# License plate colors and what they mean

> What a yellow, black, blue and white, red or green license plate means, and every state and country that issues one today, with examples and the law behind the color.

Page: https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/colors · Markdown version of the HTML page, which is canonical. Site map: https://vehiclesdb.com/llms.txt · Terms of use: https://vehiclesdb.com/legal/terms

The short answer: **the most common license plate is black characters on a white background**, 273 of the 792 plate series in issue today whose colors we hold. Next come blue on white (126), black on yellow (92), green on white (53) and red on white (47). A different color is often a sign of a special plate: 382 of the 519 series in other colors are not the standard plate but a dealer, diplomatic, taxi, temporary, historic or other special issue.

Below is each color people ask about: which states and countries issue it today, what kind of plate it is, and an example of each. Every plate links to its jurisdiction's page, which shows the plate, its formats and the source for its colors.

## Yellow license plates

Yellow is the everyday plate in the **Netherlands** and **Luxembourg**, where the standard car plate has black characters on yellow. In the **United Kingdom** only the rear plate is yellow: the regulation ([S.I. 2001/561, Schedule 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/561/schedule/2)) says a plate on the front "must have black characters on a white background" and one on the back "must have black characters on a yellow background". In **Japan**, privately owned kei cars (the light motor vehicle class) carry black characters on yellow.

In the US, yellow comes and goes with each state's plate design. New York's yellow "Empire Gold" plate, for example, was issued from 2010 to 2020; the current Excelsior plate is white with blue characters.

**Yellow plates are issued today in 35 of the jurisdictions we cover.**

- [![Netherlands Sidecode 11 car license plate, black characters on yellow](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/nl/nl-sidecode11-car.svg?serial=KHD-91-N) Netherlands Sidecode 11 car, since 2024](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands/sidecode11-car)
- [![Luxembourg Standard license plate, black characters on yellow](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/lu/lu-standard-2003.svg?serial=NF+8144) Luxembourg Standard, documented since 2003](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg/standard-2003)
- [![Japan Kei passenger alnum license plate, black characters on yellow](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/jp/jp-kei-passenger-alnum.svg?serial=5GV+70-33) Japan Kei passenger alnum, since 2017](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan/kei-passenger-alnum)
- [![United Kingdom Standard (rear plate) license plate, black characters on yellow](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/gb/gb-standard-2001.svg?serial=GC68+LBB) United Kingdom Standard (rear plate), since 2001](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-kingdom/standard-2001)
- [![China Driving school car license plate, black characters on yellow](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/cn/cn-driving-school-car-1992.svg?serial=W4536) China Driving school car, since 1992](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china/driving-school-car-1992)

What they are used for:

- **Standard plates:** [Alaska (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--alaska), [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark), [Georgia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--georgia), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india), [Japan](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan), [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg), [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands), [New Jersey (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--new-jersey), [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia), [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand) and [United Kingdom](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-kingdom)
- **Moped plates:** [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark), [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein), [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg), [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands), [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal), [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain) and [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland)
- **Agricultural plates:** [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia), [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland), [Italy](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/italy), [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg), [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands) and [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino)
- **Taxi and for-hire plates:** [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary), [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia), [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea), [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden), [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand) and [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine)
- **Export plates:** [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg), [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal), [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia), [Slovenia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovenia) and [United Kingdom](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-kingdom)
- **Motorcycle plates:** [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein), [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands) and [United Kingdom](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-kingdom)
- **Trailer plates:** [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark), [Italy](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/italy) and [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands)
- **Dealer and trade plates:** [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland), [New Zealand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/new-zealand) and [Prince Edward Island (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--prince-edward-island)
- **Electric-vehicle plates:** [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine) and [United Kingdom](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-kingdom)
- **Historic and vintage plates:** [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland) and [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia)
- **Temporary and transit plates:** [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia) and [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland)
- **Government plates:** [Delaware (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware) and [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg)
- **Military plates:** [Croatia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/croatia) and [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway)
- **Diplomatic plates:** [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg) and [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain)
- **Personalized plates:** [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg)

Every yellow plate in issue today (35 jurisdictions)

| Jurisdiction | Plates in issue today | Colors | Exact shade from |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Alaska (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--alaska#spec-colours) | Standard gold (documented since 2026) | blue on yellow | issued plates |
| [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china#spec-colours) | Driving school car (since 1992); Large car (since 1992); Driving school motorcycle (since 1992); Motorcycle (since 1992); Low-speed (since 1992); Trailer (since 1992) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Croatia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/croatia#spec-colours) | Military (since 2014) | black on yellow | the regulation |
| [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia#spec-colours) | Agricultural (documented since 2001) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Delaware (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware#spec-colours) | Officials (since 2008) | blue on gold | issued plates |
| [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark#spec-colours) | Van commercial yellow (since 1976); Moped small (since 2006); Trailer (since 1976) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia#spec-colours) | Temporary yellow (documented since 2011) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland#spec-colours) | Snowmobile (documented since 1996); Tractor (documented since 1996); Koenumero (documented since 1996) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Georgia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--georgia#spec-colours) | Standard America 250 (since 2026); Standard America 250 alt (documented since 2026) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary#spec-colours) | Taxi 2022 (since 2022) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland#spec-colours) | Oil (documented since 2006) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india#spec-colours) | Transport HSRP (since 2004) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Italy](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/italy#spec-colours) | Agricultural self-propelled (documented since 1993); Agricultural trailer (documented since 1993); Machine self-propelled (documented since 1993); Machine trailed (documented since 1993); Repeater (documented since 1993) | black on yellow red on yellow | issued plates |
| [Japan](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan#spec-colours) | Kei goods 3-digit (since 2005); Kei goods alnum (since 2017); Kei passenger 3-digit (since 2005); Kei passenger alnum (since 2017); Kei special purpose 3-digit (since 2005); Kei special purpose alnum (since 2017); Kei US forces (documented since 1970) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia#spec-colours) | Taxi (documented since 2010) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein#spec-colours) | Light motor yellow (documented since 1978); Moped (documented since 1978) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg#spec-colours) | Standard (documented since 2003); Moped (documented since 2003); Limited use (documented since 2003); Personalized (documented since 2003); Export (documented since 2003); Court (documented since 2003); Government (documented since 2003); Parliament (documented since 2003); State (documented since 2003); Diplomatic (documented since 2003) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands#spec-colours) | Sidecode 10 car (since 2019); Sidecode 10 light commercial (since 2016); Sidecode 11 car (since 2024); Sidecode 11 light commercial (since 2019); Sidecode 12 light commercial (since 2024); Sidecode 5 heavy commercial (since 1994); Sidecode 6 car (since 2000); Sidecode 7 car (since 2008); Sidecode 7 heavy commercial (since 2012); Sidecode 8 car (since 2013); Sidecode 8 light commercial (since 2009); Sidecode 9 car (since 2015); Sidecode 9 light commercial (since 2012); Sidecode 6 motorcycle (since 2011); Sidecode 10 moped (since 2008); Sidecode 11 moped (since 2015); Sidecode 7 moped (since 2005); Sidecode 9 moped (since 2006); GV sidecode 1 (since 1951); GV sidecode 13 (since 2016); GV sidecode 14 (since 2019); GV sidecode 2 (since 1951); GV sidecode 3 (since 1951); Sidecode 11 agricultural (since 2021); Sidecode 12 agricultural tractor (since 2021); Sidecode 4 semitrailer (since 1988); Sidecode 4 trailer (since 1988) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [New Jersey (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--new-jersey#spec-colours) | Garden state screened (documented since 2014) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [New Zealand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/new-zealand#spec-colours) | Trade 2016 (since 2016); Trade heavy (since 2016) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway#spec-colours) | Military (since 1932); Military test (since 1945) | black on yellow red on yellow | issued plates |
| [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia#spec-colours) | Commercial (since 1978) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland#spec-colours) | Historic (since 2000); Historic moped (since 2023); Temporary sport (since 2024) | black on yellow red on yellow | issued plates |
| [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal#spec-colours) | Moped (since 2006); Export (documented since 2005) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Prince Edward Island (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--prince-edward-island#spec-colours) | Dealer (since 1988) | red on yellow | issued plates |
| [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino#spec-colours) | Agricultural MA (documented since 1990) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia#spec-colours) | Historic (documented since 2009); Export (documented since 2009) | black on yellow red on yellow | issued plates |
| [Slovenia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovenia#spec-colours) | Export (since 2011) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea#spec-colours) | Commercial large (documented since 2009); Commercial long (documented since 2009); Commercial short (documented since 2009) | grey on yellow | the regulation |
| [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain#spec-colours) | Moped (documented since 1999); Diplomatic staff TA (documented since 1999) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden#spec-colours) | Taxi (since 2017) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland#spec-colours) | Light motor yellow (documented since 1977); Motorfahrrad (since 1978) | black on yellow | issued plates |
| [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand#spec-colours) | LTA public yellow (documented since 2011); Interprovincial taxi (documented since 2011); Motorcycle public (documented since 2011); Small four-wheel hire (documented since 2011); Taxi (documented since 2011); Tuk-tuk (documented since 2011) | black on yellow red on yellow green on yellow blue on yellow | issued plates |
| [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine#spec-colours) | Taxi electric (since 2021); Taxi 2015 (since 2015) | green on yellow black on yellow | issued plates |
| [United Kingdom](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-kingdom#spec-colours) | Ni reversed (rear plate) (documented since 2001); Ni standard (rear plate) (documented since 2001); Q (rear plate) (documented since 2001); Standard (rear plate) (since 2001); Green zev (rear plate) (since 2020); Motorcycle (since 2001); Export X (rear plate) (since 2001) | black on yellow | issued plates |

Yellow plates no longer issued, for spotting older cars: [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium) (Motorcycle 2001, 2001 to 2010); [Cyprus](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/cyprus) (Standard 1956 (rear plate), 1956 to 1990; Standard 1990 (rear plate), 1990 to 2013); [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary) (Taxi 1990, 1990 to 2022); [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india) (Transport, 1989 to 2003; Consular CC 1989, 1989 to 2017); [Japan](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan) (Kei goods 2-digit, 1970 to 2005; Kei passenger 2-digit, 1970 to 2005; Kei special purpose 2-digit, 1970 to 2005); [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg) (Legacy yellow, 1974 to 1988; Legacy euro, 1988 to 2003); [New Jersey (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--new-jersey) (Garden state embossed, 2010 to 2014); [New York (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--new-york) (Empire gold, 2010 to 2020); [New Zealand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/new-zealand) (Trade 1999, 1999 to 2016); [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal) (Moped municipal, since 2006); [Slovenia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovenia) (Moped 1992, 1992 to 2011); [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden) (Taxi T, 1998 to 2017); [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine) (Taxi 2004, 2004 to 2015); [United Kingdom](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-kingdom) (Prefix (rear plate), 1984 to 2001).

## Black license plates

A black plate is rarer, and in Europe it usually marks an old vehicle or an army one. The UK allows "white, silver or light grey letters and numbers on a black surface" on historic vehicles ([S.I. 2001/561, Schedule 2 Part 3](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/561/schedule/2)). In the US, black plates are newer designs: Mississippi's 2024 "Blackout" plate is a standard plate with white characters on black.

**Black plates are issued today in 22 of the jurisdictions we cover.**

- [![China HK/Macau cross-border license plate, white characters on black](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/cn/cn-hkmacau-crossborder-2007.svg?serial=%E7%B2%A4Z%C2%B7H714%E6%B8%AF) China HK/Macau cross-border, documented since 2007](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china/hkmacau-crossborder-2007)
- [![Malaysia Standard prefix license plate, white characters on black](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/my/my-standard-prefix.svg?serial=DPC+7235) Malaysia Standard prefix, documented since 1987](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malaysia/standard-prefix)
- [![Norway Rally license plate, white characters on black](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/no/no-rally-1996.svg?serial=TH+98585) Norway Rally, documented since 1996](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway/rally-1996)
- [![Argentina Convocatoria reempadronamiento license plate, white characters on black](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/ar/ar-convocatoria-reempadronamiento.svg?serial=MCS+657) Argentina Convocatoria reempadronamiento, since 1995](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/argentina/convocatoria-reempadronamiento)
- [![Mississippi (United States) Blackout license plate, white characters on black](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/us-ms/us-ms-blackout-2024.svg?serial=671DFT) Mississippi (United States) Blackout, since 2024](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--mississippi/blackout-2024)

What they are used for:

- **Historic and vintage plates:** [Brazil](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/brazil), [Cyprus](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/cyprus), [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark), [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia), [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland), [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france), [Ireland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ireland), [Malta](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malta) and [United Kingdom](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-kingdom)
- **Standard plates:** [Argentina](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/argentina), [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein), [Malaysia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malaysia), [Mississippi (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--mississippi) and [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway)
- **Military plates:** [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia), [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg), [Malaysia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malaysia), [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden), [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland) and [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine)
- **Specialty plates:** [California (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--california) and [North Dakota (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--north-dakota)
- **Consular plates:** [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china) and [Malaysia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malaysia)
- **Dealer and trade plates:** [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein)
- **Temporary and transit plates:** [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein)
- **Diplomatic plates:** [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china)

Every black plate in issue today (22 jurisdictions)

| Jurisdiction | Plates in issue today | Colors | Exact shade from |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Argentina](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/argentina#spec-colours) | Convocatoria reempadronamiento (since 1995) | white on black | issued plates |
| [Brazil](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/brazil#spec-colours) | Mercosur collection national (since 2022) | white on black | the regulation |
| [California (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--california#spec-colours) | Legacy 1960s (documented since 2015) | yellow on black | the regulation |
| [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china#spec-colours) | HK/Macau cross-border (documented since 2007); Embassy car (documented since 1992); Embassy motorcycle (documented since 1992); Consulate car (since 1992); Consulate motorcycle (since 1992) | white on black | issued plates |
| [Cyprus](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/cyprus#spec-colours) | Historic black (since 2013) | white on black | issued plates |
| [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark#spec-colours) | Historic pre-1976 (since 2011) | white on black | issued plates |
| [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia#spec-colours) | Historic A9 (documented since 2011); Historic B2 (documented since 2011) | white on black | issued plates |
| [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland#spec-colours) | Museum car M (documented since 1996); Museum motorcycle M (documented since 1996); Standard black (documented since 1996) | white on black | issued plates |
| [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france#spec-colours) | Collection (since 2009) | white on black | issued plates |
| [Ireland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ireland#spec-colours) | Vintage ZV (documented since 1993) | white on black | issued plates |
| [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia#spec-colours) | Military (documented since 2010) | white on black | issued plates |
| [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein#spec-colours) | Standard (documented since 1925); Dealer U (documented since 1978); Day registration (documented since 2021); Provisional (documented since 1978); Provisional Z (documented since 1978) | white on black yellow on black | issued plates |
| [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg#spec-colours) | Army (since 2003) | white on black | issued plates |
| [Malaysia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malaysia#spec-colours) | Standard prefix (documented since 1987); Standard suffix (documented since 1987); Military Z (since 1987); Consular CC (since 1987) | white on black | issued plates |
| [Malta](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malta#spec-colours) | Vintage silver (since 2018) | silver on black | issued plates |
| [Mississippi (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--mississippi#spec-colours) | Blackout (since 2024) | white on black | issued plates |
| [North Dakota (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--north-dakota) | Blackout (documented since 2025) | white on black | the regulation |
| [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway#spec-colours) | Off-road (documented since 1990); Rally (documented since 1996) | yellow on black white on black | the regulation |
| [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden#spec-colours) | Military (documented since 2009) | yellow on black | the regulation |
| [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland#spec-colours) | Military M (documented since 1977) | white on black | issued plates |
| [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine#spec-colours) | Military (since 2004); Military motorcycle (since 2004) | white on black | issued plates |
| [United Kingdom](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-kingdom#spec-colours) | Historic blacksilver (documented since 2001) | white on black | issued plates |

Black plates no longer issued, for spotting older cars: [Argentina](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/argentina) (1995 car, 1995 to 2016; 1995 motorcycle, 1995 to 2016); [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria) (Black plate, 1968 to 1990); [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark) (Historic pre-1958, 2008 to 2011); [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland) (District, 1938 to 1989); [Ireland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ireland) (Index mark pre-1987, 1921 to 1987); [Italy](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/italy) (Provincial, 1959 to 1996; Diplomatic, 1959 to 1996); [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein) (L, 1915 to 1925; Rental V, 1978 to 2001); [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg) (Legacy black, 1955 to 1974); [Malta](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malta) (Standard 1952, 1952 to 1979); [New Zealand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/new-zealand) (Standard 1964, 1964 to 1986); [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway) (Numeric 1899, 1899 to 1913); [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal) (National 1937, 1937 to 1992).

## Blue and white license plates

"Blue and white" can mean two different plates. **Blue characters on a white plate** is one of the most common designs in the US and Canada: California and New York both issue it today. **White characters on a blue plate** is rarer, and most of the places that issue one use it for diplomats.

### Blue characters on white

**White plates with blue characters are issued today in 31 of the jurisdictions we cover.**

- [![Monaco Standard letter suffix license plate, blue characters on white](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/mc/mc-standard-letter-suffix.svg?serial=699N) Monaco Standard letter suffix, documented since 2013](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco/standard-letter-suffix)
- [![Northwest Territories (Canada) Regular license plate, blue characters on white](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/ca-nt/ca-nt-regular.svg?serial=591342) Northwest Territories (Canada) Regular, since 1986](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--northwest-territories/regular)
- [![Québec (Canada) Passenger 2023 license plate, blue characters on white](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/ca-qc/ca-qc-passenger-2023.svg?serial=ZKA+42D) Québec (Canada) Passenger 2023, since 2023](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec/passenger-2023)
- [![British Columbia (Canada) Standard 2025 license plate, blue characters on white](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/ca-bc/ca-bc-standard-2025.svg?serial=X336WJ) British Columbia (Canada) Standard 2025, since 2025](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--british-columbia/standard-2025)

What they are used for:

- **Standard plates:** [Alberta (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--alberta), [British Columbia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--british-columbia), [California (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--california), [District of Columbia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--district-of-columbia), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [Kentucky (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--kentucky), [Manitoba (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--manitoba), [Mississippi (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--mississippi), [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco), [New York (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--new-york), [Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--newfoundland-and-labrador), [North Carolina (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--north-carolina), [Northwest Territories (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--northwest-territories), [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia), [Nunavut (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nunavut), [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario), [Pennsylvania (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--pennsylvania), [Québec (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec), [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino), [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand), [Virginia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--virginia) and [West Virginia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--west-virginia)
- **Motorcycle plates:** [British Columbia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--british-columbia), [California (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--california), [Maine (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--maine), [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco), [Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--newfoundland-and-labrador), [Northwest Territories (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--northwest-territories), [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia), [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario), [Québec (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec), [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino) and [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea)
- **Personalized plates:** [Alberta (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--alberta), [British Columbia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--british-columbia), [California (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--california), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [Manitoba (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--manitoba), [Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--newfoundland-and-labrador), [Northwest Territories (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--northwest-territories), [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia), [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario), [Québec (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec) and [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino)
- **Trailer plates:** [Alberta (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--alberta), [British Columbia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--british-columbia), [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco), [Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--newfoundland-and-labrador), [Northwest Territories (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--northwest-territories), [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario), [Québec (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec) and [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino)
- **Historic and vintage plates:** [Alberta (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--alberta), [British Columbia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--british-columbia), [Greece](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/greece), [Manitoba (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--manitoba), [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco), [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia), [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario) and [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino)
- **Specialty plates:** [Alberta (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--alberta), [British Columbia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--british-columbia), [Manitoba (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--manitoba), [Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--newfoundland-and-labrador), [Northwest Territories (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--northwest-territories) and [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia)
- **Dealer and trade plates:** [Alberta (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--alberta), [Manitoba (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--manitoba), [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco), [Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--newfoundland-and-labrador), [Northwest Territories (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--northwest-territories) and [Québec (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec)
- **Diplomatic plates:** [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia), [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco), [Québec (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec), [Romania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/romania) and [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino)
- **Agricultural plates:** [British Columbia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--british-columbia), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland) and [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia)
- **Government plates:** [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco), [Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--newfoundland-and-labrador) and [Northwest Territories (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--northwest-territories)
- **Consular plates:** [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco), [Québec (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec) and [Romania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/romania)
- **Police plates:** [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino) and [Slovenia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovenia)
- **Electric-vehicle plates:** [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia)
- **Moped plates:** [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino)
- **Taxi and for-hire plates:** [Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--newfoundland-and-labrador)
- **Competition plates:** [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia)
- **Temporary and transit plates:** [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal)

Every white plate with blue characters (31 jurisdictions)

| Jurisdiction | Plates in issue today | Colors | Exact shade from |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Alberta (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--alberta#spec-colours) | Standard (since 2010); Trailer (documented since 2002); Antique (documented since 2002); Personalized (documented since 2002); Specialty index (since 2014); Veterans (since 2005); Dealer (documented since 2002) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [British Columbia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--british-columbia#spec-colours) | Commercial truck (since 2025); Industrial (since 2025); Prorate (since 2025); Standard 2025 (since 2025); Motorcycle (since 1970); Farm (since 2025); Trailer utility (since 2025); Collector (since 2006); Vintage antique (since 1966); Personalized (since 1979); Parks 2025 (since 2025) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [California (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--california#spec-colours) | Commercial (documented since 2026); Standard 123ABC1 (documented since 2026); Motorcycle (documented since 2026); Personalized (documented since 2026) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia#spec-colours) | Diplomatic 2004 (since 2004) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [District of Columbia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--district-of-columbia#spec-colours) | Alternate design (documented since 2018); End taxation (documented since 2017) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Greece](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/greece#spec-colours) | Historic IO (since 2023) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland#spec-colours) | Standard 1989 (since 1989); Standard 2006 (documented since 2006); Tractor (documented since 2003); Personal (documented since 2003) | blue on white | the regulation |
| [Kentucky (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--kentucky#spec-colours) | Standard 2020 (since 2020); Standard igwt (since 2020) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia#spec-colours) | Electric (since 2016) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Maine (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--maine) | Motorcycle (since 2012) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Manitoba (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--manitoba#spec-colours) | Standard (since 1997); Collector (documented since 2018); Personalized (since 1997); MMIWG2S (since 2023); Parks (since 2024); Support our troops (since 2014); Dealer (documented since 2018); Repairer (documented since 2018) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Mississippi (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--mississippi#spec-colours) | Standard 2024 (since 2024) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco#spec-colours) | Resident Z (documented since 1978); Standard letter prefix (documented since 1978); Standard letter suffix (documented since 2013); Standard numeric (documented since 1978); Motorcycle (documented since 1978); Trailer (documented since 1978); Collection 0000 (documented since 1978); Dealer W (documented since 1978); Conseil national (documented since 1978); Government ME (documented since 1978); Princely (documented since 1978); Diplomatic CD (documented since 1978); Diplomatic K (documented since 1978); Consular CC (documented since 1978) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [New York (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--new-york#spec-colours) | Excelsior (documented since 2020) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--newfoundland-and-labrador#spec-colours) | Standard 2007 (since 2007); Truck C (since 1982); Motorcycle M (since 1982); Taxi TX (since 1982); Trailer T (since 1982); Amateur radio VO (since 1982); Veteran V (since 2007); Dealer D (since 1982); Government G (since 1982) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [North Carolina (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--north-carolina#spec-colours) | Standard first in flight (documented since 2009); Standard first in freedom (documented since 2015); Standard national state mottos (documented since 2019) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Northwest Territories (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--northwest-territories#spec-colours) | Commercial (documented since 2013); Construction (documented since 2013); Regular (since 1986); Rental (documented since 2013); School bus (documented since 2013); Motorcycle (documented since 2013); Trailer (documented since 2013); Personalized (documented since 2013); Amateur radio (documented since 2013); Veteran (documented since 2013); Dealer (documented since 2013); Crown (documented since 2013); Government (documented since 2013) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia#spec-colours) | Standard 1989 (since 1989); Motorcycle (since 1998); Fm farmer fisherman (since 1989); Antique (since 2009); Personalized (since 2005); Firefighter (since 1991) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Nunavut (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nunavut#spec-colours) | Standard 2025 (since 2025) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario#spec-colours) | Commercial (since 2011); Standard 1997 (since 1997); Motorcycle 2024 (since 2024); Trailer 2025 (since 2025); Historic (since 2007); Personalized (since 1998) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Pennsylvania (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--pennsylvania#spec-colours) | Let freedom ring (since 2025); Visit PA (documented since 2017) | blue on white blue on cream | issued plates |
| [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal#spec-colours) | Temporary import (documented since 2005) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Québec (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec#spec-colours) | Bus A (since 1991); Commercial F (since 2001); Off-road V (since 1991); Passenger 2023 (since 2023); Restricted C (since 1991); Truck L (since 1991); Motorcycle (since 2008); Trailer R (since 2007); Amateur radio (since 1991); Personalized (since 2018); Dealer X (since 1991); Diplomatic CD (since 1991); Consular CC (since 1991) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Romania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/romania#spec-colours) | Diplomatic (since 1992); Consular (since 1992) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino#spec-colours) | Standard 2022 (documented since 2022); Motorcycle (documented since 1993); Moped (documented since 1993); Trailer R (documented since 1986); Historic H (documented since 2006); Personalized (documented since 2003); Police (documented since 1986); Diplomatic CD 1986 (documented since 1986) | blue on white blue on cream | issued plates |
| [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia#spec-colours) | Sport (documented since 2009) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Slovenia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovenia#spec-colours) | Police (since 1992) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea#spec-colours) | Motorcycle city (documented since 2009) | blue on white | the regulation |
| [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand#spec-colours) | Private car 7+ seats (documented since 2011) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [Virginia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--virginia#spec-colours) | Standard lovers (documented since 2014) | blue on white | issued plates |
| [West Virginia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--west-virginia#spec-colours) | Standard (documented since 2023) | blue on white | issued plates |

### White characters on blue (blue plates)

**Blue plates are issued today in 25 of the jurisdictions we cover.**

- [![Delaware (United States) Standard beveled license plate, gold characters on blue](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/us-de/us-de-standard-beveled.svg?serial=892043) Delaware (United States) Standard beveled, documented since 2008](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware/standard-beveled)
- [![China Small car license plate, white characters on blue](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/cn/cn-small-car-1992.svg?serial=%E4%BA%ACA%C2%B788562) China Small car, since 1992](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china/small-car-1992)
- [![Tennessee (United States) Standard 2024 license plate, white characters on blue](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/us-tn/us-tn-standard-2024.svg?serial=LTO+8199) Tennessee (United States) Standard 2024, since 2024](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--tennessee/standard-2024)
- [![Netherlands Sidecode 12 special moped license plate, black characters on light blue](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/nl/nl-sidecode12-specialmoped.svg?serial=E-51-JKP) Netherlands Sidecode 12 special moped, since 2025](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands/sidecode12-specialmoped)
- [![Andorra Diplomatic CMD license plate, white characters on blue](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/ad/ad-diplomatic-cmd.svg?serial=CMD7B) Andorra Diplomatic CMD, documented since 2011](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra/diplomatic-cmd)

What they are used for:

- **Diplomatic plates:** [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra), [Croatia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/croatia), [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark), [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia), [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland), [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india), [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway), [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland), [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia), [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea), [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain) and [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden)
- **Standard plates:** [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Delaware (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware), [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein), [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland) and [Tennessee (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--tennessee)
- **Moped plates:** [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland) and [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands)
- **Temporary and transit plates:** [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria), [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china) and [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco)
- **Consular plates:** [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india) and [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand)
- **Historic and vintage plates:** [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands) and [Slovenia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovenia)
- **Dealer and trade plates:** [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria) and [Delaware (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware)
- **Electric-vehicle plates:** [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea)
- **Motorcycle plates:** [Delaware (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware)
- **Trailer plates:** [Delaware (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware)
- **Personalized plates:** [Delaware (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware)
- **Government plates:** [Delaware (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware)
- **Police plates:** [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine)

Every blue plate in issue today (25 jurisdictions)

| Jurisdiction | Plates in issue today | Colors | Exact shade from |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra#spec-colours) | Diplomatic CD (documented since 2011); Diplomatic CMD (documented since 2011); Diplomatic staff A (documented since 2011); Consular CC (documented since 2011) | white on blue | the regulation |
| [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria#spec-colours) | Dealer probefahrt (since 1989); Temporary vorlaeufig (since 1989) | white on blue | issued plates |
| [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china#spec-colours) | Small car (since 1992); Moped (since 1992); Temporary entry car (since 1992); Temporary entry motorcycle (since 1992); Temporary travel (since 1992) | white on blue black on light blue | issued plates |
| [Croatia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/croatia#spec-colours) | Diplomatic (since 1993) | yellow on blue | issued plates |
| [Delaware (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware#spec-colours) | Standard beveled (documented since 2008); Motorcycle (documented since 2008); Trailer (documented since 2008); Vanity (since 2008); Dealer (since 2008); State owned (documented since 2008) | gold on blue | issued plates |
| [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark#spec-colours) | Diplomatic mission (since 1976); Diplomatic organisation (since 1976) | white on blue | issued plates |
| [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia#spec-colours) | Diplomatic CD (documented since 2011); Diplomatic CD reduced (documented since 2011); Diplomatic CMD (documented since 2011); Diplomatic CMD reduced (documented since 2011) | white on blue | issued plates |
| [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland#spec-colours) | Diplomatic C (documented since 1996); Diplomatic CD (documented since 1996) | white on blue | issued plates |
| [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary#spec-colours) | Diplomatic 2017 (since 2017) | white on blue | issued plates |
| [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland#spec-colours) | Moped (documented since 2003) | white on blue | issued plates |
| [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india#spec-colours) | Diplomatic CD (since 1989); UN (since 1995); Consular CC 2017 (since 2017) | yellow on blue white on blue | issued plates |
| [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein#spec-colours) | Work vehicle blue (documented since 1978) | black on light blue | issued plates |
| [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco#spec-colours) | Provisional WW (since 1978) | white on blue | issued plates |
| [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands#spec-colours) | Sidecode 12 special moped (since 2025); Historic dark blue (since 1978); Historic dark blue agricultural (since 1978); Historic dark blue sidecode 2 (since 1978); Historic dark blue sidecode 3 (since 1978) | white on blue black on light blue | issued plates |
| [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway#spec-colours) | Diplomatic (documented since 1990) | yellow on blue | issued plates |
| [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland#spec-colours) | Diplomatic (since 2000) | white on blue | issued plates |
| [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia#spec-colours) | Diplomatic mission (documented since 1997); Diplomatic staff (documented since 1997) | yellow on blue | issued plates |
| [Slovenia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovenia#spec-colours) | Historic (since 2013) | white on blue | issued plates |
| [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea#spec-colours) | Electric (since 2017); Diplomatic long (documented since 2009); Diplomatic short (documented since 2009) | white on blue grey on light blue | the regulation |
| [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain#spec-colours) | International OI (documented since 1999) | white on blue | issued plates |
| [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden#spec-colours) | Diplomatic (since 1988) | black on blue | issued plates |
| [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland#spec-colours) | Work vehicle blue (documented since 1977) | black on light blue | issued plates |
| [Tennessee (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--tennessee#spec-colours) | Standard 2024 (since 2024); Standard igwt 2024 (since 2024) | white on blue | issued plates |
| [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand#spec-colours) | Consular (documented since 2011) | white on blue | issued plates |
| [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine#spec-colours) | Police (since 2021) | white on light blue | issued plates |

Blue plates no longer issued, for spotting older cars: [Brazil](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/brazil) (PNU diplomatic, 2008 to 2020); [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia) (Diplomatic 2001, 2001 to 2005); [Delaware (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware) (Standard flat, 1969 to 2008); [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary) (Diplomatic 1990, 1990 to 2017); [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario) (Standard blue, 2020 to 2020); [Tennessee (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--tennessee) (Standard 2022, 2022 to 2024; Standard igwt 2022, 2022 to 2024).

## Red license plates

A red plate rarely means an ordinary car. Most red plates in issue today are temporary, dealer or diplomatic plates, as the list below shows. Two cases are written straight into the law:

- **Germany:** red characters on white is the "rotes Kennzeichen", the plate dealers, manufacturers and workshops use to move and test different vehicles ([§ 41 of the Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/fzv_2023/__41.html)).
- **Belgium:** every ordinary Belgian plate has red characters on white. The [ministerial decree of 23 July 2001](https://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/eli/arrete/2001/07/23/2001014154/justel) on vehicle registration sets the characters and border in ruby red, RAL 3003. Belgium's plates with a red *background*, set in RAL 3020, are temporary, export and agricultural plates.

### Red plates

**Red plates are issued today in 20 of the jurisdictions we cover.**

- [![Ukraine Tractor transit license plate, white characters on red](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/ua/ua-tractor-transit.svg?serial=T+GD+48266) Ukraine Tractor transit, since 2021](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine/tractor-transit)
- [![Spain Trailer license plate, black characters on red](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/es/es-trailer-1999.svg?serial=R1880ZJK) Spain Trailer, documented since 1999](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain/trailer-1999)
- [![Belgium Temporary W license plate, white characters on red](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/be/be-temporary-w-2021.svg?serial=WB-75-HFZ) Belgium Temporary W, documented since 2021](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium/temporary-w-2021)
- [![Austria Moped license plate, white characters on red](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/at/at-moped.svg?serial=JQ-26J) Austria Moped, since 1989](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria/moped)
- [![Denmark Airport RF license plate, yellow characters on red](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/dk/dk-airport-rf.svg?serial=RF+87+199) Denmark Airport RF, since 2012](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark/airport-rf)

What they are used for:

- **Dealer and trade plates:** [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india), [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg), [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway), [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain) and [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand)
- **Temporary and transit plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium), [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france), [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden) and [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine)
- **Diplomatic plates:** [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia), [Malaysia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malaysia), [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario) and [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain)
- **Trailer plates:** [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria), [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein) and [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain)
- **Specialty plates:** [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark) and [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia)
- **Government plates:** [Mexico](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/mexico) and [Vermont (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--vermont)
- **Standard plates:** [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland)
- **Moped plates:** [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria)
- **Agricultural plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium)
- **Historic and vintage plates:** [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra)
- **Export plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium)

Every red plate in issue today (20 jurisdictions)

| Jurisdiction | Plates in issue today | Colors | Exact shade from |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra#spec-colours) | Historic failed ITV (documented since 2011) | black on red | the regulation |
| [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria#spec-colours) | Moped (since 1989); Trailer foreign (since 2002) | white on red | issued plates |
| [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium#spec-colours) | Agricultural G (documented since 2020); Temporary W (documented since 2021); Export X (documented since 2021) | white on red | the regulation |
| [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark#spec-colours) | Airport RF (since 2012); Airport RF trailer (since 2012) | yellow on red | issued plates |
| [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia#spec-colours) | Racing A10 (documented since 2011) | white on red | issued plates |
| [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france#spec-colours) | Transit red (since 2009) | white on red | issued plates |
| [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland#spec-colours) | Off-road (documented since 2003); Trade (documented since 2003) | white on red black on red | issued plates |
| [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india#spec-colours) | Dealer 2022 (since 2022) | white on red | issued plates |
| [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia#spec-colours) | Diplomatic (documented since 2010) | white on red | issued plates |
| [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein#spec-colours) | Rear load carrier (documented since 2022) | white on red | issued plates |
| [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg#spec-colours) | Dealer red (documented since 2003) | white on red | issued plates |
| [Malaysia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malaysia#spec-colours) | Diplomatic DC (since 1987); UN (since 1987) | white on red | issued plates |
| [Mexico](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/mexico) | Civil protection (since 2016) | white on red | issued plates |
| [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway#spec-colours) | Dealer annual (since 2015); Dealer day (documented since 1990) | black on red white on red | issued plates |
| [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario#spec-colours) | Diplomatic (since 1994) | white on red | issued plates |
| [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain#spec-colours) | Trailer (documented since 1999); Temporary company registered (documented since 1999); Temporary company unregistered (documented since 1999); Diplomatic CD (documented since 1999) | white on red black on red | issued plates |
| [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden#spec-colours) | Temporary interim (documented since 2016) | white on red | issued plates |
| [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand#spec-colours) | Trade red (since 1979) | black on red | issued plates |
| [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine#spec-colours) | Moped transit (since 2015); Motorcycle transit (since 2015); Motorcycle transit small (since 2015); Tractor transit (since 2021); Transit 2015 (since 2015) | white on red | issued plates |
| [Vermont (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--vermont#spec-colours) | Municipal (documented since 1990) | white on red | issued plates |

Red plates no longer issued, for spotting older cars: [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium) (Temporary 2001, 2001 to 2010; Temporary 2010, 2010 to 2020); [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine) (Transit 2004, 2004 to 2015).

### Red characters on white

**White plates with red characters are issued today in 23 of the jurisdictions we cover.**

- [![Belgium Standard 2010 license plate, red characters on white](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/be/be-standard-2010.svg?serial=1-LNL-595) Belgium Standard 2010, since 2010](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium/standard-2010)
- [![New Brunswick (Canada) Standard 2011 license plate, red characters on white](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/ca-nb/ca-nb-standard-2011.svg?serial=NME+633) New Brunswick (Canada) Standard 2011, since 2011](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--new-brunswick/standard-2011)
- [![Massachusetts (United States) Standard spirit license plate, red characters on white](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/us-ma/us-ma-standard-spirit.svg?serial=7KTH+78) Massachusetts (United States) Standard spirit, since 1993](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--massachusetts/standard-spirit)
- [![Andorra Snow vehicle license plate, red characters on white](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/ad/ad-snow-vehicle.svg?serial=3637) Andorra Snow vehicle, documented since 2011](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra/snow-vehicle)

What they are used for:

- **Temporary and transit plates:** [Argentina](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/argentina), [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium), [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia), [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland), [Lithuania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/lithuania), [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco), [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland) and [Romania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/romania)
- **Standard plates:** [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra), [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [Massachusetts (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--massachusetts), [New Brunswick (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--new-brunswick), [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia) and [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand)
- **Dealer and trade plates:** [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark), [Germany](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/germany), [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia), [New Brunswick (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--new-brunswick), [Romania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/romania) and [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia)
- **Government plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium), [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino) and [Vatican City](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/vatican-city)
- **Motorcycle plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium) and [New Brunswick (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--new-brunswick)
- **Trailer plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium) and [New Brunswick (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--new-brunswick)
- **Historic and vintage plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium) and [New Brunswick (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--new-brunswick)
- **Diplomatic plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium) and [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal)
- **Moped plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium)
- **Agricultural plates:** [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain)
- **Taxi and for-hire plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium)
- **Personalized plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium)
- **Seasonal plates:** [Malta](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malta)

Every white plate with red characters (23 jurisdictions)

| Jurisdiction | Plates in issue today | Colors | Exact shade from |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra#spec-colours) | Giny mecanic (documented since 2011); Snow vehicle (documented since 2011); Special vehicle (documented since 1999) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Argentina](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/argentina#spec-colours) | Provisoria (since 1993) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium#spec-colours) | Standard 2010 (since 2010); Motorcycle M (documented since 2021); Moped S (since 2014); Taxi T (documented since 2021); Trailer Q (documented since 2021); Historic O (documented since 2021); Historic O moto (documented since 2021); Personalized (since 2014); International 2021 (documented since 2021); Supplementary aep (documented since 2001); Supplementary court (documented since 2001); Diplomatic CD (since 2010) | red on white | the regulation |
| [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark#spec-colours) | Dealer testplate (since 2008) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia#spec-colours) | Transit D1 (documented since 2011); Transit D2 (documented since 2011) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland#spec-colours) | Siirtomerkki (documented since 2021) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Germany](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/germany#spec-colours) | Dealer red (documented since 2007); Oldtimer red (documented since 2007) | red on white | the regulation |
| [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland#spec-colours) | VAT free (documented since 2003) | red on white | the regulation |
| [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia#spec-colours) | Dealer (documented since 2010) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Lithuania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/lithuania#spec-colours) | Temporary commercial (since 2018); Temporary commercial motorcycle (since 2018) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Malta](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malta#spec-colours) | Weekend (since 2015) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Massachusetts (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--massachusetts#spec-colours) | Standard spirit (since 1993) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco#spec-colours) | TT (documented since 1978) | red on white | issued plates |
| [New Brunswick (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--new-brunswick#spec-colours) | ATV (since 2003); Commercial (since 2011); Standard 2011 (since 2011); Truck (since 2003); Motorcycle (since 2009); Trailer (since 2003); Antique (since 2003); Dealer (since 2009) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia#spec-colours) | Off-highway (since 1989) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland#spec-colours) | Temporary (since 2000) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal#spec-colours) | Diplomatic (documented since 2005) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Romania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/romania#spec-colours) | Probe (documented since 2006); Provisional (documented since 2006) | red on white | issued plates |
| [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino#spec-colours) | Red Cross CRS (documented since 1989) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia#spec-colours) | Dealer (documented since 2009) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain#spec-colours) | Special vehicles (documented since 1999) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand#spec-colours) | Private three-wheeler (documented since 2011) | red on white | issued plates |
| [Vatican City](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/vatican-city#spec-colours) | Papal red (since 2002) | red on white | issued plates |

## Green license plates

Green has the widest range of meanings. In **Germany**, green characters on white mark a vehicle whose keeper doesn't pay vehicle tax, such as farm tractors and machinery: the law calls it the "grünes Kennzeichen" ([§ 10 of the Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/fzv_2023/__10.html)). Elsewhere a green plate can mean an electric car, a diplomat, or simply the state's own design: Vermont's standard plate is green with white characters.

### Green plates

**Green plates are issued today in 23 of the jurisdictions we cover.**

- [![Vermont (United States) Standard 1990 license plate, white characters on green](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/us-vt/us-vt-standard-1990.svg?serial=OEP+574) Vermont (United States) Standard 1990, since 1990](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--vermont/standard-1990)
- [![South Korea Corporate green license plate, grey characters on green](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/kr/kr-corporate-green.svg?serial=5630507) South Korea Corporate green, since 2024](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea/corporate-green)
- [![France Diplomatic CD license plate, orange characters on green](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/fr/fr-diplomatic-cd.svg?serial=600+CD+8433) France Diplomatic CD, since 2009](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france/diplomatic-cd)
- [![India Electric green license plate, white characters on green](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/in/in-electric-green-2018.svg?serial=DL+01+EV+4321) India Electric green, since 2018](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india/electric-green-2018)
- [![Ukraine Diplomatic CD license plate, white characters on green](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/ua/ua-diplomatic-cd-2025.svg?serial=CD+001+001) Ukraine Diplomatic CD, since 2025](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine/diplomatic-cd-2025)

What they are used for:

- **Electric-vehicle plates:** [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india), [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland) and [Prince Edward Island (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--prince-edward-island)
- **Diplomatic plates:** [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india), [Lithuania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/lithuania) and [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine)
- **Consular plates:** [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india), [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain) and [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine)
- **Standard plates:** [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway), [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea) and [Vermont (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--vermont)
- **Agricultural plates:** [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein), [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia) and [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland)
- **Temporary and transit plates:** [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria), [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia) and [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain)
- **Dealer and trade plates:** [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra) and [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden)
- **Motorcycle plates:** [Vermont (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--vermont)
- **Moped plates:** [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia)
- **Taxi and for-hire plates:** [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand)
- **Trailer plates:** [Vermont (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--vermont)
- **Export plates:** [Croatia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/croatia)

Every green plate in issue today (23 jurisdictions)

| Jurisdiction | Plates in issue today | Colors | Exact shade from |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra#spec-colours) | Dealer prova (documented since 1999) | red on green | the regulation |
| [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria#spec-colours) | Temporary ueberstellung (since 1989) | white on green | issued plates |
| [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china#spec-colours) | New energy large (since 2016); New energy small (since 2016) | black on light green black on green | issued plates |
| [Croatia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/croatia#spec-colours) | Export (since 2008) | yellow on green | issued plates |
| [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia#spec-colours) | Transfer (documented since 2001) | black on green | issued plates |
| [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia#spec-colours) | Moped B3 (documented since 2011) | black on green | issued plates |
| [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france#spec-colours) | Diplomatic CD (since 2009); Diplomatic CD delegation (since 2009); Diplomatic K (since 2009); Diplomatic K delegation (since 2009); Consular C (since 2009); Consular K (since 2009) | white on green orange on green | issued plates |
| [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary#spec-colours) | Electric 2022 (since 2022) | black on light green | issued plates |
| [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland#spec-colours) | Diplomatic (documented since 2003) | white on green | issued plates |
| [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india#spec-colours) | Electric green (since 2018); Non-diplomatic CDP (since 1997); Non-diplomatic CCP (since 1997) | white on green | issued plates |
| [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein#spec-colours) | Agricultural green (documented since 1978) | black on light green | issued plates |
| [Lithuania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/lithuania#spec-colours) | Diplomatic (since 2004); Diplomatic motorcycle (since 2004) | white on green | issued plates |
| [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway#spec-colours) | Green varebil (documented since 1990) | black on green | issued plates |
| [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland#spec-colours) | Electric (since 2020) | black on light green | issued plates |
| [Prince Edward Island (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--prince-edward-island#spec-colours) | Electric (since 2022) | white on green | issued plates |
| [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia#spec-colours) | Agricultural (documented since 2009) | black on green | issued plates |
| [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea#spec-colours) | Corporate green (since 2024) | grey on green | the regulation |
| [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain#spec-colours) | Temporary private (documented since 1999); Consular CC (documented since 1999) | white on green | issued plates |
| [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden#spec-colours) | Dealer saluvagn (since 1973) | black on green | issued plates |
| [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland#spec-colours) | Agricultural green (documented since 1977) | black on light green | issued plates |
| [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand#spec-colours) | Service green (documented since 2011) | white on green | issued plates |
| [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine#spec-colours) | Diplomatic CD (since 2025); Diplomatic S (since 2025); Consular CC (since 2025) | white on green | issued plates |
| [Vermont (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--vermont#spec-colours) | Standard 1990 (since 1990); Truck (since 2009); Motorcycle (documented since 1990); Trailer small (documented since 1990) | white on green | issued plates |

Green plates no longer issued, for spotting older cars: [Cyprus](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/cyprus) (Diplomatic green, 1973 to 2013); [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary) (Electric 2015, 2015 to 2022); [Slovenia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovenia) (Agricultural, 1992 to 2004; Temporary, 1992 to 2004); [Vermont (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--vermont) (Standard 1985, 1985 to 1989).

### Green characters on white

**White plates with green characters are issued today in 19 of the jurisdictions we cover.**

- [![Japan Registered passenger alnum license plate, green characters on white](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/jp/jp-registered-passenger-alnum.svg?serial=3FC+78-91) Japan Registered passenger alnum, since 2017](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan/registered-passenger-alnum)
- [![Florida (United States) Standard license plate, green characters on white](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/us-fl/us-fl-standard.svg?serial=ILC+578) Florida (United States) Standard, documented since 2003](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--florida/standard)
- [![Saskatchewan (Canada) Standard license plate, green characters on white](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/ca-sk/ca-sk-standard.svg?serial=369+SRR) Saskatchewan (Canada) Standard, since 1998](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--saskatchewan/standard)
- [![Prince Edward Island (Canada) Standard 2022 license plate, green characters on white](https://vehiclesdb.com/plates/ca-pe/ca-pe-standard-2022.svg?serial=347+XRN) Prince Edward Island (Canada) Standard 2022, since 2022](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--prince-edward-island/standard-2022)

What they are used for:

- **Standard plates:** [Florida (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--florida), [Japan](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan), [Prince Edward Island (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--prince-edward-island), [Saskatchewan (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--saskatchewan) and [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand)
- **Electric-vehicle plates:** [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria), [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario), [Québec (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec), [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia) and [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine)
- **Agricultural plates:** [Germany](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/germany), [Japan](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan), [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia) and [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino)
- **Personalized plates:** [Florida (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--florida), [Saskatchewan (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--saskatchewan) and [South Africa](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-africa)
- **Dealer and trade plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium), [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia) and [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland)
- **Motorcycle plates:** [Japan](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan) and [New Hampshire (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--new-hampshire)
- **Temporary and transit plates:** [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium) and [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia)
- **Trailer plates:** [Maine (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--maine)
- **Historic and vintage plates:** [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia)
- **Specialty plates:** [Japan](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan)

Every white plate with green characters (19 jurisdictions)

| Jurisdiction | Plates in issue today | Colors | Exact shade from |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria#spec-colours) | Electric (since 2017) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium#spec-colours) | Dealer essai Y (documented since 2021); Dealer marchand Z (documented since 2021); Dealer professionnelle V (documented since 2021); National U (documented since 2021) | green on white | the regulation |
| [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia#spec-colours) | Historic 2015 (since 2015); Dealer (documented since 2001); Test (documented since 2001) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Florida (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--florida#spec-colours) | Standard (documented since 2003); Personalized (since 1972) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Germany](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/germany#spec-colours) | Green tax-exempt (since 1956) | green on white | the regulation |
| [Japan](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan#spec-colours) | Registered bus 3-digit (since 1998); Registered bus alnum (since 2017); Registered classcode 1-digit (documented since 1970); Registered goods 3-digit (since 1998); Registered goods alnum (since 2017); Registered passenger 3-digit (since 1998); Registered passenger alnum (since 2017); Registered small goods 3-digit (since 1998); Registered small goods alnum (since 2017); Registered small passenger 3-digit (since 1998); Registered small passenger alnum (since 2017); Registered special purpose 3-digit (since 1998); Registered special purpose alnum (since 2017); Registered US forces (documented since 1970); Motorcycle 126 250 (documented since 1970); Motorcycle over 250 cc (documented since 1970); Motorcycle over 250 cc combination (documented since 1970); Motorcycle over 250 cc US forces (documented since 1970); Registered construction 3-digit (since 1998); Registered construction alnum (since 2017); Registered large special 3-digit (since 1998); Registered large special alnum (since 2017); Figure local (since 2018) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia#spec-colours) | Off-road (documented since 2010) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Maine (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--maine) | Trailer longterm (since 2001) | green on white | issued plates |
| [New Hampshire (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--new-hampshire#spec-colours) | Motorcycle (since 2022) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario#spec-colours) | Green (since 2010) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland#spec-colours) | Professional (since 2019) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Prince Edward Island (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--prince-edward-island#spec-colours) | Standard 2022 (since 2022) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Québec (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec#spec-colours) | Electric (since 2017) | green on white | issued plates |
| [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino#spec-colours) | Machinery MO (documented since 1990) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Saskatchewan (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--saskatchewan#spec-colours) | Standard (since 1998); Personalized (since 1998) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia#spec-colours) | Electric (since 2023); Limited F (documented since 2009); Temporary C (documented since 2009) | green on white | issued plates |
| [South Africa](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-africa#spec-colours) | FS personalised (since 2002) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand#spec-colours) | Private pickup (documented since 2011) | green on white | issued plates |
| [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine#spec-colours) | Electric (since 2020); Moped electric (since 2021); Motorcycle electric (since 2021); Non-format electric (since 2021) | green on white | issued plates |

## Why some colors are law and others aren't

The British, German and Belgian rules above name the colors in the regulation itself. US law often works the other way round: where it mentions color at all, it may only ask that plates can be told apart, and leave the colors to the plate's design. California's Vehicle Code, for its historic-vehicle plates, says "each series of plates shall have different and distinguishing colors" ([§ 5004](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=5004)).

Delaware is a state that does name them: its law spells out "gold letters on a blue background" ([21 Del. C. § 2121](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title21/c021/sc02/index.html)), and gives the plates of the State's elective and constitutional officers and of state and federal judges the reverse, "blue letters on a gold background" (§ 2123).

## Every color combination in issue today

Every combination of character and background color on a plate issued today, with each place that issues it. A rear plate in a color of its own, like the UK's yellow one, counts on its own row.

| Colors | Series | Where |
|---|---|---|
| black on white | 273 | [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra), [Argentina](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/argentina), [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria), [Brazil](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/brazil), [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Croatia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/croatia), [Cyprus](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/cyprus), [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia), [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark), [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia), [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland), [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france), [Georgia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--georgia), [Germany](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/germany), [Greece](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/greece), [Guam (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--guam), [Hawaii (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--hawaii), [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india), [Ireland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ireland), [Italy](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/italy), [Japan](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan), [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia), [Lithuania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/lithuania), [Malaysia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malaysia), [Malta](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malta), [Maryland (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--maryland), [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands), [New Zealand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/new-zealand), [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway), [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland), [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal), [Puerto Rico (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--puerto-rico), [Romania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/romania), [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino), [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia), [Slovenia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovenia), [South Africa](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-africa), [South Carolina (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--south-carolina), [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea), [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain), [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden), [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland), [Texas (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--texas), [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand), [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine), [United Kingdom](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-kingdom), [Vatican City](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/vatican-city) and [Yukon (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--yukon) |
| blue on white | 126 | [Alberta (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--alberta), [British Columbia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--british-columbia), [California (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--california), [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia), [District of Columbia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--district-of-columbia), [Greece](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/greece), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [Kentucky (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--kentucky), [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia), [Maine (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--maine), [Manitoba (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--manitoba), [Mississippi (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--mississippi), [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco), [New York (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--new-york), [Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--newfoundland-and-labrador), [North Carolina (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--north-carolina), [Northwest Territories (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--northwest-territories), [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia), [Nunavut (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nunavut), [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario), [Pennsylvania (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--pennsylvania), [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal), [Québec (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec), [Romania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/romania), [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino), [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia), [Slovenia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovenia), [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea), [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand), [Virginia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--virginia) and [West Virginia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--west-virginia) |
| black on yellow | 98 | [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Croatia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/croatia), [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia), [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark), [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia), [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland), [Georgia (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--georgia), [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india), [Italy](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/italy), [Japan](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan), [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia), [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein), [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg), [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands), [New Jersey (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--new-jersey), [New Zealand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/new-zealand), [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway), [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia), [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland), [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal), [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino), [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia), [Slovenia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovenia), [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain), [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden), [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland), [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand), [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine) and [United Kingdom](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-kingdom) |
| green on white | 53 | [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria), [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium), [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia), [Florida (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--florida), [Germany](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/germany), [Japan](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan), [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia), [Maine (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--maine), [New Hampshire (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--new-hampshire), [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario), [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland), [Prince Edward Island (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--prince-edward-island), [Québec (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--quebec), [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino), [Saskatchewan (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--saskatchewan), [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia), [South Africa](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-africa), [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand) and [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine) |
| red on white | 47 | [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra), [Argentina](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/argentina), [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium), [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark), [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia), [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland), [Germany](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/germany), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia), [Lithuania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/lithuania), [Malta](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malta), [Massachusetts (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--massachusetts), [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco), [New Brunswick (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--new-brunswick), [Nova Scotia (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--nova-scotia), [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland), [Portugal](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/portugal), [Romania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/romania), [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino), [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia), [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain), [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand) and [Vatican City](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/vatican-city) |
| white on black | 33 | [Argentina](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/argentina), [Brazil](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/brazil), [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Cyprus](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/cyprus), [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark), [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia), [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland), [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france), [Ireland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ireland), [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia), [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein), [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg), [Malaysia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malaysia), [Mississippi (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--mississippi), [North Dakota (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--north-dakota), [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway), [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland), [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine) and [United Kingdom](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-kingdom) |
| white on blue | 33 | [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra), [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria), [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark), [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia), [Finland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/finland), [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india), [Monaco](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/monaco), [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands), [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland), [Slovenia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovenia), [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea), [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain), [Tennessee (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--tennessee) and [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand) |
| white on red | 27 | [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria), [Belgium](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/belgium), [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia), [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india), [Latvia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/latvia), [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein), [Luxembourg](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/luxembourg), [Malaysia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malaysia), [Mexico](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/mexico), [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway), [Ontario (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--ontario), [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain), [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden), [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine) and [Vermont (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--vermont) |
| white on green | 22 | [Austria](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/austria), [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india), [Lithuania](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/lithuania), [Prince Edward Island (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--prince-edward-island), [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain), [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand), [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine) and [Vermont (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--vermont) |
| grey on white | 7 | [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea) |
| red on yellow | 7 | [Italy](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/italy), [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway), [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland), [Prince Edward Island (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--prince-edward-island), [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia) and [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand) |
| gold on blue | 6 | [Delaware (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware) |
| black on green | 6 | [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Czechia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/czechia), [Estonia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/estonia), [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway), [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia) and [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden) |
| black on light blue | 6 | [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein), [Netherlands](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/netherlands) and [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland) |
| yellow on blue | 5 | [Croatia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/croatia), [India](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/india), [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway) and [Slovakia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/slovakia) |
| black on light green | 5 | [China](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/china), [Hungary](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/hungary), [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein), [Poland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/poland) and [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland) |
| black on red | 5 | [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra), [Iceland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/iceland), [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway), [Spain](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/spain) and [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand) |
| brown on white | 5 | [Prince Edward Island (Canada)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/canada--prince-edward-island) |
| yellow on black | 4 | [California (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--california), [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein), [Norway](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/norway) and [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden) |
| black on orange | 4 | [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden) and [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand) |
| grey on yellow | 3 | [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea) |
| black on beige | 2 | [Liechtenstein](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/liechtenstein) and [Switzerland](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/switzerland) |
| blue on cream | 2 | [Pennsylvania (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--pennsylvania) and [San Marino](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/san-marino) |
| orange on green | 2 | [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france) |
| black on pink | 2 | [France](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/france) |
| yellow on red | 2 | [Denmark](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/denmark) |
| blue on yellow | 2 | [Alaska (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--alaska) and [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand) |
| green on yellow | 2 | [Thailand](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/thailand) and [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine) |
| silver on black | 1 | [Malta](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/malta) |
| black on blue | 1 | [Sweden](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/sweden) |
| blue on gold | 1 | [Delaware (United States)](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/united-states--delaware) |
| grey on green | 1 | [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea) |
| red on green | 1 | [Andorra](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/andorra) |
| yellow on green | 1 | [Croatia](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/croatia) |
| grey on light blue | 1 | [South Korea](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/south-korea) |
| white on light blue | 1 | [Ukraine](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/ukraine) |
| yellow on silver | 1 | [Japan](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/japan) |

## Where these colors come from

This page covers **809 of the 1,174 plate series in issue today**, in 97 jurisdictions: every current series for which the dataset records a background color (1,004 series once past plates are included). For 91 of them the exact shade comes from the regulation itself, as an RAL or Pantone reference, color coordinates or a named color; the rest were read from issued plates, in some cases because the law names the color but not the shade (the UK's "yellow" is one). US plates are mostly in the second group (63 of 65 US series).

The dataset records each color as an exact value, together with whether it comes from the regulation or from issued plates. On this page those values are grouped under everyday names, by hue and lightness, so that "yellow" covers both the Dutch and the Japanese yellow, which aren't quite the same shade. The exact value and its source are on each jurisdiction's page. If a color looks wrong to you, that's where to check it; we'd rather be corrected than wrong.

Plate sizes have a page of their own: [license plate dimensions](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates/dimensions) for every country and state.

## Validate plate numbers, not just colors

If you're building something that handles license plates (a parking app, a fleet tool, a form), the same dataset knows each jurisdiction's plate **formats** too. One call tells you whether a registration is valid and which series it belongs to, including its colors:

```bash
curl "https://vehiclesdb.com/api/v1/plates/nl/match" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer vdb_sk_YOUR_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"plate": "12-GB-BD"}'
```

Every account starts with 100 free credits, and a match costs 1 credit. The [car API page](https://vehiclesdb.com/car-api) has the rest of what the API does, and you can [browse every jurisdiction's plates](https://vehiclesdb.com/license-plates) for free.

---

Open data, CC BY 4.0: reuse it with a visible credit to VehiclesDB and a link (https://vehiclesdb.com/legal/attribution). Plate images show sample serials and are not open data (https://vehiclesdb.com/legal/image-license). Dataset commit db0ec0a: https://github.com/vehiclesdb/vehiclesdb