100 Years of License Making, 100 Years of History

September 18, 2024

By Lukas D'Ambrosio(email)Communications Office

The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) commemorated the 100-year anniversary of their unique partnership in the production of state license plates. This collaboration, which began in 1923 after the establishment of an auto tag plant at the Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) in 1922, is the longest-running program within the Department of Corrections. It has played a crucial role in both state operations and the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. The event was marked by the unveiling of a state-of-the-art license plate manufacturing facility at WSP, signaling a new era in this historic alliance.

The partnership was initially established to address the growing demand for vehicle registration as the number of automobiles in Washington State surged during the early 20th century. By 1926, it was estimated that 370,000 pairs of license plates were produced at WSP, reflecting the rapid expansion of the state's transportation infrastructure. The program has evolved over the years, adapting to historical challenges such as the use of windshield stickers in lieu of metal plates during World War II due to material shortages. In 1975, the introduction of personalized plates provided residents with the option to customize their vehicles, further diversifying the output of the program.

The newly opened license plate factory at WSP represents a significant modernization of the production process. The facility is equipped with advanced machinery and technology, ensuring that Washington's license plates are produced more efficiently and with greater precision. This upgrade reflects the state's commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and innovation in its services while also enhancing the vocational training provided to incarcerated individuals. Officials from both the DOL and DOC hailed the new facility as a symbol of the enduring and evolving nature of their partnership.

"We are thrilled at the opportunity to provide additional employment readiness activities for the population we serve," said Jamie Dolan, Director of Correctional Industries. "Our workforce development staff is continuing to focus on resume building, mock interviews and financial literacy courses."

Throughout the century-long collaboration, Washington's license plates have undergone several key changes, most notably in 1987 when the current plate design featuring Mount Rainier was introduced to celebrate the state's centennial. The numbering system, which originally began with 000-AAA, was updated in 2010 after the previous sequence was exhausted, moving to a seven-character system beginning with AAA0000. These milestones highlight the program's ability to adapt and innovate, ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of the state's growing population.

As the state looks ahead to the next century, the collaboration between the DOL and DOC continues to stand as a model of innovation, resilience, and social responsibility. The opening of the new facility at WSP not only honors the legacy of the past 100 years but also sets the stage for continued success in the future. Washington State's commitment to this program highlights the positive outcomes that can arise from thoughtful, cooperative initiatives within government agencies.

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