History of Texas License Plates

Obsolete Plates
Photo credits: All plate pics are from TXDOT, eBay, or the author.

24-hour Permit

Single cardboard tag. Provides for the movement of commercial vehicles transporting property between Mexico and contiguous counties in Texas. Intrastate operation is not permitted.


txdot

Apportioned Trailer (1973?-2001)

Single plate issued in place of trailer license plate to a motor carrier in this state who proportionally registers a vehicle owned by the carrier in one or more other states. Validated with cab card.

Discontinued in 2001. Token Trailer plates now used.


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Apportioned Trailer - 5 year (1989?-2001)

Single plate issued to operators with 50+ trailers.

This was a 5 year plate. Final plate had 2004 expiration, but was replaced with Token Trailer plate in 2001.


txdot
Apportioned Truck Tractor (1975 only?)
Bus (1941-73)

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Buyer - motorcycle

still issued??

Collegiate plates

Click left to see Collegiate plate designs that have been discontinued.


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Commercial (1925-44)

Plate features C*M designation.

Replaced with "truck" plates in 1945.


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Combination - Replacement (1971?-75?)


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Consular Official (1956?-85)

Replaced with federally issued Diplomatic plates in 1986.


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Dealer - Travel Trailer (1986-?)

The 90 plate appears to be a sticker added to a standard dealer plate.

Andy Anderson

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Dealer - Trailer (1985-?)

Andy Anderson

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Dealer - Trailer - Semitrailer

Unverified - may not actually exist.

Exempt - State (1939-?)

SX prefix.

Exempt - Highway Dept. (1939-?)

HX prefix.

Farm (1934-44)

see "Farm Truck"

 

House Trailer (1948-1974)

Replaced with Mobile Home & Travel Trailer plates in 1975.


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Mobile Home (1975-?)


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Motor Scooter (1953 only)

Similar to motorcycle plate, but smaller.


David Giles collection
Overwidth (1949-51)

Andy Anderson collection

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Prorate (issued ??)
Repossession (1979 only?)
Side Car-(1930-48)
David Giles collection

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Token Trailer (replacement) - (1972-74)
Trailer (replacement) - (1955-62)

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Trailer 10-18  - (1963-71)

Replaced with Token Trailer plates in 1972.


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Trailer 10-18 (replacement) - (1963-71)

Replaced with Token Trailer (replacement) plates in 1972.


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Trailer 18-32 - (1963-71)

Replaced with Token Trailer plates in 1972.


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Trailer 18-32 (replacement) - (1963-71)

Replaced with Token Trailer (replacement) plates in 1972.


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Truck (replacement) - (1955-76?)

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Truck Tractor (1945?-71)

Replaced with Combination plates in 1972.


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Truck Tractor (replacement) - (1955?-71)

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Visitor - (1917-22)

Required for out-of-state vehicles staying in Texas for more than 30 days.


Andy Anderson collection
Wholesale Dealer - (1981-1986?)

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INDEX / Passenger / Antique / Dealer / Graphics / Special Pass. / Special Non-pass. / Military /
Truck
/ Sample / Cycle / College / Government / DPW / RRC / Obsolete / Misc.


 
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copyright 2004 to 2007 Nick DiFonzo