Virginia License Plates
Virginia issued its first license plate in 1906. These were made of porcelain until 1913. In 1914, Virginia issued its first license plate made of steel. All of Virginia’s license plates were dated except for the years: 1906, 1907, 1908 and 1909. All of Virginia’s license plates issued were very utilitarian with few color changes, slogans and artwork. In 1976, Virginia issued and optional license plate to celebrate the nation’s Bi-Centennial. The plate had a screen print of George Washington in the center surrounded by stars. The slogan "INDEPENDENCE BICENTENNIAL 1776-1976" was screened on the bottom of the license plate. In 1985, the Great Seal of The State of Virginia was used on optional license plates issued by the state.
Due to World War II, Virginia issued a fiberboard license plate in 1944. Unlike fiberboard license plates issued by other states, the 1944 Virginia fiberboard license plate was fully embossed. Virginia license plates were issued in many colors with either white on black, black on white or blue on white being the most common. Other colors were blue on white, red on white, white on blue, white on red, white on green, dark blue on orange-yellow on blue, yellow orange on black, red on green and black on orange.
In 1971, Virginia introduced its first license plate with retro-reflective white sheeting. This use of retro-reflective sheeting still continues today due to safety and DOT mandates.