DMV Opens New License Plate Factory

"This is our brand new license plate factory," said Sean McDonald, as he stood inside of the new Nevada license plate factory on the grounds of the Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City. 

McDonald, an Administrator of Central Services says the 9,000 square foot facility replaces the old factory at the Nevada State Prison. 

"I love my job," said Dave Wiley, the factory's Plant Manager. "I love manufacturing, and I love production."

This new factory allows for more efficient production of license plates. 

"It's air conditioned," said Wiley. "We have better climate control. We have better use of space. "

The new facility cost the state $3.8 million, and opened on Monday. Twenty inmates work a regular shift here. They're responsible for making every plate in the Silver State. 

"It's a bigger facility that allows us to continue growth," said McDonald. "As the state grows, so does our production. We've been averaging one million plates a year in production."

The factory has the technology to emboss license plates, which means the letters and numbers will have a 3-D look. In the mid 2000's, the state switched its plate model to only a flat surface so they would be more visible for law enforcement. The new factory allows for the technology to emboss and have the safety features. 

The DMV says plates made out of the factory should start hitting the road within a couple of weeks. Just because there are new types of plates, it doesn't mean you need to change your old ones.