PASSENGER 1912-1919
Government issued plates began in 1912 with the issuing of passenger, garage (dealer), livery and motorcycle types. Prior to 1912 the government issued a permit (beginning in 1906) and the vehicle owner was required to display the permit number on the rear of the vehicle using numbers at least 5 inches high. This led to various forms of license plates with some people making their own plates and others just painting the number on the rear of the vehicle. There are various forms of pre-provincial plate types in existence.
1912
4982 Registrations-issued singly
12 1/2" x 6 1/2"
1913
8963 Registrations-issued singly
12 1/2" x 6 1/2"
1914
9197 Registrations-issued singly
12 1/2' x 6 1/2"
1915
9886 Registrations-issued singly
12 3/4" x 5 3/4" (4 digits or less)
13 3/4" x 5 3/4" (5 digits)
1916
23152 Registrations-issued singly
12 3/4" x 5 3/4" (4 digits or less)
13 3/4" x 5 3/4" (5 digits)
1917
49197 Registrations-issued singly
12 3/4" x 6" (4 digits or less)
13 3/4" x 6" (5 digits)
At approximately 32000, a different styled font was used and plate size was 12 1/2" x 6". Example shown in second row.
1918
53630 Registrations-issued in pairs
10 1/2" x 5 1/2" (4 digits)
13 1/2" x 5 1/2" (5 digits)
At approximately the 41000 range, the flat base was used up and an embossed 12" x 6" plate was issued for the remainder of the year. Example shown at right.
1919
54816 Registrations-issued in pairs
12 1/2" x 5 1/2"
A porcelain base was issued in 1919 and was intended to be a multi year base validated by tabs in succeeding years. Shown is a sticker attached to the back of a 1919 plate. As can be seen the sticker explains the plates are to be saved and revalidated " by small emblems or other device" for the year 1920.