from Joe Bosche

Format 4, 10"

from Tom Pollok

from ebay user carstuffstore

Format 4, 12"

from Pl8source

Format 5, 12"

from Glenn Timmons

Inverted H

from Worthpoint

Format 5, 10"

from ebay user Scrane2006

Format 6, 12"

from Dennis Miglicio

Format 7, 10"

1st H inverted

from John Anshant

from Jeff Hinkle

from Worthpoint

Format 8

from licenseplatekingcompany

Sample

from Jeff Hinkle

Test

from John Lemons

1934 Passenger

Dark blue over yellow, legend 1934 then PENNA along bottom flanked by small keystones.  Issued in pairs.  1 to 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12".  Serial number dies were new in 1934.  New serial number dies were used beginning in 1934.

Format 1 - 1 to 9999, 6" x 10" & 10000 to 99999, 6" x 12"

Format 2 - A to Z999, 6" x 10" & A1000 to Z9999, 6" x 12"

Format 3 - 0A to 9Z99, 6" x 10" & 1A000 to 9Z999, 6" x 12"

Format 4 - 00A to 99Z9, 6" x 10" & 10A00 to 99Z99, 6" x 12"

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z, 6" x 10" & 100A0 to 999Z9, 6" x 12"

Format 6 - 0000A to 9999Z, 6" x 12"

Format 7 - AA to ZZ & AA1 to ZZ99, 6" x 10"

Format 8 - AA100 to YL795, 6" x 12"

Sample - PA00, 6" x 10"

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1, 2-digit, 10"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1, 3-digit, 10"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1, 4-digit, 10"

from Bongocruiser2

Format 1, 5-digit, 12"

from  John Anshant

Image needed

Format 2, 10", single letter

from Eric Tanner

Format 2, 10", A0

from Worthpoint

Format 2, 10", A00

from Scott Leitheiser

Format 2, 10", A000

from Graham Ham, West Australia

Format 2, 12", A0000

from Powerfullhammer

Format 3, 10", 0A

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 3, 10", 0A0

from Worthpoint

Format 3, 10", 0A00

from James Andreucci

Format 3, 12", 0A000

Runkle's Notary

Format 4, 10", 00A

from John Willard

Format 4, 10", 00A0

unknown source

Format 4, 12", 00A00

from Joe Bosche

Format 5, 10", 000A

from Worthpoint

Format 5, 12", 100A0

from jeopardyboy1

Format 6

John Willard & John Anshant

Format 7, 10", AA

from John Willard

Format 7, 10", AA1

from Forrest Kauffman

Format 7, 10", AA10

from John Willard

Same format as above

1st H inverted

from Ed Levine

Format 8, 12", AA100

Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

1935 Passenger

Yellow over dark blue, legend 1935 then PENNA along bottom flanked by small keystones.  Issued in pairs.  1 to 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 1 to 9999, 6" x 10" & 10000 to 99999, 6" x 12"

Format 2 - A to Z999, 6" x 10" & A1000 to Z9999, 6" x 12"

Format 3 - 0A to 9Z99, 6" x 10" & 1A000 to 9Z999, 6" x 12"

Format 4 - 00A to 99Z9, 6" x 10" & 10A00 to 99Z99, 6" x 12"

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z, 6" x 10" & 100A0 to 999Z9, 6" x 12"

Format 6 - 0000A to 9999Z, 6" x 12"

Format 7 - AA to ZZ99, 6" x 10" & AA100 to ZZ999, 6" x 12"

Format 8 - 0AA to 9BD99, both sizes

Sample - PA00, 6" x 10"

Format 1

1 to 9

Format 1, 2-digit, 10"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1, 3-digit, 10"

from Josh Vanchure

Format 1, 4-digit, 10"

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 1, 5-digit, 12"

from Yosteveyo

Image needed

 Format 2, 10", A0

 Format 2, 10", A00

from Theoutfittersnd5

Format 2, 10", A000

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2, 12", A0000

America on Wheels

Format 3

0A to 9Z

Format 3, 10", 0A0

from Worthpoint

Format 3, 10", 0A00

from Worthpoint

Format 3, 12", 0A000

Runkles Notary

Image needed

Format 4, 10", 00A

from eBay user Ykessa

Format 4, 10", 00A0

from Joe Bosche

Format 4, 12", 00A00

from Jim Moini

Format 5, 10", 000A

from John Willard

Format 5, 12", 000A0

from Stephen, ebay user ohghcllc

Format 6, 12", 0000A

from ebay user 1982boova

Format 7, 10", AA

John Willard/John Anshant plate

Format 7, 10", AA1

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 7, 10", AA00

from Ed Levine

Format 7, 12", AA000

From Jeff Hinkle

Format 8, 10", 0AA0

Boyertown Auto Museum

Format 8, 12", 0AA00

from Powerfullhammer

Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

1936 Passenger

Dark blue over yellow, legend 1936 then PENNA along top flanked by small keystones.  Issued in pairs.  4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 -  21001 to 99999, 6" x 12" Note: a block of plates in the 31000 range was reserved and marked as OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

Format 2 - A100 to Z9999, 6" x 10" & 6" x 12"

Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999, 6" x 10" & 6" x 12"

Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99, 6" x 10" & 6" x 12"

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z, 6" x 10"

Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9, 6" x 12"

Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z, 6" x 12"

Format 8 - AA10 to ZZ999, 6" x 10" & 6" x 12"

Format 9 - 1AA0 to 9ZZ99, 6" x 10" & 6" x 12"

Sample - PA00, 6" x 10"

Format 1, 12", 21001

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2, 10", A100

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 2, 12", A1000

Boyertown Auto Museum

Format 3, 10", 1A00

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 3, 12", 1A000

from Jim Moini

Format 4, 10", 10A0

from Pinkocelot

Format 4, 12", 10A00

Runkles Notary

Format 5, 10", 100A

from Worthpoint

Format 6, 12", 100A0

from James Andreucci

Format 7, 12", 1000A

America on Wheels

Format 8, 10", AA10

from Jeff Francis

Format 8, 12", AA100

Format 9, 10", 1AA0

from eBay user Bgibso29

Format 9, 12", 1AA00

from Worthpoint

Sample

from Paul Bagnarol