PA PLATES PASSENGER 2, 1937 TO PRESENT

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Plate types have been linked to various pages

ADP - Advertising Device Permit Dept of Highways
Motorcycle
Special Organization

Amateur Radio

Emergency Vehicle

Motorcycle Dealer

State Officials & Dignitaries

Apportioned (Truck)

Farm Truck
Motor Vehicle Business
State Representative

Apportioned (Bus)

Fire Department

Municipal
State Senator

ATV Dealer
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Municipal Motorcycle

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Auto Manufacturer

Foreign Consul (Includes Consular)

National Guard

Suburban

Auto Wheel
Governor

Official Use

Superior Court

Boat Dock Permit

Handicapped Person / Person w/ Disability

Omnibus (OB prefix)

Supreme Court

Bus (BA & O prefix) (also see Omnibus)

Hearing Impaired

Passenger Hist. 1 (Pre-state to 1936)

Taxi

Bus-Omnibus (H prefix)

House Car / Motor Home
Passenger Hist. 2 (1937 to present)
Temporary

Cabinet

Implement of Husbandry

Permanent Trailer

Tractor

Circus Carnival Truck

Judiciary

Person w/ Disability Motorcycle

Tractor Dealer

Civil Defense

Legislative

Press Photographer

Trailer

Combat Wounded Veteran (Purple Heart)

Limousine

Purple Heart (see Combat Wounded Veteran)

Trailer Dealer

Commercial Implement of Husbandry

Lincoln University (Official)

Repair / Service Towing

Transporter

Commercial Motorcycle

Liquid Fuels Permit

Repossessor

Truck

Commonwealth Court

Mass Transit

Salvage Yard

University of Pittsburgh (Official)

Consular (see Foreign Consul)

Moped

School Bus
U.S. Congress

Dealer

Moped Dealer
School Vehicle U.S. Senate

Dealer-Farm Equipment
Motorbike Snowmobile Dealer Validation Stickers

Dealer-Multi Purpose
Motorboat Special Event Watercraft Trailer/Dealer

Dept of Forests & Waters Motorboat Dealer Special Mobile (Equipment)

Passenger plate lookup by year —>

PASSENGER PLATE HISTORY PAGE 2 - 1937 to present

Plates from Pre-state to 1936 are on Passenger History Page 1

1937 Passenger
Yellow over dark blue, state map outline added, legend 1937 then PENNA along top, legend not flanked by small keystones; however, a small run of plates was produced where the legend was flanked by keystones. Issued in pairs. 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 10000 to 99999, 6" x 12" Note: a block of plates in the 31000 range was reserved and marked as OFFICIAL. 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 4PV52, 6" x 10" & 6" x 12", except 9A below Format 9A - legend with flanking keystones, 9MG55 ~~3MK01~~ to 2PB08, 6" x 12". Data updated 4/30/23. Sample - PA00, 6" x 10"	Format 1 from Worthpoint
	Format 2, 10" from John Wiillard Format 2, 12"
	Format 3, 10" from Worthpoint Format 3, 12" YOM plate
	Format 4, 10" from Tim Gierschick Format 4, 12"
	Format 5, 10" unknown
	Format 6 from Pl8source
	Format 7 from Pinkocelot
	Format 8, 10" from Alpca 754 Neale Format 8, 12" from Frank and Ryan Vonderhey
	Format 9, 10" from Worthpoint Format 9, 12" from MG00000
	Format 9A with keystones from Tim Gierschick
	Sample John Willard & John Anshant

1938 Passenger
Dark blue over yellow, state map outline, legend 1938 then PENNA along top. Issued in pairs. 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 10001 to 99999, 6" x 12" Note: a block of plates in the 32000 range was reserved and marked as OFFICIAL. 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 Bill Krellner collection
	Format 2, 10" from Worthpoint Format 2, 12"
	Format 3, 10" Format 3, 12" from Joe Bosche
	Format 4, 10" Format 4, 12" from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 5, 10" from Worthpoint
	Format 6 Runkles Notary
	Format 7 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 8, 10" unknown Format 8, 12" Boyertown Auto Museum
	Format 9, 10" John Willard & John Anshant Format 9, 12" from Pl8source
	Sample from Paul Bagnarol

1939 Passenger

Yellow over dark blue, state map outline, legend 1939 then PENNA along top. Issued in pairs. 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 10001 to 99999, 6" x 12"

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

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2, 10"

from eBay user ALPCA3217

Format 2, 12"

from eBay user Bonner397

Format 3, 10"

from Powerfullhammer

Format 3, 12"

from Bill Ceravola

Format 4, 10"

from 3540markb

Format 4, 12"

from eBay user wonderplumber

Format 5, 10"

from Worthpoint

Format 6

Runkles Notary

Format 7

from ebay user avintagefind

Format 8, 10"

from Mintcandy621

Format 8, 12"

Format 9, 10"

Anonymous

Format 9, 12"

from Jerry's Classic Cars

Sample

from Eric Tanner

1940 Passenger
Dark blue over yellow, state map outline, legend 1940 then PENNA along top. Issued in pairs. 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12". Format 1 - 10001 to 99999, 6" x 12" 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 - AA100 to ZZ999, 6" x 12" Format 9 - 1AA00 to 9ZZ99, 6" x 12" Format 10 - 10AA0 to 99ZZ9, 6" x 12" Sample - PA00, 6" x 10"	Format 1 from Tim Gierschick
	Format 2 from eBay user wonderplumber from MG00000
	Format 3, 10" from Chuck Sakryd Format 3, 12" Runkle's Notary
	Format 4, 10" from timelesscollections Format 4, 12"
	Format 5 from Eric Tanner
	Format 6 America on Wheels
	Format 7 from Bob Griffen
	Format 8
	Format 9 from Frank and Ryan Vonderhey
	Format 10 from Bruce Bufalini
	Sample from Eric Tanner

1941 Passenger

Yellow over dark blue, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-42 in top map border, legend 1941 then PENNA along top. Issued in pairs. 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 10001 to 99999, 6" x 12"

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 - AA100 to ZZ999, 6" x 12"

Format 9 - 1AA00 to 9ZZ99, 6" x 12"

Format 10 - 10AA0 to 99ZZ9, 6" x 12"

Sample - PA00, 6" x 10"

Format 1, 12", 10001

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2

A100 to Z999

This series unconfirmed

Format 2, 12", A1000

America on Wheels

Image needed

Format 3, 10", 1A00

from eBay user Stationstuff

Format 3, 12", 1A000

Runkle's Notary

Format 4, 10", 10A0

from Worthpoint

Format 4, 12", 10A00

from eBay user Nekollena

Format 5, 10", 000A

from Worthpoint

Format 6, 12" 000A0

from Aimee Senott

Format 7, 12" 0000A

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 8, 12" AA100

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 9, 12" 1AA00

Format 10, 12" 10AA0

unknown source

Sample, 10"

from Jeff Hinkle

1942 Passenger

Dark blue over yellow, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-43 (or EXP without the period) in top map border, legend 1942 then PENNA along top. Issued in pairs. 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 10001 to 99999, 6" x 12"

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 - AA100 to ZZ999, 6" x 12"

Format 9 - 1AA00 to 9ZZ99, 6" x 12"

Format 10 - 10AA0 to 99ZZ9, 6" x 12"

Sample - PA00, 6" x 10"

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2

A100 to Z999

This series unconfirmed

Format 2, 12", A1000

Boyertown Auto Museum

Image needed

Format 3, 12"

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 3, 10"

from eBay user tjm70

Format 4, 12"

from eBay user oldiesmuseum

Format 4, 10"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 5

eBay user nickelsndiamonds1013

Format 6

from Lizsaysboo

Format 7

from 1982boova

Format 8

from Joe Bosche

Format 9

State Museum

Format 10 w/ 43 tab

from Aimee Senott

Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

1943 Passenger

These tabs were issued in lieu of regular plates to save steel during the war years and were to be bolted over top of 1942 plates. The plates measured 1⅞ by 2⅛, were made of steel, painted red, had 43 painted black and embossed with the 4 and the 3 to the left and right of the bolt hole. Below the 43 was the expiration date of 3-31-44 , below that etched into the tab was a serial number of up to 6 digits or an alpha character and up to 5 digits.

from John Walters

from Tim Gierschick

Looks like a 1943 Passenger Sample based on the expiration date of 3-31-44, but in place of the expected 1944 and PENNA legend, the word VICTORY appears. This image is thanks to Jeff Lesher who explains that this plate is actually printed onto cardboard, likely 3/16” thick and fully embossed. Jeff explains that as rumor has it, and this goes back 40 plus years, there were a few full size 1943 plates made for individuals that qualified to purchase a “new to them” first car in 1943. Jeff only ever saw one - in a collection in Kutztown likely 45 - 50 years ago and it was yellow - but he never held it so can’t say if it was cardboard or metal. This plate originally came out of Don Merrill’s collection.

from Jeff Lesher

1944 Passenger

Yellow over dark blue, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-45 in top map border, legend 1944 then PENNA along top. Issued as singles. 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1 - 1001 to 99999, 6" x 10" & 6" x 11"

Format 2 - A100 to Z9999, 6" x 10" & 6" x 11"

Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999, 6" x 10" & 6" x 11"

Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99, 6" x 10" & 6" x 11"

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

Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9, 6" x 11"

Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z, 6" x 11"

Format 8 - AA10 to ZZ999, 6" x 10" & 6" x 11"

Format 9 - 1AA0 to 1AA99, then 2AA0 to 2AA99, to 4NB8, 6" x 10" & 6" x 11"

Sample - PA00, 6" x 10"

Format 1, 10"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1, 11"

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2, 11"

Runkle's Notary

Format 2, 10"

eBay user Fabboss7

Format 3, 10"

from Steve Ondik

Format 3, 11"

from eBay user Respect-History

Format 4, 10"

from Pl8source

Format 4, 11"

from MG00000

Format 5, 10"

from bantamjeep1116

Format 6, 11"

from Don

Format 7, 11"

from Barklywheat

Format 8, 10"

from John Willard

Format 8, 11"

unknown

Format 9, 10"

Format 9, 11"

from Bestplates

Sample

none known

1945 Passenger

Dark blue over yellow, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-46 in top map border, legend 1945 then PENNA along top. Issued as singles. All plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1 - 1001 to 99999

Format 2 - A100 to Z9999

Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999

Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9

Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z

Format 8 - AA10 to ZZ999

Format 9 - 1AA00 to 9ZZ99

Sample - PA00, 6" x 11"

Format 1, 4 characters

from Tim Gierschick

Format 1, 5 characters

from Jeopardyboy1

Format 2, 4 characters

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2, 5 characters

from Aimee Senott

Format 3, 4 characters

from Peter Clericuzio

Format 3, 5 characters

from Charles Gilbert

Format 4, 4 characters

from Worthpoint

Format 4, 5 characters

from Bob Griffen

Format 5, 4 characters

from Worthpoint

Format 6

America on Wheels / Kyle Gross

Format 7

from Runkles Notary

Format 8

AA10 to ZZ99

This series unconfirmed

Format 8, 5 characters

from Chuck Sakryd

Image needed

Format 9

credit Alex Zalkin

Sample

from Bob Connison

1946 Passenger
Yellow over dark blue, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-47 in top map border, legend 1946 then PENNA along top. Issued as singles. All plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 1001 to 99999 Format 2 - A100 to Z9999 Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999 Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9 Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z Format 8 - AA100 to ZZ999 Format 9 - 1AA00 to 9ZZ99 Format 10 - 10AA0 to 47DB0 Sample - PA00, 6" x 11"	Format 1, 4 characters from John Willard Format 1, 5 characters from John Willard & John Anshant
	Format 2, 4 characters from Worthpoint Format 2, 5 characters America on Wheels / Kyle Gross
	Format 3, 5 characters Format 3, 4 characters from Fruitie1
	Format 4, 5 characters from Don Format 4, 4 characters from shesellsplates1
	Format 5, 4 characters from jeopardyboy1
	Format 6, 5 characters from Ray Liller
	Format 7, 5 characters from Worthpoint
	Format 8, 5 characters from Pl8source
	Format 9, 5 characters unknown
	Format 10, 5 characters from eBay user Dimaulo123
	Sample from Paul Bagnarol

1947 Passenger

Dark blue over yellow, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-48 in top map border, legend 1947 then PENNA along top. Issued in pairs. All plates measure 6" x 11".

Format 1 - 1001 to 99999

Format 2 - A100 to Z9999

Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999

Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9

Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z

Format 8 - AA100 to ZZ999

Format 9 - 1AA00 to 9ZZ99

Format 10 - 10AA0 to 99ZZ9

Sample - PA00, 6" x 11"

Format 1

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2

from Carstuffstore

from ebay user Bigspike5100

Format 3

from Tumbleweedtoys

Format 3

from Don

Format 4, 10A0

from Worthpoint

Format 4, 10A00

from Steve Ondik

Format 5

from Jeopardyboy1

Format 6

from ebay user Southernstylenc

Format 7

from Arthur Levine

Format 8

America on Wheels / Kyle Gross

Format 9

from Tim Gierschick

Format 10

from Aimee Senott

Sample

from Paul Bagnarol

1948 Passenger
Yellow over dark blue, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-49 in top map border, legend 1948 then PENNA along top. Issued in pairs. All plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 1001 to 99999 Format 2 - A100 to Z9999 Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999 Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9 Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z Format 8 - AA100 to ZZ999 Format 9 - 1AA00 to 9ZZ99 Format 10 - 10AA0 to 44ZP6 Sample - PA00, 6" x 11"	Format 1, 4-character from Eric Tanner Format 1, 5-character from Sarge / Klassy Karz
	Format 2, 4-character from Pl8source Format 2, 5-character from Eddspl8s
	Format 3, 4-character from ebay user Aged2perfectionstore1 Format 3, 5-character from Steve Ondik
	Format 4, 5-character from Sarge / Klassy Karz Format 4, 4-character from eBay seller securityautoparts
	Format 5 pair ebay user atomicamericana
	Format 6
	Format 7
	Format 8 from Runkles Notary
	Format 9 from Bob Griffen
	Format 10 from eBay user Acadia 1671 via Eric Tanner
	Sample Worthpoint via Eric Tanner

1949 Passenger
Dark blue over yellow, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-50 in top map border, legend 1949 then PENNA along top. Issued in pairs. All plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 1001 to 99999 Format 2 - A100 to Z9999 Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999 Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9 Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z Format 8 - AA10 to ZZ999 Format 9 - 1AA0 to 9ZZ99 Format 10 - 10AA0 to 99ZZ9 Format 11 - 000AA to 999ZZ Sample - PA00, 6" x 11"	Format 1, 4-character from Tim Gierschick Format 1, 5-character State Museum
	Format 2, 4-character from Steve Ondik Format 2, 5-character from Aimee Senott
	Format 3, 4-character, 1A00 from Worthpoint Format 3, 5-character 1A000 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 4, 4-character, 10A0 from Worthpoint Format 4, 5-character, 10A00 from Don
	Format 5 from Pinkocelot
	Format 6
	Format 7 from Shane Oake
	Format 8, 4-character Format 8, 5-character America on Wheels / Kyle Gross
	Format 9, 5-character from eBay user Mikym4 Format 9, 4-character from jeopardyboy1
	Format 10 from Runkles Notary
	Format 11 from eBay user x1fstsolx
	Sample from Paul Bagnarol

1950 Passenger
Yellow over dark blue, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-51 in top map border, legend 1950 then PENNA along top. Issued in pairs. All plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 1001 to 99999 Format 2 - A100 to Z9999 Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999 Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9 Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z Format 8 - AA10 to ZZ999 Format 9 - 1AA0 to 9ZZ99 Format 10 - 10AA0 to 99ZZ9 Format 11 - 000AA to 999ZZ Sample - PA00, 6" x 11"	Format 1, 4-character from Tim Gierschick Format 1, 5-character from Tim Gierschick
	Format 2, 4-character from eBay user Sisk46 Format 2, 5-character from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 3, 4-character from Worthpoint Format 3, 5-character
	Format 4, 4-character eBay user jeopardyboy1 Format 4, 5-character from Don
	Format 5 America on Wheels / Kyle Gross
	Format 6 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 7 from Steve Ondik
	Format 8, 4-character from Michael Wiener Format 8, 5-character Boyertown Auto Museum
	Format 9, 4-character from Aimee Senott Format 9, 5-character from Steve Ondik
	Format 10 from Steve Ondik
	Format 11 from Runkles Notary
	Sample from Devan Ciemiewicz

1951 Passenger
Dark blue over yellow, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-52 in top map border, legend 1951 then PENNA along top. Issued in pairs. All plates measure 6" x 11". Format 1 - 1001 to 99999 Format 2 - A100 to Z9999 Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999 Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9 Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z Format 8 - AA10 to ZZ999 Format 9 - 1AA0 to 9ZZ99 Format 10 - 00AA to 99ZZ Format 11 - 00AA0 to 99ZZ9 Format 12 - 000AA to 999ZZ Format 13 - D000A to P999Z Sample - PA00, 6" x 11"	Format 1, 4-character from Jeff Lesher Format 1, 5-character from Steve Ondik
	Format 2, 4-character from Carstuffstore Format 2, 5-character from Steve Ondik
	Format 3, 4-character from Peter Clericuzio Format 3, 5-character from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 4, 4-character from Scott Filis Format 4, 5-character from Don
	Format 5 from Sarge / Klassy Karz
	Format 6 from Ricksbestbuybooks
	Format 7 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 8, 4-character from Sarge / Klassy Karz Format 8, 5-character from Steve Ondik
	Format 9, 4-character from hpr4661 Format 9, 5-character
	Format 10 00AA to 99ZZ	Image needed
	Format 11 from ebay user avintagefind
	Format 12 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 13 from Ed Burr
	Sample from Neil Breinig

1952 Passenger
Yellow over dark blue, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-53 in top map border, legend 1952 then PENNA along top. Issued as singles. Early and mid-year plates measured 6" x 11", later plates were 6" x 10¼". Format 1 - 1001 to 99999, 6" x 11" Format 2 - A100 to Z9999, 6" x 11" Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999, 6" x 11" Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99, 6" x 11" Format 5 - 000A to 999Z, 6" x 11" Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9, 6" x 11" Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z, 6" x 11" Format 8 - AA10 to ZZ999, 6" x 11" Format 9 - 1AA0 to 9ZZ99, 6" x 11" Format 10 - 00AA to 99ZZ, 6" x 10¼" Format 11 - 00AA0 to 99ZZ9, 6" x 10¼" Format 12 - 000AA to 999ZZ, 6" x 10¼" Format 13 - D000A to N192B, 6" x 10¼" Sample - PA00, 6" x 11" & PA000, 6" x 10¼"	Format 1, 4-digit from Jeff Lesher from Steve Ondik
	Format 2, 4-digit from Chuck Sakryd Format 2, 5-digit from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 3, 5-digit from Chuck Sakryd Format 3, 4-digit from eBay user Life-after-work2
	Format 4, 4-character from Pl8source Format 4, 5-character from Shane Oake
	Format 5 America on Wheels
	Format 6 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 7 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 8, 4-digit from Platedog Format 8, 5-digit America on Wheels
	Format 9, 4-digit from Steve Ondik Format 9, 5-digit Runkle's Notary
	Format 10 00AA to 99ZZ	Image needed
	Format 11, 10¼" from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 12, 10¼" from Drew Steitz
	Format 13, 10¼" from Eric Tanner
	Sample, 11" from John Willard Sample, 10¼" from Worthpoint

1953 Passenger
Dark blue over yellow, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-54 in top map border, legend 1953 then PENNA along top. Issued as singles. All plates measure 6" x 10¼". Format 1 - 1001 to 99999 Format 2 - A100 to Z9999 Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999 Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z (issued simultaneously with Format 6) Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9 Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z Format 8 - AA10 to ZZ999 Format 9 - 1AA0 to 9ZZ99 Format 10 - 00AA to 99ZZ (issued simultaneously with Format 11) Format 11 - 00AA0 to 99ZZ9 Format 12 - 000AA to 999ZZ Format 13 - D000A to P999Z Format 14 - D00A0 to D88B0 (added 2/28/2021) Format 15 - (Renumbered from Format 14) - Plates with fewer than 4 characters, non-standard issue, 000, A00, 0A0, 00A, AA0, 0AA, A0A Sample - PA00 and PA000	Format 1, 4-character 1001 to 9999 from Jeff Lesher Format 1, 5-character 10000 to 99999 from Ed Burr
	Format 2, 4-character A100 to Z999 Runkle's Notary Format 2, 5-character A1000 to Z9999
	Format 3, 4-character 1A00 to 9Z99 from Kettering Enterprises Format 3, 5-character 1A000 to 9Z999 from Steve Ondik
	Format 4, 4-character 10A0 to 99Z9 from eBay user ALPCA3217 Format 4, 5-character 10A00 to 99Z99 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 5, 000A to 999Z from Jeopardyboy1
	Format 6, 000A0 to 999Z9 from Steven Filipowski
	Format 7, 0000A to 9999Z from eBay user ricksbestbuybooks
	Format 8, 4-character AA10 to ZZ99 from John Willard Format 8, 5-character AA100 to ZZ999 from Jeff Hinkle
	Format 9, 4 characters 1AA0 to 9ZZ9 from Pl8source Format 9, 5 characters 1AA00 to 9ZZ99 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 10, 00AA to 99ZZ from eBay user hpr4661
	Format 11, 00AA0 to 99ZZ9 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 12, 000AA to 999ZZ from Lori Wakefield
	Format 13, D000A to P999Z from Mike Alfonse
	Format 14, D00A0 to D88B0 from eBay user wjtpa
	Format 15, 000 from Ed Burr 0A0 from Ed Burr 00A from Ed Burr AA0 from Ed Burr 0AA from Ed Burr
	Sample from Jeff Hinkle from platedog

1954 Passenger
Yellow over dark blue, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-55 in top map border, legend 1954 then PENNA along top. Issued as singles. Plates were 6" x 10¼". Format 1 - 1001 to 99999 Format 2 - A100 to Z9999 Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999 Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9 Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z Format 8 - AA10 to ZZ999 Format 9 - 1AA0 to 9ZZ99 Format 10 - 00AA to 99ZZ Format 11 - 00AA0 to 99ZZ9 Format 12 - 000AA to 999ZZ Format 13 - D000A to P999Z Format 14 - D00A0 to M51B7 Format 15 - Plates with fewer than 4 characters, non-standard issue, 000, A00, 0A0, 00A, AA0, 0AA, A0A Sample - PA00 and PA000	Format 1, 4-character from Jeff Lesher Format 1, 5-character from Tim Gierschick
	Format 2, 4-character from Worthpoint Format 2, 5-character from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 3, 4-character from eBay user jbirds1971 Format 3, 5-character from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 4, 4-character from Licenseplatekingcompany Format 4, 5-character from Steve Ondik
	Format 5 from Shane Oake
	Format 6 from Collis Truck Parts
	Format 7 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 8, 4-character from Aimee Senott Format 8, 5-character America on Wheels
	Format 9, 4-character from John Willard Format 9, 5-character from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 10 from Worthpoint
	Format 11 from Tim Gierschick
	Format 12 unknown
	Format 13 from eBay seller Eblaze
	Format 14 from Michael Vislocky Runkles Notary
	Format 15 from Jeff Lesher from Ed Burr from Ned Flynn from Jonathan Ortmann
	Sample from Chuck Sakryd

1955 Passenger
Dark blue over yellow, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-56 in top map border, legend 1955 then PENNA along top. Issued as singles. All plates measure 6" x 10¼". Format 1 - 1001 to 99999 Format 2 - A100 to Z9999 Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999 Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99 Format 5 - 000A to 999Z Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9 Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z Format 8 - AA10 to ZZ999 Format 9 - 1AA0 to 9ZZ99 Format 10 - 00AA to 99ZZ Format 11 - 00AA0 to 99ZZ9 Format 12 - 000AA to 999ZZ Format 13 - D000A to P999Z Format 14 - D00A0 to P99Z9 Format 15 - D0A00 to P9Z99 Format 16 - Plates with fewer than 4 characters, non-standard issue, 000, A00, 0A0, 00A, AA0, 0AA, A0A Sample - PA00 and PA000	Format 1, 4 characters from Jeff Lesher Format 1, 5 characters from Tim Gierschick
	Format 2, 4 characters from Peter Clericuzio Format 2, 5 characters from Aimee Senott
	Format 3, 4 characters from Steve Ondik Format 3, 5 characters from Worthpoint
	Format 4, 4 characters Runkles Notary Format 4, 5 characters
	Format 5 from Worthpoint
	Format 6 from Steve Ondik
	Format 7 from Pl8source
	Format 8, 4-character from Eric Conner & R Nixon Format 8, 5-character from Don
	Format 9, 4-character from Worthpoint Format 9, 5-character America on Wheels
	Format 10 from Samakimpata
	Format 11 AACA Museum
	Format 12 from Steve Ondik
	Format 13 YOM plate
	Format 14 Car show plate
	Format 15 YOM plate
	Format 16 from Tim Gierschick from Jerry's Classic Cars from Worthpoint from Jeff Hinkle from Worthpoint from Ed Burr
	Sample from Devan Ciemiewicz from Felix1

1956 Passenger

Yellow over dark blue, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-57 in top map border, legend 1956 then PENNA along top. Letters I, O, Q, T, W and X were not used, however, late in the production year T and W were used in several serial progressions, which also used the thinner 1957 dies. Plates utilizing the thinner dies also used a base where the map borders were thinner and indented for the lower holes. Plates issued as singles. Plates were now standardized at 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 1001 to 99999

Format 2 - A100 to Z9999

Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999

Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9

Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z

Format 8 - AA10 to ZZ999

Format 8A - AT10 to ZW999 w/ '57 dies*, only T & W in 2^nd position

Format 9 - 1AA0 to 9ZZ99

Format 9A - 1AW0 to 8MW81 w/ '57 dies*, only W as 2^nd letter

Format 10 - 00AA to 99ZZ

Format 11 - 00AA0 to 99ZZ9

Format 12 - 000AA to 999ZZ

Format 13 - D000A to P999Z

Format 14 - D00A0 to P99Z9

Format 15 - D0A00 to J2R93

Format 15A - K6C16 to P9Z99 w/ '57 dies*

Format 16 - Plates with fewer than 4 characters, non-standard issue, 000, A00, 0A0, 00A, AA0, 0AA, A0A

Sample - PA000

*These were 1957 - 5 character dies. This is because later in 1957 there were also 6 - character dies.

Format 1, 4-digit

from Worthpoint

Format 1, 5-digit

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2, 4-digit

from Sarge / Klassy Karz

Format 2, 5-digit

from Powerfullhammer

Format 3, 4-character

from Worthpoint

Format 3, 5-character

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 4, 4-character

from Worthpoint

Format 4, 5-character

from Aimee Senott

Format 5

from Ned Flynn

Format 6

avintagefind

Format 7

from Drew Steitz

Format 8, 4-character

from Tim Gierschick

Format 8, 5-character

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 8A, '57 5-character dies

from Clayton Moore

Dana Amspacher plate

photo by Clayton Moore

Format 9, 4-character

from Worthpoint

Format 9, 5-character

from Steve Ondik

Format 9A

'57 5-character dies

1AW0 to 8MW81

Image needed

Format 10

from Worthpoint

Format 11

Runkle's Notary

Format 12

from Steve Ondik

Format 13

from Pl8source

Format 14

from Pl8source

Format 15

from Aimee Senott

Format 15A, '57 5-character dies

K6C16 to P9Z99

from Ned Flynn

Format 16

from Jeff Lesher

Sample

from Chuck Sakryd

Paint shop test

from Devan Ciemiewicz

1957 Passenger

Dark blue over yellow, state map outline with EXP. 3-31-58 in top map border, legend 1957 then PENNA along top. Thinner dies were used later in the year to accommodate 6 characters, and the width of the left and right-hand borders were altered to accommodate 6 characters. Issued as singles. All plates measure 6" x 12".

Format 1 - 1001 to 99999

Format 2 - A100 to Z9999

Format 3 - 1A00 to 9Z999

Format 4 - 10A0 to 99Z99

Format 5 - 000A to 999Z

Format 6 - 000A0 to 999Z9

Format 7 - 0000A to 9999Z

Format 8 - AA10 to ZZ999

Format 9 - 1AA0 to 9ZZ99

Format 10 - 00AA to 99ZZ

Format 11 - 00AA0 to 99ZZ9

Format 12 - 000AA to 999ZZ

Format 13 - 100000 to 795799 (6 character, '57 dies)

Format 14 - 802945 to 883083 (6 character, '58 dies)

Format 15 - Plates with fewer than 4 characters, non-standard issue

Sample - PA000

Dies used on 1957 Passenger Plates

1957 5-character dies

1957 6-character dies

Note the 3 has a flat top

1957 6-character dies

Note the 5 does not curl up at the bottom

1958 6-character dies

Note the 5 does curl up at the bottom

1958 6-character dies

Note the 3 has a rounded top

Format 1, 4-digit

from Bob Connison

Format 1, 5-digit

from Tim Gierschick

Format 2, 4-character

from Steve Ondik

Format 2, 5-character

from Lori Wakefield

Format 3, 4-character

Format 3, 5-character

from Peter Clericuzio

Format 4, 4-character

from Worthpoint

Format 4, 5-character

from Pl8source

Format 5

America on Wheels

Format 6

from ebay user SecurityAutoParts

Format 7

from Pl8source

Format 8, 4-character

from John Willard & John Anshant

Format 8, 5-character

AACA Museum

Format 9, 4-character

John Willard & John Anshant

Format 9, 5-character

Format 10

from Worthpoint

Format 11

from Pl8source

Format 12

Runkle's Notary

Format 13, 1957 6-character dies

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 14, 1958 dies

from Corb Moister via Eric Tanner

Format 15

from Jeff Lesher

Sample

1958 - 1964 Passenger
Yellow on dark blue, map outline, PA embossed across top center, then tab slot on early plates, then 58 embossed upper right, small embossed keystone separator in center of plate between the third and fourth characters of 6 character plates, plate valid without sticker until '59. There were variations on the reverse color. A few plate were steel instead of aluminum. Certain letters were not used. Format 1 - 100-000 to 999-999 Format 2 - A00-000 to Z99-999 Format 3 - 000-00A to 999-99Z Format 4 - 0A0-000 to 9H9-999 Reserve issue below. A series of 4 and 5 character plates were also issued without the keystone separator - Format 5 - 1001 to 99999 Format 6 - A000 to Z9999 Format 7 - 000A to 9999Z Format 8 - AA00 to ZZ999 Format 9 - 00AA to 999ZZ SAMPLE - PA0-000	Format 1, w/ slot Drew Steitz plate
	Format 2, w/ slot Drew Steitz plate
	Format 3, w/o slot
	Format 4, w/o slot from Steve Ondik
	Format 5, 4 digit, w/ slot from Jeff Lesher Format 5, 5 digit, w/ slot from Steve Ondik
	Format 6, 4 digit, w/ slot Format 6, 5 digit, w/ slot from Steve Ondik
	Format 7, 4 character, w/ slot America on Wheels Format 7, 5 character, w/ slot Runkle's Notary
	Format 8, 4 character, w/ slot from Jeff Hinkle Format 8, 5 character, w/ slot America on Wheels
	Format 9, 4 character, w/ slot Format 9, 5 character, w/ slot from Steve Ondik
	Sample from Steve Ondik

1965 - 1970 Passenger

Dark blue on yellow, map outline, PENNSYLVANIA embossed across top, embossed keystone separator in center of plate between left and right grouping of characters, undated in '65 then later plates issued and revalidated with stickers.

Format 1 - 100-000 to 999-999

Format 2 - A00-000 to Z99-999

Format 3 - 000-00A to 999-99Z

Format 4 - 0A0-000 to 9Z9-999

Format 5 - 00A-000 to 00U-000

Format 6 - Vehicle code permitted FCC radio & TV call sign. This is not the same as Amateur Radio plates.

Format 7 - Special registration plate / additional fee, 1000 - 99999, A10 - Z9999, AA1 - ZZ999, AAA1 - ZZZ99, 10A - 999Z, 1AA - 999ZZ, 1AAA - 99ZZZ, with or without keystone separator.

Format 8 - Plates from 2 to 999 were reserved for the Lt. Governor (2), cabinet members (3-23), state officials and dignitaries (24-999).

Sample - SAM-PLE

Prototype - PA 00

Format 1

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 2

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 3

from Steve Ondik

Format 4

from Shawn

Format 5

from Steve Ondik

Format 6 FCC radio call sign

from Jerry McCoy

Format 7, special registration plate

from Jerry McCoy

from Eric Tanner

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 8, Lt. Governor

from Chuck Harrington

Format 8, cabinet level

from Jeff Hinkle

Format 8, state officials/dignitaries

from Tim Gierschick

from Jeff Hinkle

Sample

Prototype

from Jeff Hinkle

1970 Interim plate

This is a very unusual passenger plate. It is believed to be an 'interim' plate used when the blue on yellow '65 plate stock had run out before the new '71 base could be used, which at the time was March 15. Note the use of a '70 sticker and note this interim plate is on the non-passenger base. The plate is apparently owned by another ALPCA member who provided the image to Ned Flynn.

The number series comes from the Format 1 series above, possible using some unused or dead tag numbers.

1970 Interim plate

from Ned Flynn

1971 - 1976 Passenger
Yellow on dark blue, PENNSYLVANIA embossed across top, BICENTENNIAL STATE '76 embossed across bottom, sticker wells upper left and right corners, embossed symbol of Liberty Bell in center of plate between left and right grouping of characters. Early plates had 71 etched in left sticker will. Format 1 - 100-000 to 999-999 Format 2 - A00-000 to Z99-999* Format 3 - 000-00A to 999-99Z* Format 4 - 0A0-000 to 9Z9-999* Format 5 - 00A-000 to 00Z-000 Format 6 - 000-A00 to 000-H00 Format 7 - Reserve / special issue / additional fee, 1000 - 99999, A10 - Z9999, AA1 - ZZ999, AAA1 - ZZZ99, 10A - 999Z, 1AA - 999ZZ, 1AAA - 99ZZZ Format 8 - Plates from 2 to 999 were reserved for the Lt. Governor (2), cabinet members (3-23), state officials and dignitaries (24-999, A1-Z9, 1A-9Z). *Initially T, W, X not used, then subsequently used. Sample - SAM-PLE	Format 1 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 2 from Drew Steitz
	Format 3
	Format 4 from Matt Ciecka
	Format 5 from Steve Ondik
	Format 6 from Chuck Sakryd
	Format 7 from Steve Ondik U.S. Congress? from Clayton Moore from Eric Conner
	Format 8, Lt. Governor from Chuck Harrington Format 8, state officials/dignitaries from Eric Conner from Jeff Hinkle
	Inversion error from Matt Ciecka
	Sample

1977 - 1984 Passenger, renewable to 2000

Dark blue on reflective yellow PENNSYLVANIA embossed across top, KEYSTONE STATE embossed across bottom, large embossed keystone outline in center, sticker wells upper left and right corners.

Format 1 - 100-000 to 999-999

Format 2 - A00-000 to Z99-999

Format 3 - 000-00A to 999-99Z

Format 4 - 0A0-000 to 9Z9-999

Format 5 - AAA-000 to about GKY-898 *

Format 6 - Vanity plates

Format 7 - Political plates, not including Senator & Representative plates

Other mystery, oddball, error plates not fitting one of the above formats

Samples - SAM-PLE & 000-000

Format 1

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 2

Format 3

from Jim and Lori Wakefield

Format 4

from Chuck Sakryd

Format 5

from George Kunsman

Format 6, vanity

from Jeff Lesher

w/ 84 to 93 stickers

from Tim Gierschick

w/ 89 to 98 stickers

from Tim Gierschick

from Lee Madigan

from Eric Conner

from Bruce Bufalini

Format 7, Political, Lt. Governor

from Eric Conner

(Also posted as part of the Governors' plate display)

Unknown/oddball/error

from John Anshant

Inversion error

from Matt Ciecka

Sample

from Worthpoint

1983 - 1987 Passenger, renewable to 2002

HAA-000 to RWP-255, yellow on dark blue, 'You've Got a Friend in' embossed across top, Pennsylvania embossed across bottom, large solid embossed keystone in center, sticker well lower left corner only.

HAA-000 to RWP-255. *

Sample - SAM-PLE

This KPF-97 Sample plate may have been a conceptual plate as part of a "Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful" slogan or campaign in 1987 which apparently never came to fruition.

Standard issue

from Clayton Moore

Vanity

from Jeff Hinkle

from Ned Flynn

from Tom Perri

Inversion error

from Clayton Moore

Sample

Oddball sample

from Steve Ondik

1987 - 2000 Passenger, renewable to 2002
Yellow on dark blue, KEYSTONE STATE embossed across top, PENNSYLVANIA embossed across bottom, large embossed keystone in center on Format 1, 6-character plates, small embossed keystone in center on Format 2, 7-character plates, sticker well lower left corner. Format 1 - SAA-000 to ZZZ-999 Format 2 - AAA-0000 to CEG-3865, began issue 1992 * Vanities: Available from 1 to 7 characters alone, or as a combination of numbers and letters, 1 space or hyphen permitted but not both. While the limit was 7 characters, there was an 8 character plate issued on the www base reading MCERLANE on the 87 keystone base with a 91 sticker shown below right. Sample - SAA-00, AAA-000	Format 1 from Eric Conner
	Format 2 from Eric Conner
	Vanity from George Kunsman from Tim Gierschick from Grant from Ned Flynn from Worthpoint
	Format 1 sample Format 2 sample unknown sample from Jerry McCoy

1999 - 2004 Passenger, renewable to present
Dark blue on white with fading bands of blue on top and yellow on bottom, DAA-0000 to FYC-9994, PENNSYLVANIA screened across top and WWW.STATE.PA.US along bottom; image at right is first of this base issued. Remakes: For those who wanted to keep their alpha-numeric combination from their old standard-issue plates this was an option available only for passenger plates, motorcycle plates and plates for trucks/motor homes with a registered gross weight of not more than 9,000 pounds. The cost was an additional $20 to make this a personalized plate. Generally remakes had the small keystone separators in place of the dash separator. Vanities: Available from 1 to 7 characters alone, or as a combination of numbers and letters, 1 space or hyphen permitted but not both. While the limit was 7 characters, there was at least one 8-character plate issued on the www base reading HUMPBACK. I saw this plate in traffic on a couple occasions but I was not photographing plates at the time. This was not long after the www plates were on the road. It is believed that this plate was then recalled. Also, there is a photo of an earlier plate reading MCERLANE on the 87 keystone base with a 91 sticker shown above. Sample - DAA-000	Standard issue from Nick Tsilakis
	Remake
	Vanity from Tom Perri from Bill Jesse from Nick Tsilakis from Bill Ceravola from Nick Tsilakis
	Sample

2005 - 2017 Passenger, renewable to present
At the very end of 2004 PA introduced this updated edition of the passenger plate which consisted of dark blue on white with solid bands of blue on top and yellow on bottom, series began at GBA-0000 and ran to KLE-9999, PENNSYLVANIA screened across top and visitPA.com screened across bottom. Plates are referred to by many as visitPA plates or solid band plates. PennDOT uses the term Family of Plates. At the end of 2016, PennDOT discontinued issuing validation stickers. Some 2017, and even 2018 stickers are in use but were issued before 2017.	Standard issue
	Vanity from Jordan Irazabal from Ned Flynn from Steve Ondik
	Inversion error
	Sample

2017 & later Passenger

In December of 2016 PennDOT announced that by the middle of 2017, once the supply of the current plate stock runs out, they will begin issuing slightly redesigned plates. They look similar in design to the current plate but the sticker well where validation stickers were placed has been removed and the outline of a small Pennsylvania map has been put it its place.

Format 1 - up to to KLE-9999, same as older Passenger plates on visitPA base, with sticker well, no sticker, no map.

Format 2 - KLF-0000 , similar to Format 1 Passenger plates on visitPA base but now without sticker well, and with a small map outline in its place. Plates first seen as vanities in January of 2017, and standard plates in June of 2017.

Note: At least one plate without the sticker well and without the map outline is known to exist. See KLR-1647 below. Is this an error plate? Is it one of, or part of a series? The following plate prefixes have been spotted, all with the map outline: KLG, KLH, KLM, KLP, KLS, KLT, KLW, KMA, KMC, KMF, KMH, KMR, and none without. Plate KLR-3601 was recently spotted and it does have the map.

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Format 1