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image credits: All plate pics are from TXDOT, eBay, or the author.
1930

 

1930:

  • Same design as 1929, except "TEXAS-1930" at top.
  • 1,401,748 registered vehicles.
  • Motorcycle Sidecar plates introduced.
  • The Railroad Commission first issues plates for a variety of transport vehicles.
  • Passenger plate color: blue/black on yellow.
1931: 
  • "TEX 31" down right side.
  • Lone star precedes last four digits this year only.
  • Serial letters used on Texas plates for the second time, in place of the hundred thousands digit.
  • A-P except I & O made.
  • Plates with a letter prefix have a smaller star.
  • Passenger plate color: white on black.
1932: 
  • "TEXAS-1932" along bottom of plate.
  • Serial letters now issued in the order A, F, K, N, V. A=1 million, F=1.1 mil, K=1.3 mil, etc.
  • Exempt plates introduced for government vehicles.
  • Passenger plate color: white on green.


 

1933:  
  • "TEXAS-1933" along top of plate.
  • The depression caused the state to extend the expiration of 1932 plates to April 1, 1933. This April-to-March registration year became the standard until 1978. 
  • Early plates have a thicker die style.
  • Passenger plate color: orange on white (University of Texas colors).

early dies

1934 

  • "TEXAS-1934" along bottom of plate.
  • Farm plates introduced.
  • Passenger plate color: black on orange.

1935:

  • "TEXAS-1935" along top of plate.
  • Production of plates began at the State Prison at Huntsville. The facility has since moved to a different prison just outside of Huntsville.
  • Passenger plate color: white on maroon (Texas A&M colors).
1936:
  • Texas "Centennial" plates issued. This was the only "slogan" on Texas plates until 1968.
  • "19 CENTENNIAL 36" along bottom of plate, "TEX" vertically in place of the lone star.
  • Passenger plate color: blue/black on light yellow.

1937:

  • Continues 1932 design with "TEXAS-1937" along the top.
  • Passenger plate color: ivory on black.
1938:
  • Shorter, taller plate than 37, with "TEXAS-1938" bottom.
  • State Official plates first issued. The governor's vehicle carried the number "SO-1", as it still does today.
  • Passenger plate color: black on white.
1939:
  • "TEXAS 1939" along top in thicker letters than 38.
  • Four different Exempt series begin: HX (highway dept), SX (state office), X (other exempt), and X motorcycle.  HX & X plates are unverified in collections.
  • Plates began having "turned-in" edges. The "Helpful Hints" book claims this was to reduce the chance of cutting one's hands while washing a vehicle.
  • Passenger & commercial registration reaches 1,702,507.
  • A resolution to replace the "lone star" with a longhorn steer is defeated.
  • Passenger plate color: blue/black on orange.
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The BOLTHOLE's History of Texas License Plates   |  >complete index<