# California just ran out of license plates

> After 46 years, the Golden State burned through every 1ABC234 combination and flipped the format backwards.
- Title: California just ran out of license plates · California Post
- Summary: After 46 years, the Golden State burned through every 1ABC234 combination and flipped the format backwards. California's new plates read 123ABC4, a mirrored…
- Keywords: california, dmv, license plates, cars, transportation, news, entertainment, just, ran, license, plates, California Post
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/11/lifestyle/california-dmv-runs-out-of-license-plate-numbers-and-debuts-new-format
- Published: 2026-09-11T19:33:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: california, dmv, license plates, cars, transportation, news, entertainment
## The Golden State hit the wall
With nearly 40 million residents, California finally exhausted its license plate combinations for the first time in 46 years.

> California is going backwards.
## One number, three letters, three numbers
Since 1980 the DMV issued plates in a 1ABC234 sequence. That run ended this year with the production of 9ZZZ999.
## The format flips backwards
New plates mirror the old one: three numbers, then three letters, then a single number. Over 100 million combinations, expected to last 40 years.

> The new configuration is expected to last 40 years based on historical data
## Drivers are plate spotting
Californians from Crescent City to Imperial Beach have been posting sightings. One Redditor found their first on a 90s Civic hatchback in the Bay Area.

> Finally saw my first new series plate here in the Bay Area!
## 110,000 old plates still waiting
The milestone 9ZZZ999 plate has not actually been issued yet. DMV and auto club offices still hold more than 110,000 plates in the old format.
## Made by hand in Folsom
Inmates at Folsom State Prison stamp out roughly 45,000 California plates a day, covering the standard design plus 14 special interest versions.
## Key takeaway

California's new plates read 123ABC4, a mirrored format meant to last another 40 years.