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Florida
County codes Weight/Letter codes do not matter to DMV (see FAQ below)
check with DMV to verify a number is "clear" in the system - you may use this link as a quick check, but a call to DMV is better:
Tag offices will authenticate your plate at your local office as of Summer 2024.
The following section is from DMV Manual RS-25 Rev. 05-2025 (downloads as .pdf)
https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/proc/rs/rs-25.pdf
Authenticated license plates may be issued to any vehicle manufactured in 1975 or earlier. The license plate must be the same year as the model year of the car or truck. The license plate will be approved for issuance by the tax collector office or license plate agent. The authenticated license plate can be refurbished but must be historically correct and legible to law enforcement, Reference Exhibit D. Authenticated license plates may only be issued to cars, motorcycles, and pickups weighing 5,000 pounds or less.
Note: Authenticated Plates containing all zeros are SAMPLE plates and cannot be issued.
Review Exhibit A for frequently asked questions and answers for authenticated license plates. [see below]
The documentation listed below must be submitted by the applicant to the tax collector office or license plate agent for processing:
A. The license plate (for authentication purposes) furnished by the owner. See Exhibit D for correct year and colors of license plate.
B. A copy of the Registration Certificate, if applicable.
C. Proof of Vehicle Ownership, if applicable.
D. Payment of the applicable fees.
• The Initial Registration fee is not required on vehicles 30 years and older.
E. Proof of Florida insurance. Refer to RS-36 for insurance requirements.
FAQ for Authenticated Plates
Q. Can government use plates be used by any citizen? Example FHP, SRD, FWC, DMV, PSC, Legislator, member of congress.
A. These plates are not acceptable for authentication.
Q. Except for the government plates identified above as unacceptable for authentication, do the weight codes on a 1975 or older matter for this purpose?
A. No, the plate code is not a factor in the authentication of a plate.
Q. Can tax collectors exercise their best judgement as to whether the condition of the tag is sufficient for use on the road?
A. TC staff can use their discretion on the suitability of a license plate.
Q. Can a plate embossed with split years be used on either year vehicle?
A. Yes. SCplates note: This applies to 1967/68, 68/69, 69/70, 70/71
Q. Are Authenticated plates subject to the 10-year replacement cycle?
A. No, they are coded “AUP” which bypasses mandatory replacement.
Q. How do you handle the four years where two Florida plates were required?
A. First applicant is processed. If a matching plate is presented, the second application is denied. Two plates were issued in the years 1918, 1919, 1920 & 1921.
Q. Can county issued license plates be authenticated?
A. No, only Florida plates issued from 1918 through 1975 can be authenticated.
Q. Does the 5000-pound limitation apply to authenticated plate applications?
A. RS-25, pg. 3, Authenticated license plates may only be issued to cars, motorcycles, and pickups weighing 5,000 pounds or less.
Q. Can an authenticated plate be transferred to a same year vehicle without a new review?
A. Yes, once the plate is authenticated it is transferable to a same year vehicle.
Q. Can a Seminole or Miccosukee Indian plate be used as an authenticated license plate?
A. No.
Q. Can an amateur radio plate be used as an authenticated license plate?
A. No.
Q. Can a handicap license plate be used as an authenticated license plate?
A. No.
Q. Can an (MH) mobile home license plate be used for an automobile?
A. No, these plates were used on automobiles. SCplates note: No, these cannot be used (M/H letter code)
Q. Can a National Guard license plate be used as an authenticated license plate?
A. No, they would need to qualify.
Q. Can an (RV) plate be used on a regular automobile?
A. No, they can be used on a same year recreational vehicle.
Q. If a year of manufacture plate is placed into an offices inventory and the transaction is not completed, can the item be removed from the office inventory?
A. Yes. Email Inventory Control Unit to request plate removal.
Q. Would these plates impact our yearly inventory?
A. No. The plate is solely for issuance only, it is never housed in your inventory.
Q. Can a citizen rely on the FLHSMV personal plate query to accurately determine if an authenticated license plate can be used?
A. Yes. https://services.flhsmv.gov/MVCheckPersonalPlate/
Q. Will an authenticated license plate search in the motor vehicle issuance system only return results if the plate is issued or has been issued?
Example. We inquired on C252892 and received no response in either system.
A. Yes. If issued or has been issued a result of “not available” will return.