Virginia Correctional Enterprises Tag Shop

Ever notice all the different license plate designs available at your Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Office? Where do all those different designs come from? Who makes them and where are they made? Let’s begin in 1914 when Virginia prison inmates first made license plates at the State Penitentiary in Richmond In the 1970’s the operation was moved to Powhatan County. Today, Virginia Correctional Enterprises – part of the Virginia Department of Corrections – employs inmates at the “TAG SHOP” at Powhatan Correctional Center. It all starts when huge rolls of aluminum arrive at the TAG SHOP. The rolls are fed into a laminating machine. The aluminum is laminated with one of more than 900 configurations or designs. From the laminated roll, “blanks” or individual tags are cut and stacked. Next, each tag is “stamped” or embossed with letters and numbers in large presses. The presses were built in the 1940’s and can deliver up to 200 tons of pressure. What were once blanks are now “tags” The individual tags are “roll coated” with paint to highlight the letters and numbers. Next, each tag goes into a 300 degree oven to adhere the paint. After cooling, a quick check for defects and off to packaging. The tags are wrapped and boxed. Ready for shipment to a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles office near you. Thank you for visiting the Virginia Department of Corrections TAG SHOP. We hope you enjoyed the tour.