New York Governor

Kentucky Chief Justice

Ever since the days of early motor vehicle registration there has always been fierce competition amongst drivers to obtain a low-number license plate. In many states, to many motorists, bearing a low-number plate has an instant connotation of status, power, wealth, and even political connections. While there are some states where this phenomenon is more prevalent than others, here I will examine the collectability of the elusive political license plate.

Arkansas House Parlament	Arkansas House of Reps	Ark. Secretary of State	Ark. Speaker of the House
Arkansas Senator	Connecticut Congress	Idaho Governor	Illinois House

As soon as license plates were adopted for use on automobiles, very often it was the governor, motor vehicle commissioner or some other political person of influence who would receive low-number license plates. It is true that traditionally the governor of each state does receive a license plate bearing the number one. As time passed, and the number of license categories has proliferated (i.e. passenger car, bus, truck, motorcycle, veteran, senate, purple heart, handicapped, etc.), we now have low-number and number one license plates for many of these categories. Here I will use the state of Rhode Island as a prime example. In Rhode Island, not only does the governor use the number one registration (this particular plate bearing the number one flanked by two state seals), but look at the other categories of number ones: Sheriff, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, School Bus, Purple Heart, Ex Prisoner of War, News Photographer, State Police , etc.). Collectors always get excited over a number one license plate, and when it comes to collectability, it seems that the political plates are the most sought after. In our post September 11th world, fewer political figures are using political license plates. Many simply do not want to be a possible target of an attack or crime, and therefore prefer to keep a low profile. As such, political license plates have become a bit mores scarce these days. Of course, those using these plates never seem to have a problem when it comes to parking! Number one and or governor license plates can usually be found in nice condition and, depending on the state, can sell for between $50 and $500 each. Senate and legislative plates with higher numbers can often be found for as little as $15-$25 each. Often a collector will ask the political figure to autograph the license plate.

Idaho U.S. Rep.	North Carolina House	N.H. Governor	Maine Horseless Crg.
Tennessee Legislature	N.Y. U.S. Congress	Tennessee U.S. Senate	New York U.S. Senate

In the low-number realm, certain states have a policy that allows a low-number plate to be willed to a family member (this is true in almost all of the New England states) and others, such as Delaware, have a policy that dictates that a license plate remains with the vehicle when the vehicle is sold. As a direct result, Delaware has created a scenario where the pursuit of a low-number plate is somewhat of a religion. Often, one can see a vehicle for sale for several thousands dollars more than its true worth, simply because there is a hefty premium on the attached low-number license plate. On Feb. 7, 2008 the number six registration was sold in Delaware for a record $675,000. It is important to note here that in these cases it is the rights to the registration and not the actual license plate as a collectible is what command such a high price.

Rhode Island Governor	Rhode Island House	R.I. Purple Heart	Rhode Island Sheriff
Rhose Island House	Rhode Island Senate	R.I. State Police	New Jersey Governor

So you may ask at this point, what license plate does the president of the United States use in the District of Columbia? Currently, President Barack Obama’s car (alias The Beast) bears a generic Washington, D.C. license plate. It is actually the Mayor of Washington .D.C., Adrian M. Fenty, who is assigned the number one license plate!

Maine House Indian Representative	Maryland House of Delegates	Rhode Island News Photographer	New Hampshire Governor's Council
Texas U.S. Senate	Utah U.S. Senator	Vermont Senate	Utah Governor

Political and low-number plates are interesting and challenging categories for collectors of both license plates and political memorabilia. If these areas is of particular interest to you, be prepared to write a lot of letters!

Andy Bernstein is a Worthologist who specializes in collectible license plates.

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