ALPCA, the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, was founded in 1954. We are an organization dedicated to the promotion of license plate collecting and research, the exchange of information and plates, as well as all of the benefits of sharing a common hobby interest with others throughout the world.

ALPCA is far and away the largest license plate collectors organization in the world. ALPCA has about 3000 current members from 50 states and 19 countries. Our annual international conventions are typically attended by nearly 500 collectors. In addition we have dozens of smaller regional meets all over the country.

What you get when you join ALPCA

ALPCA and its members are very professional and honest. When joining ALPCA you become part of a very large and respected fellowship of license plate collectors. If you enjoy buying, collecting or trading license plates, when you're a member of ALPCA, dealing with another ALPCA member is like dealing with a member of your family.

PLATES Magazine (formerly known as the ALPCA Register) is the official publication of ALPCA. Published six times a year, this 68-page magazine features license plate history, current news, member profiles, a calendar of events, convention coverage, and other valuable information. There's also over 10 pages of classified ads every issue, a great way to buy, sell, and trade plates for your collection. Back issues of ALPCA's publication are available for sale too.

ALPCA members in good standing also have access to online resources via this website, including an electronic membership roster, and our world-famous online License Plate Archives. Click here to see an example of what the archives offer.

How to become a member

Click here to see our current membership dues. Half year rates are in effect between August 1 and December 31. If you join after August 1, send in half the regular yearly rate.

To become a member and receive PLATES Magazine which is published six times a year, click here to display our membership application which you can print out. Then send it, along with proper payment for membership dues, to:

We're looking forward to welcoming you to the ALPCA Family!