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License Plate Fonts of the Western World Page: Intro | North America (1) | North America (2) | North America (3) | North America (4) | North America (5) | North America (6) | Europe (1) | Europe (2) | Australia & New Zealand
Links to font downloads begin halfway down the page.
Background and History
Differences in design between North American and European fonts. License plate fonts used in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico tend to be narrower with a more tallish appearance than those in Europe. The narrowness in width is a necessity brought on by the standardized license plate size of 12x6” (305 mm by 152 mm) in North America. It’s more boxy (taller in proportion) than the horizontally elongated 20.5x4.5” standard used in most of Europe (520 mm by about 110 to 120 mm, usually about 112 mm). This leaves less horizontal room for characters to fit. Consequently, more condensed characters to make the best use of the available space have been the inevitable result.
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Oval and/or hand-wrought shapes vs. more constructivist European forms. North American fonts tend to share similar character designs across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, due to commonality in equipment suppliers and/or plate manufacturers. The designs of North American license plate fonts have a higher probability of including oval-shaped (as opposed to circular) curved character strokes, and there are fewer alphabets with squarish overall letterform construction than in Europe. While these are by no means hard-and-fast rules, even where the fonts are more squarish in appearance, they may have somewhat more organic, hand-wrought shapes compared to the more strongly geometric or constructivist flavor of European characters.
One common design characteristic of North American fonts used for license plates that tends to earmark them as such is monospaced font design. This mean all characters share a common character width, or perhaps in a very few cases at least a narrow range of widths. (European number plate fonts are often monospaced or near-monospaced as well. However, the greater width of European plates makes it easier to accommodate proportionally spaced fonts, and some countries have done so with their font designs.) This is an accommodation to the need for a predictable amount of space that a license plate number will take up on the plate, and it gives fonts the more “regimented” look that tends to telegraph an “official” feel. Also for this same reason, the M and W characters, which are normally the widest characters in a normal font, look very crunched in order to fit the common monospaced width shared by all characters in a license plate font.
Lack of centralized government control over font design, and commercial influences. Unlike much of Europe, governments in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico have not legislated any particular fonts for use on tags. Further, in the U.S. and Canada, since the individual states rather than the federal government determine how license plates look, varying fonts around a similar overall theme, as well as a polyglot of graphics, have resulted. (Mexico’s state plates all used to share a common design determined by the federal government until 1998, after which time the states have taken over that function.)
Prison industries in the U.S. Another large factor shaping how license plate fonts look in the U.S. is the fact that historically license plate production has been a prison/ correctional industry. (Most U.S. plates are still produced in prisons.) In this area, the J.R. Wald Company of Pennsylvania has had a large impact on font or embossed “die” use, since they established themselves early in the 20th century as the major vendor and consultant to prison industries in the area of license plate manufacturing equipment and production systems, a strong influence that continues to this day. (The Pannier corporation is the other major U.S. supplier of embossing dies for license plates, although they are not involved with plate production itself.)
Largest commercial producers. Aside from J.R. Wald’s role in the prison system, commercially only a few companies produce license plates for U.S. states. Waldale of Nova Scotia serves both Canada and the U.S., while Irwin-Hodson of Oregon has been the primary independent U.S.-based producer in recent years. A spate of mergers has been occurring among license plate manufacturers worldwide in the last decade, though, including that of Waldale and Irwin-Hodson who merged in 2007, the former now owned by the latter, though still operating from its Nova Scotia location.
For an interesting historical discussion of how license plate manufacturing has evolved in the U.S. over the years, see License Plate Manufacture in the USA. (One interesting tidbit is that as of the article’s publication date of 2004, plates were still manufactured in prisons by 45 of the 50 states.)
Collectors’ examples. Thanks to the following sites on whose voluminous plate photos we relied for most of our research on North American license plates.
- License Plates of North America, 1969–Present (15Q.net). Well-organized, well-written, concise, yet comprehensive chronological listing of each new general passenger plate issue for every state and territory of Canada, Mexico, and the United States since 1969. Good, nice-size photos of each plate issue, with accompanying commentary and pertinent tidbits of info about plate manufacturing details, embossing die changes, personal and/or public reactions to plate designs, legibility, etc.
- Plate Shack. Largest publicly accessible repository of American — and perhaps Canadian — license plate photos on the planet, plus Mexico, Australia, and quite a few from other countries all over the world as well. Coverage is focused most comprehensively on the United States first, Canada second, and then Mexico and Australia third. The Y2K Page adds many more plate samples beyond the main base plate listings, including the latest state/ territory plate design changes and other plate samples that might be of interest. For the United States, these are usually up-to-date within about the last year for most of the 50 states.
North American License Plate Fonts
Proportional vs. monospaced replicas. All of the fonts below are proportionally spaced except Pennsylvania. (License Plate and Penitentiary Gothic are very nearly monospaced, but deviate a few units out of 1,000 per em from a common character width value.) With fonts intended for general graphic design use, which represent most of those here, character widths are normally individually tailored for precise letterfit for the most professional appearance.
Alphabet specimens. The “one-liner” font samples below intentionally show just key uppercase font characters and numerals, since those are the typical characters of interest with license plates. Click font name link or font image for a full character showing, additional information, and download links.
Legend: Font Name | Year Designed, Designer, Permitted Use. Additional notes then follow.
Driver Gothic | 2008, Patrick Griffin, commercial. Based on Ontario, Canada’s license plate font, which is constructed using semicircular curves on the top/bottom of characters joined to straight strokes on left/right. Same or similar in appearance to many U.S. fonts designed on the same model. Several stylistic alternates included for character variants seen on different states’ plates.
First USA | Mid-1990s, Brand Design Co./House Industries, discontinued, included for historical interest.
Garage Gothic | 1992, Tobias Frere-Jones, commercial. Three weights, Bold shown. Based on parking garage ticket lettering but very reminiscent of license plate characters.
Keystone State | 1999, Anuthin Wongsunkakon, commercial. One of two fonts in this list based on Pennsylvania’s license plate font (see also “Pennsylvania” a littler further below). Keystone State “Relative” (shown immediately below) is a cleaned-up version of the typeface, while the original “Native” style is rougher and more idiosyncratic to realistically replicate the actual plate lettering.
License Plate | 2005, Dave Hansen, free. Replica of Washington state’s font, and also similar to font designs of other U.S. states and Canadian provinces that use semicircular curves as opposed to oval-shaped or “boxy” ones.
Misproject | 2001, Eduardo Recife, free. Grunge font made from scans of an assortment of license plate characters.
Motorway | 2004, Vic Fieger, free. Semi-grunge font with built-in relief shadow to simulate embossing.
Penitentiary Gothic | 2003, Andrew Leman and Richard Lucas, commercial. Replica of California’s font. Five styles including three-dimensional embossing effects. Plain “Fill” weight shown here (embossing effects reproduce well only at larger sizes).
Pennsylvania | 2000, Christian Schwartz, commercial. Based on Pennsylvania’s license plate font. Four weights including lowercase plus corresponding small-caps styles, and suitable for use in both text and display. Regular weight shown.
Plate.fsh | 1999, John Arnstrom (aka Zacadeb), free. For use with the Need for Speed: High Stakes auto racing video game for Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Windows.
No alphabet sample available. Click font name above for further explanation and link to screenshot of font depiction within the game environment.
Refrigerator Deluxe | 2009, Mark Simonson, commercial. Based on the industrial look seen in mechanically derived block-style typefaces from the mid-20th century. Nada sms lucu wav. Bears a close resemblance to the shapes of license plate fonts that feature straight sides with rounded square corners, such as North Carolina’s. Four weights including lowercase as well as numerous stylistic alternates, Regular weight shown.
SAA Series “A” | 1980, designer unknown, digitized by URW staff, commercial. Very similar in design to the various fonts based on oval-shaped curves used by many U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Seven weights, “Series A” shown.
SNV Extra Condensed | 1972, designed by Verein Schweizer Straßenfachmänner foundry, distributed by URW, commercial. Resembles fonts of U.S. states that use straight strokes for the left and right sides of characters that would otherwise be curved, as used by various U.S. and Canadian states. Three weights, Extra Condensed shown.
Vehicle | 2009, Jeff Levine, commercial. Apparently inspired by Florida’s standard passenger plate, but not a direct replica. Similar also to Michigan and New Jersey’s fonts, which share the same sheared square corner construction with only minor differences.
Zurich Extra Condensed | 1990, Bitstream staff, commercial. A slightly modified clone of Adrian Frutiger's well-known Univers from 1956, utilized by 3M corporation as the basis for the default fonts for its digital license plate system sold to U.S. prisons. Two weights as used by 3M, Extra Condensed shown here.
Next: The 4 Basic North American License Plate Font Design Types (North America, cont.)
Previous: License Plate Fonts of the Western World — Intro
License Plate Fonts of the Western World Page: Intro | North America (1) | North America (2) | North America (3) | North America (4) | North America (5) | North America (6) | Europe (1) | Europe (2) | Australia & New Zealand
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COVID-19 Effects on Licensing Services
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state DMVs nationwide have closed office locations, extended license and registration expiration dates, and/or limited the transactions they are processing. If possible, residents should use PennDOT's online services to complete any relevant transactions. Follow PennDOT's most recent updates for the latest information.
Getting Your Learner's Permit in Pennsylvania
To reduce the number of accidents involving teen drivers, many states—including Pennsylvania—have implemented a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. As part of the PA GDL program, one of the first steps on your path to your driver's license is to obtain your PA learner's permit. Below you will find everything you need to know, from taking the DOT written exam to your learner's permit driving restrictions.
Pennsylvania REAL ID Driver's License
PennDOT issues federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses in addition to non-compliant licenses. As of October 1, 2021, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.
You have the choice to apply for a non-compliant license or upgrade to a REAL ID license. For more detail, visit PennDOT's guide to REAL IDs.
New to Pennsylvania?
If you're new to the state, you must obtain a learner's permit if:
- You're a first-time teen driver.
- You are a new PA resident who has an out-of-state driver's license that has been expired for more than 6 months.
It's important to note that out-of-state learner's permits cannot be transferred to Pennsylvania. You must apply for a Pennsylvania driver's permit and complete all applicable knowledge and skills tests in order to get a Pennsylvania driver's license.
Applying for Your Pennsylvania Learner's Permit
If you want to get a Pennsylvania learner's permit, you must be at least 16 years old. Before heading down to a driver license center, it's a good idea to make an appointment.
When you apply, you'll need to present:
- A completed Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application (Form DL-180)
- You must have a medical professional conduct and examination on you and complete the required medical section of this application.
- A completed Parent or Guardian Consent Form (Form DL-180TD).
- If you're under 18 years old, the DL-180TD form MUSTbe completed by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is at least 18 years old or older. This form MUST be notarized or signed in front of the driver's license examiner at the driver license center.
- Proof of:
- Identity, based on whether you want your license to be a REAL ID-compliant credential or a non-compliant license. See PennDOT's guides to which documents are acceptable for each:
- REAL ID.
- Standard license.
- If you are changing your name, you must present original documents supporting name changes (e.g. a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order).
- Residency*, if you are 18 years old or older (e.g. bank statement, W-2, lease or mortgage).
- Though applicants under 18 years old do not need to provide proof of residency, you WILL need to show such proof if you want to get a REAL ID driver's license after your permit phase is over. You can either bring it now, or wait until you apply for your restricted driver's license.
- Identity, based on whether you want your license to be a REAL ID-compliant credential or a non-compliant license. See PennDOT's guides to which documents are acceptable for each:
- Your Social Security card.
- Payment for the $35.50 fee.
You will also be required to pass a vision screening and a written permit test (see below). Once you pass both of these, you'll receive your Pennsylvania learner's permit, which is valid for 1 year.
Taking the DMV Written Exam
Once you have all the documents mentioned above, it's time to take your learner's permit test at a driver license center. The exam is based on information about Pennsylvania traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving techniques contained in the Pennsylvania Study Guide. Inside the guide you will also find a basic practice test. Our recommendation is to prepare for the exam with an industry-leading online practice test from our approved partner.
PA Permit Behind-the-Wheel Requirements
With your learner's permit in your possession, it's time to polish your driving skills with behind-the-wheel practice. This practice may only be completed with a licensed driver 21 years old or older.
During this phase of the GDL, you must:
- Log 65 hours of supervised driving with a licensed driver.
- 10 hours must be at night.
- 5 hours must be during inclement weather.
Once you complete your behind-the-wheel practice driving, you are one step closer to being ready for your road test.
If you are under 18 years old, a parent, guardian, or spouse at least 18 years old must sign a Parent or Guardian Certification form (Form DL-180C). The form MUST be notarized if your parent, guardian, or spouse will not be accompanying you to your road test. Turn in the DL-180C form when you take your road test.
You must hold your learner's permit for a minimum of 6 months before taking your road test for your junior driver's license. For details on the steps to take to get your junior license, please visit our PA Teen Licensing page.
Next Step: Your Junior Driver's License
Once you've completed your behind-the-wheel training hours, you can schedule your road test with PennDOT and move on to your junior driver's license. For details, please visit our page on Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers).
Pennsylvania Learner's Permit Driving Restrictions
During your learner's permit phase, you may drive only:
- With a licensed driver 21 years old or older.
- While properly wearing a seat belt at all times.
You may NOT drive:
- With any passengers other than immediate family (brother, sister, parent, etc.).
Driving Violations with a Pennsylvania Learner's Permit
Drivers under 18 years old risk a learner's permit suspension of 90 days if:
- You receive 6 points or more on your driving record (points can be accumulated by breaking any of the above conditions, as well as any other PA traffic & safety laws).
- You receive a single traffic ticket for driving 26 MPH or faster over the speed limit.
Replacing a Lost or Expired PA Driver's Permit
Lost PA Learner's Permit
If you lose your learner's permit, you can apply for a replacement either in person or by mail. The replacement license will be valid for the time remaining on your original.
In Person
- Visit a Driver License Center in person.
- Complete and submit a Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application to Add/Extend/Replace/Change/Correct form (Form DL-31)*.
- Pay the appropriate fee of $5 by check or money order, payable to “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.'
Your duplicate Pennsylvania learner's permit will be handed to you over the counter.
By Mail
- Download and complete a Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application to Add/Extend/Replace/Change/Correct form (Form DL-31)*.
- Fill out a check or money order $5, made payable to “Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.'
Mail your payment and application to:
You should receive your duplicate PA learner's permit within 7 to 10 business days after processing.
*NOTE: If you are under 18 years old the DL-31 form MUST be signed by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is at least 18 years old. The signature MUST be notarized if they will not accompany you to the driver license center to apply or if you mail in the application for an extension.
Expired Pennsylvania Learner's Permit
You can apply for an extension to your learner's permit if it expires, or if you need more time to practice. You can also apply for an extension if you fail the road test 3 times. Extensions are valid for up to 1 year from the date it was issued.
To apply for an extension, go to your local driver license center and:
- Fill out the Non-Commercial Learner's Permit Application to Add/Extend/Replace/Change/Correct (Form DL-31).
- If you are under 18 years old the DL-31 form must be signed by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is at least 18 years old. The signature MUST be notarized if they will not accompany you to the driver license center to apply or if you mail in the application for an extension.
- Pay the $5 duplicate learner's permit fee.
If you are unable to go to a driver license center in person, you may send the application and the fee (check or money order made payable to “ Commonwealth of Pennsylvania') to:
Forms
This form is provided by your state's agency/department.
Please select one of the below to continue: