Calif. DMV May Reissue “Vintage” Classic License Plates

7,500 pre-orders for classic style plates needed

That 2005 Honda Civic in the driveway? Instant classic, at least judging by the license plate.

The blue and gold license plates that adorned vehicles of yore may soon be sported by brand-new cars, as the California Department of Motor Vehicles may offer "vintage-style" plates to current and new customers, according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

The DMV has "started taking $50 pre-orders" for license plates in the style of the 1950s through 1970s, the newspaper reported.

The state had yellow plates with black lettering in the 1950s, black with yellow lettering in the 1960s, and blue with gold lettering from 1969 to 1986.

Drivers seeking to have the new old-fashioned plates will have to get friends to want some, too -- the DMV won't manufacture the vintage-style plates until 7,500 pre-orders are received by Jan 1, 2015.

To keep the plates on their cars, drivers will be charged an extra $40 per year for registration on top of the $50 pre-order fee, the newspaper reported.

If fewer than 7,500 pre-orders are received, drivers will be refunded their $50 pre-order fee.

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