I have spent most of the last 20+ years making license plates at Folsom Prison in California.
No, it's not what you think, I was the Prison Industry's license plate Factory Superintendent, for 16+ years.
I few years ago 3M inc. demo'ed a new system that would print out plates without embossing, like the new AZ plates. Their system would put a unit in each DMV field office & they could print out your plate while you wait!
Somehow I think AZ DMV got 'sold' a new system!
jdog
P.S. In Cali we still make plates the old fashioned way, with convicts!