Arizona License Plates

A selection of passenger and truck license plates from the Grand Canyon State. Some cities in Arizona began registering automobiles as early as 1909, it was up to the individual to make their own license plates, a few of these still exist and since this was before Arizona became a state, these are actually territorial issues. This is rare in the continental United States. The first state license plate was issued in 1914. In 1917 Arizona utilized a steer head, this was the first graphic license plate in the entire United States. Slogans used were Marcos De Niza 1539 - 1939, and Grand Canyon State which started in 1940. Another interesting aspect of Arizona license plates was that during the years 1932 - 1934 the tags were entirely made out of copper.