California began automobile registration in 1905 and state-issued plates in 1914.  Noteworthy issues include the bear, poppy, mission bell and star tabs of 1916-19 and the 1939 World's Fair plate.  California first debuted the AAA 000 numbering system in 1956, since used by 47 of the 50 states.  The earliest of the five currently valid base plates began issue in 1963.