These plates were issued for temporary registrations – often to replace lost plates. They were issued beginning in the 1910s, usually with the letter “T” appearing somewhere as a prefix or suffix. Over the years, many of the non-passenger types have had a temporary plate or two issued at some point in time. Passenger temporary metal plates were also issued.
After expiration, these plates were intended to be returned to the DMV for reuse.
Below is a sampling of a few of these plates.
Passenger Car
1918 Passenger temporary (?)
Some question whether the ‘T’ at this time was for temporary or Dealer Transport plates.
1935 Passenger temporary.
1939
Thanks to Dave for setting up a deal for this one (and Adam for facilitating).
1957 tab on a 1955/1956 base.
Passenger temporary used from the 1970s through 1986.
1996. It is rare to have a metal temporary plate issued at this point – paper plates were the norm. However, this one was actually used- I have both plates of the pair as well as the registration paperwork. These were valid for 40 days.
Dealer
1954 Used Dealer Temporary
1956 Used Dealer Temporary
1961 Dealer Temporary
1965
1966
1967
There is some handwriting on this plate noting “Chrysler-Plymouth Raymond Rd. West Hartford Aug. 8 ’67”
1976
1984
1986
Motorcycle
1970s Motorcycle Temporary
Omnibus (Livery)
1931 Omnibus Temporary.
Temporary plates go all the way back to at least the mid-1910s.
Repair
1942/1948 Repairer Temporary
Uncommon Repair Temporary from the late 1950s. Blue on natural aluminum.
1965
Late 1980
Mid/Late 1980s used until 2001
Mid/Late 1980s?