Low-number license plates available at DMV

Delaware drivers can reserve a retro, 5-digit license plate number from the Division of Motor Vehicles starting Thursday, the agency announced this week.

Drivers have the option to purchase stainless steel or porcelain plates manufactured by the Delaware Historic Plate Company at a cost of $110, plus fees, DMV officials said. A limited amount of the low-numbered plates will be available at the Delaware City, Dover, Wilmington and Georgetown DMV locations.

Drivers who reserve the plates must give up their current number.

Throwback license plates with low numbers are coveted by collectors in the First State. During a February estate sale in Rehoboth, one couple spent $325,000 for a black-and-white Delaware license plate with the number 14.

The interest is a result of Delaware's vehicle-registration rules, which allow for license numbers to be transferred and passed down through generations, creating a cottage industry of auctions and sales.

STORY: Which state has prettiest license plates? Not Delaware

STORY: Delaware surf tag No. 1 sells for $26,000 at auction

STORY: Delaware's low digit tag obsession hits fishing beaches

The DMV this week also announced the launch of an online appointment reservation tool. Drivers who have a MyDMV account can schedule a driving test online rather than over the phone.

Contact Karl Baker at kbaker@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2329. Follow him on Twitter @kbaker6.