Object Details
- Description
- This homemade leather license plate bears the brass numerals “2272” and the letters “DC” for the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia required that all vehicles operating on its streets had a license from DC, but did not issue plates itself until 1907, when it began to issue porcelain plates.
- As the number of motor vehicles reached tens of thousands, state and local governments assumed a new power: authorizing vehicles and drivers. In 1901, New York became the first state to register automobiles; by 1918 all states required license plates
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- date made
- 1902-1907
- Physical Description
- leather (overall material)
- brass (numbers material)
- steel (plate material)
- metal (hooks material)
- Measurements
- overall: 7 in x 11 3/4 in x 3/4 in; 17.78 cm x 29.845 cm x 1.905 cm
- Object Name
- License plate
