The District of Columbia began automobile registration in 1903 and district-issued plates in 1907.  A change in expiration dates in 1939 resulted in a Leap Day plate dated "EX-2-29-40".  The earliest of the three currently valid base plates began issue in 1984.  For almost every Presidential Inauguration since 1933, the District of Columbia has issued a special series of commemorative plates which are highly collectable.