1. Australian License Plate Holders
2. Italian License Plate Sayings
3. Australian License Plates
4. South Australia License Plates
5. Custom License Plate

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To deliver license plate lookup of supreme quality we use data from trustworthy and official databases only. They are the U.S. NMVTIS, car auctions, canadian motor vehicle agencies, assurance companies, car makers, car operators and a few other reliable sources.

Australian vehicle number plates are issued by the states, territories, and also the Commonwealth government and the armed forces. The plates are associated with a vehicle and generally last for the vehicle's on-road life, though as they become unreadable (or for other reasons) they may be recalled or replaced with newer ones. From the 1970s until the late 1990s, most Australian plates were of the form xxx·xxx (with x being either letters or numbers) - for example, aaa·nnn in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory; naa.nnn in Western Australia, where the starting number was between 6 and 9; and nnn.aaa in Queensland. More recently as these series have reached the limit of their capacity, different States and Territories have chosen different continuations, so the commonality with respect to format is at an end. The most recent adoption of a new sequence plate is in South Australia, which from October 2008, issues plates in the format Snnn.aaa. Nevertheless, most plates are the same size for a given vehicle, so there remains an element of consistency between them.

Summary of current standard issue plates

Federal numbering scheme

From 1951-2, Australian automobiles were to adopt a broad scheme across all states and territories for vehicle numberplates. However, while implemented, this was not entirely popular as state and territories preferred their own identity reflected on their vehicles instead. They were to use the following scheme:

• New South Wales: AAA-000 to FZZ-999
• Victoria: GAA-000 to MZZ-999 (Ixx-nnn series skipped initially, but used after the Lxx-nnn series)
• Queensland: NAA-000 to QZZ-999 (Oxx-nnn series initially skipped by Queensland)
• South Australia: RAA-000 to TZZ-999
• Northern Territory: UAA-000 to WZZ-999
• Tasmania: XAA-000 to XZZ-999
• Australian Capital Territory: YAA-000 to ZZZ-999

Western Australia was itself deemed too large to fit into the proposed scheme and adhered to one of its own devising; plates in the Ixx-nnn series were to be skipped (as a capital-I was believed to be easily mistaken for a number 1). This allowed the two populous states with greater registrations of vehicles 6 letter-series each (NSW had A-F, Victoria G-H and J-M), and others with 3 letter-series (Queensland N-Q, South Australia R-T, Northern Territory U-W). Tasmania was only given one due to its size, and the ACT two: Y for private registrations and Z for governmental use. Plates were to be uniform in size, with a black background and white lettering: NSW immediately changed this to a yellow background and black lettering, and the ACT to a white background and blue lettering; all other states followed white-on-black otherwise.

However, this system was not as popular as expected: Tasmania and the Northern Territory refused and implemented their own systems immediately. Western Australia soon adopted the scheme, taking charge of the previously NT issued UAA-000 to WZZ-999, (WAG-000 to WAG-999 being reserved for WA Government vehicles) then extending to XZZ-999.

Queensland - after initially skipping the O-series (as a capital-O was often confused for a number 0) - were left with too few combinations for a growing number of registrations. In 1978, having exhausted Nxx-nnn to Pxx-nnn combinations Queensland reversed the format, starting at 000-NAA continuing through to 999-PZZ in 1987, when plates commencing at 000-AAA were issued (there are still a number of vehicles in Queensland - growing rarer as new cars and new plates replace them - with the old white-on-black issue P-series plates at this time).

All the remaining states and territories stuck to their initial allocations, until the number of registrations became too large for each state and were 'overflowed' into the next series otherwise allocated to another state: NSW overflowed from FZZ-999 to GAA-000 (otherwise issued to Victoria) in 1972, Victoria (having reserved the Mxx-nnn series for State government registrations) overflowed from LZZ-999 to IAA-000 (previously skipped) in 1974, and then from IZZ-999 to AAA-000 (otherwise issued to NSW) in 1977. South Australia did similar, overflowing from SZZ-999 to UAA-000 (having reserved the Txx-nnn series for trailer registrations).

Common features

Plates tend to bear the State or Territory name and a state motto or slogan in the bottom of the plate. Recent issues of plates (since the 1990s) also often use the state's colors and may include some imagery related to the state (such as the state's logo as the dot separating the groups of numbers).

Vehicles running on autogas or compressed natural gas must have a metal diamond with a white lettering LPG on a retroreflective red background or metal disc with white lettering CNG on red background. The tag must be mechanically fixed (and is usually riveted) onto both of the number plates. If multiple gas tanks are fitted to vehicle, multiple tags are required - one tag for each tank installed.

Although there appears to be no regulatory requirement to do so, some hybrid or electric vehicles have a similar green diamond to indicate that dangerous voltages may be present inside.

New South Wales

Issuing Authorities

Department of Road Transport and Tramways - 1930 to 1952
Department of Motor Transport - 1952 to 1989
Roads and Traffic Authority - 1989 to 2009
NSW Transport and Infrastructure Department -
subagency Roads and Traffic Authority - 2009 to current

General Series

• Car/Heavy Vehicles:aa·nn·aa and Slimline General Series aaa·nna

From 1910 to 1937, number plates were in numerals only. Prior to 1924, these were issued with black lettering on a white background, until recalled and subsequently replaced with the reverse colour format: white lettering on a black background. All contained an 'NSW' insert from 1912. Registration was also kept with the vehicle corresponding to the given numberplate, these days as a sticker on the windscreen or side-windows of the vehicles.

In 1937, letters in numberplates were first introduced, using a aa-nnn format. This ran until 1951 with the 'NSW' insert on the top of the plate. It is the beginning of Page embossed dies.

From 1951, plates were 3 characters and three numbers (as per the Federal scheme): AAA-000 to FZZ-999, issued on a yellow background with black lettering, with 'NSW' insert on the top of the plate. From 1968, cancelled numbers in that range were reissued, but this did not last long, so the Department of Motor Transport DMT (now RTA) needed to fill in unissued plates containing I and Q on the 2nd and 3rd letter characters (eg: AIA-123, AMQ-123).

By 1972, NSW had reached the limit imposed by the Federal scheme: a new series started at GAA-000 and ran to ZLF-999 in July 2004. The 'NSW' insert was struck from the top of the plate to be replaced by a state-personalised branding (or slogan) during this time.

Reflective black-on-yellow plates began from October 1980 and corresponded with slogan (exception: non-reflective from October 1996 to March 2001).

NSW plates attracted the following slogans, usually located at the bottom of the plate:

• October 1980 to November 1988: NSW - The Premier State
• November 1988 to Mar 1989: NSW (interim series)
• Mar 1989 to present: New South Wales legend at bottom of plates introduced. Standardised option from October 1996.
• Jun 1989 to September 1994: NSW - The First State
• September 1994 to September 1996: NSW - Towards 2000

By July 2004, combinations of the old 3-letter, 3-number series were practically exhausted. A new series starting at AA-00-AA replaced the old series, continuing the current reflective black-on-yellow plates and New South Wales legend.

• Trailers:a·nnnnn and a·nnnnn

Trailers and caravans have black-on-yellow plates, using a 1-letter, 5-number (a-nnnnn) format excluding I, O and T letters. Until August 1981, it was in Black on white format aa-nnnn, starting as T, R then A, B, C series from the 1940s until it was taken off. Currently in the W-00000 series for black on yellow issues and X for black on white issues, the next letters left are Y and Z.

• Motorcycles:aaa·nn and aaa·nn

Motorcycles were numerics until 1937 when it changed to alpha numeric format as aa-nn then in 1951, changed from white-on-black to black-on-yellow aa-nnn, and by August 1989, it was taken off after exhausting in Z series by December 1985 & restarting at AA-050 until EE-999 and replaced by the new series ZXX-99 that go in reverse. Currently in Qaa-nn blocks. As of 30 November 2009, black on reflective white general series has been introduced.

MyPlates Range

'MyPlates' range is a product of the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority and has a dedicated website in use www.myplates.com.au. It offers personalisation of number plates including plate colour and content.

• Personalised Plates

Format Options: aa-nnn, aa-nnnn, aaa-nnn, aaa-nna, aa-nn-aa, cccccc (where c can be a numeral, letter or space)
Motorcycle Format Options: aa-nn, aa-nnn, aaa-nn, ccccc
Trailer format options: a-nnnnn, aa-nnnn, cccccc

Since 1969, personalisation become the option using a white-on-black aa-nnn combination for cars and white-on-black aa-nn for motorcycles. In the mid-1970s, black personalised aaa-nnn combinations on a yellow plate and white aa-nnnn on a black plate were added. In 2004, the white on black range was extended to ABC-123. Prior to that the RTA suspended the issuing of yellow on black (ABC-123) personalised range from 2003 until March 2006, when it resumed in a varied narrower dies format. This standard yellow personalised format was again taken off in April 2009 and replaced by the Banana Yellow slimline.

The colour & metallic range has been added since 2003, and the most recent addition are trailer and motorcycle colours including black on gator green base and lime on black base. All black bases are now reflective as it was once used to be non reflective.

Custom plates (now called Personalised Plus) were introduced in December 1981 bearing the NSW - The Premier State slogan and were replaced in 1987 by black-on-gold issues with 'NSW' on top. It is still in use though dies variations occurred from time to time. Motorists can choose any combined letters and numbers including solely letters (max 6 characters). Plate customisation has also been added into the coloured, premium range and recently motorcycles (Mar 07). Certain restrictions about combinations have been put in place to prevent people from designing plates which appear too-much like numeral-only plates which are auctioned off separately (e.g. 9I2 would not be allowed as it is too similar to 912). There are also restrictions preventing people from picking combinations that are too similar to special plates issued by the Authority (for instance, HC-nnn and HC-nnnn combinations are reserved only for accredited hire-car operators).

• Euro Plates

Format: Naa-nnn and Naa-nna

A new style of plates fitting European dimensions was introduced in April 2002. In these plates, the N is compulsory prefix of the plate series but segregated by a space and a different colour-letter colour combination from the rest of the plate. The range has just been extended (November 2006) and marketed as a Black Euro while the Euro format introduced in 2002 is now marketed as White Euro.

Since 2002 it has been offered as a personalised option in the Naa-nnn and Naa-nna formats. As of 8 April 2009, motorists can now order them in any letters/combinations or custom format in these following options : Southern Cross Black or White and Harbour Bridge Black or White.

Personalised Plus Plates as of 28 March 2008, now include NRL formats with 16 team colour options.

• Slimline Plates

Format:aaa·nna

From March 1991, Premium plates commenced, starting their series at AAA-12A with black lettering on a reflective white background, in a smaller font than their standard counterparts; the NSW insert runs down the plate on its left-hand side. These plates, while usually not longer in length, were shorter in height and looked slimmer than their black-on-yellow standard issues.

In September 2005, the Premium Plates ceased and replaced by white bordered slimlines. Only remakes of damaged premiums are available.

• High Performance Plates

Format: ABC-123, AB-123, AB-1234 and ABC-12D
My Plates launched on 30 November 2009, a new range of High Performance Plates see link [1]. The designs will be of HSV Holden, Ford and V8 Supercar.

Special Issues

1987 - 1988 - Bicentenary issued to commemorate Australia's 200th Birthday in white on reflective black with a crest of the NSW Flag and imprinted as 'NSW The Premier State 1788-1988'

1997 - 1998 - RSL Plates in green on mid yellow - 'NSW Lest We Forget'

1998 - 2000 Sydney Olympic Games Plates - 'Share the Spirit' in black on white with blue band on bottom and the Sydney Olympic Logo

2001 - 2002 Centenary of Federation - White on black with gold legend - 'Centenary of Federation' and a limited edition from 1901-CF to 2001-CF.

2007-2008 Sydney Harbour Bridge Plates - SHB Harbour Bridge shaped plates from SHB-1 to SHB-99 only sold via on-line auctions. In White on graphic background of the Bridge.

Standard slimline series HB-12-AC issued for 12 months those sales ceased on 27 March 2008. Black on white with bridge graphic in light grey.

2008 - Centenary NRL Footy plates of all NRL teams were sold through an online auction - They comes in team colours and the number digits represents half back half eight, front rowers, back rowers, centres and wingers. The auction has since been completed.

Standard remake, personalised and personalised plus plates for NRL fans in a choice of 16 team colours are offered and is in standard size format and slimline premium dies.

Special Purpose vehicles

Vehicles with particular purposes in New South Wales have been introduced with numberplates specific to their type.

• Taxis have two types of plate: Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong plates have a T·nnnnn format, while regional and country taxis use TC·nnnn. As of October 2009, the Taxi plate design has changed to its current format following enforcement camera errors showing the zeros or eights between the character spaces. It has an embossed premium slimline at the top with sticker for LPG and CNG moved to two bottom corners. The white on blue reflective base remain the same. NSW -TAXI is the legend description.
• Tow truck plates use nnnn·TT or nnnn·TT, depending on the registered use of the vehicle. They have blue characters on a white background, and the top of the plate reads 'TOW TRUCK', that was introduced in October 2000. The original yellow on black format with NSW The First state or Towards 2000 began in November 1990. It is now in the current NEW SOUTH WALES format and is seen to have 9906-TT as of 28 March 2008. As of September 2008 it is in 9800's series, but now it is issued in 7000 to 8999 unused blocks as the first one 7002-TT was seen at the Northern Beaches as of December 2008.
• Buses and coaches have black on yellow plates, with the prefix Metro:M/O·nnnn, Country:nnnn·MO (Motor Omnibus), nnnn·ST (State Transit Buses), or TV·nnnn (Tourist Vehicles). Commercial buses in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong districts have M/O-nnnn plates, with the M over the O; all other commercial buses use nnnn-MO. Like other vehicles, buses not used for hire or reward are registered with general-issue car plates.
• Hire CarsHC·nnnn HC-000 to 999 issued in Sydney but now extends beyond HC-1000 since 2008. HC-2000 to HC- 4999 blocks are issued outside Sydney. Previously until 1998, HV-nnn series were issued in the country but had to combine into a single HC series.
• Police and emergency vehicles in New South Wales, such as ambulances and police vehicles, have the standard-issue black-on-yellow or slimline plates : they currently follow the aa-nn-aa/aaa-nna standard. The plates themselves have no special markings. Some police vehicles have had personalised plates fitted, for example several Highway Patrol vehicles have plates featuring the initials of officers killed on duty. New South Wales Fire Brigades vehicles are registered in the FBY·nnn series, but now administrative vehicles are now using AB-12-CD general issues and more recently reported that fire engines are now using aa-nn-aa general issue instead of FBY series plates. New South Wales Rural Fire Service vehicles are not required to display registration plates, however some have been fitted with standard issue plates. New South Wales Fire Brigades vehicles were at one stage only fitted with brass plates featuring the letters 'NSWFB'.
• Conditional Registration Schemennnnn·CConditional Motorcycle format:nnnn·M Forklift, Off-Road Vehicles, etc that need to use public roads as part of their operation can be registered conditionally. As of June 2008, it is reported that the motorcycle sized series has overflowed to 0001-C onwards after reaching 9999-C. It is reported that the motorcycle format has changed it's suffix to M as the format now shows as nnnn-M since June 2009. Currently issued at 10000-C onwards as of January 2010.
• Historic & veteran carsnnnn·H From 1959 to 2002 there were colourful club plates provided by the club and was manufactured in either Vintage Car or Veteran Car legend on top. They were withdrawn from use in 2002 and the current H series is in use. For vehicles used/registered for historical interest and not used as regular transport.
• Trade plates since 1910 as known as Agent's Plates, in the a-nnn format was standard porcleain white on black until 1937 when it changed to very large page embossed dies in an annual non standard colour until 1952.
  From 1952, the annual cyclic colour scheme was introduced, red, purple, brown, green, orange and blue for all annual trade plates and stickers but the embossed style remained until 1959.
  From 1959 the year was added on top of NSW as the format showed as 19 NSW 59 & runs from A-0000 to A-9999.
  By 1982, the design was changed, the year moved to the left hand side in vertical, and the dies format changed to standard car size as the previous very large dies was used from 1937.
  In 1991, it changed to permanent trade plates with trade word replacing the year, colour changed to white on dark green & ran until 2004 when it was replaced by either nnnn-A or A-nnnn with year & bottom legend - NSW TRADE screenprinted & a change to the premium dies.

Since 2005 the colours are white on brown. Cycles are in either B-nnn or nnn-B formats.

Apr 26, 2018  Service numbers and social security numbers are used at NPRC (MPR) as part of the identifiers used to store and locate records. Social Security Number (SSN). Always include the veteran's social security number on a request. Service Number (SN). Also include the veteran's service number on a request if service was during the period when service numbers were assigned as. Military records by serial number. Notes: The information in this database was provided by the National Archives and Records Administration and was compiled from the World War II Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File. Nearly nine million men and women are included in the database, which is comprised of materials from the War Department Adjutant General’s Office. While most of our holdings are not online, a variety of military records, from photos to documents to searchable databases are available.Listed below are online collections of specific interest to veterans, their families and researchers. Additional online records may be found by searching the National Archives Catalog and Access to Archival Databases (AAD) systems.

• 2004 nnnn-A white on green
• 2005 A-nnnn white on brown
• 2006 nnnn-A white on brown
• 2007 A-nnnn white on brown
• 2008 nnnn-A white on brown
• 2009 A-nnnn white on orange
• 2010 nnnn-A White on orange

• CdeC Consular Plates - nnnn·CC In 1941 the CdeC plates series commenced and ran until 1978 showing the format as CdeC-nnn. CdeC has a shield with the letters inside and was white on blue. The replacement CC series took over. A similar format has been used in QLD, NT, & WA. Special purpose plates are used for consular corps since 1978 in CC-2000 to CC-4999 range, initially in white on blue then changed to black on yellow by August 1983,with the same legend at top NSW CONSULAR CORPS. The legend moved to the bottom from changeover to fat dies in October 1992 and since the vartiations of dies & bases occurred from time to time. More recently Consular plates have been in the format 0000-CC with the state NSW at the top and the legend CONSULAR CORPS at the bottom.

Victoria

Issuing Authorities

Transport Regulation Board - Police - Prior to 1982
Road and Traffic Authority - 1982 to 1989
VicRoads - 1989 to current

General Series

Vehicles:aaa-nnn

Trailers:ann-nnn

Motorcycles:aa-nnn

Number plates have been issued in Victoria since 1910. Like other Australian plates, these are usually particular to a vehicle, changing hands with it, and are generally permanent (yearly registration is however required, with stickers displayed in the lower passenger-side of the windscreen).

Initial Victorian plates, issued from 1910 to 1939, were in numerals only, from 300-000 to 990-999. From 1930, 'VIC' inserts were added vertically down the left-hand side of the plate.

In 1939 Victoria switched to a 2-letter, 3-number scheme (AA-000 to ZZ-999) of which also bear 'VIC' down the left-hand side, this format interestingly, is the current format issued to motorcycles.

From 1953, owing to the Federal number plate system, Victorian plates switched to the 3-letter, 3-number standard: GAA-000 to HZZ-999, and JAA-000 to LZZ-999, coloured white lettering on a black background, and a 'VIC' insert on the top of the plate. As previously mentioned, Victoria skipped the I-series and went straight from HZZ-999 to JAA-000, as a capital-I could be mistaken as a number 1. However, having reached the end of their Federal allotment of letters, Victoria commenced from LZZ-999 to IAA-000 (ensuring the capital-I had noticeable staves to tell them apart from the number 1) in 1974. This was only a temporary measure, naturally, as Victoria faced the same problem having proceeded through the I series three years later; it was decided to restart the plate issues at AAA-000 and redesign the plate for the first time in 27 years at the same time.

In 1977, reflective green-on-white plates were introduced, beginning at AAA-000 and running to FZZ-999. These bore the insert Victoria - Garden state at the bottom of the plate. In the early nineties, it was discovered that the reflective properties of many number plates in the range from AAA to ERZ, and principally the C series, were defective and this had coincided with the rapid introduction of speed cameras in Victoria. Due to the number of plates which were unidentifiable in photographs, all defective plates were recalled and new plates issued free of charge. This caused the rapid consumption of the plate stocks especially in the late F series and some plates (those starting with FV and FY) were produced in Queensland to meet demand. These plates are identifiable by their different font and vertical diamond separator (as opposed to Victoria's horizontal diamond). An additional series RAA-000 until RBZ-999 was produced. It is a popular myth that the defective paint was caused by prisoners manufacturing the plates urinating in the paint mixture. In 1984(?) for the 150th anniversary of European settlement in Victoria, plates bore the slogan Victoria - 150 Years down the bottom. In 1988 for the Australian Bicentennial, the plates bore the 'VIC' insert vertically down the left-hand side and also the slogan Australia - 1788 to 1988 across the bottom.

In late 1994, in an initiative by the then-Premier, Jeff Kennett, reflective blue-on-white plates were introduced, beginning at NAA-000. The diamond-dot in the middle was changed to the state logo of a blue St Edward's Crown over an upside-down blue triangle with the Victorian Southern Cross in white inside. These plates bore the slogan Victoria - On the move across the bottom. The 'on the move' notation was the source of many jokes in Queensland, being stated as 'Victoria - on the move, to Queensland' - owing to the massive 'seachange' internal migration that has occurred in the last 20–30 years, with many Victorians moving to Queensland for a life change. In late 1999 when the new Labor Party won government, they phased out the old state logo and motto to prepare for the introduction of a new one. Until these were finalised, plates (in the QDa-nnn series at the time) reverted to the old diamond-dot with simply Victoria across the bottom. In late 2000, the dot became the new logo simply of an enlarged blue triangle with the Victorian Southern Cross in it, the top lining up with the top of the plate, and bearing the slogan Victoria - The place to be across the bottom. As of October 2009 the general issue plates have reached the XI series (having skipped the VAA-000 series).

V Plates Personalised Plates

There are a number of custom plate options in Victoria, open to those seeking to add a personalised touch to their vehicles. For cars with plate spaces designed to hold European-style plates (rather than the taller Australian plates), there are three options. Firstly, shorter 'slimline' plates which bear the 'VIC' insert vertically down the left-hand-side and use a noticeably different font; these are usually the same width as Australian plates. Unlike other states' slimline or premium plates, Victorian premium plates follow the same numbering as standard plates, meaning these can be mixed with a full-sized 'THE PLACE TO BE' plate. Secondly, there are two types of plates (Standard and Mini) designed specifically to look like European number plates, called Euro plates. The standard Euro plates are 520 mm wide and 112 mm high and the mini ones are 372 mm wide and 100 mm high. Euro plates have a blue section to the left containing 'VIC' vertically above a Victorian Southern Cross, and in the main section contain a V, a full-colored Victorian coat of arms, and two letters, a space and three numbers. These plates use the FE-Schrift font.

• Recently some prestige plates have been issued, which consist of four numbers or two groups of three numbers. A B-nnnnn series has been released for vehicles registered in Bendigo (B-0001 to B-4999) and Ballarat (B-5001 to B-5999): these have a customised insert of their town, and are usually blue lettering on a reflective yellow background; slogans can alter. Those also registered to horse studs across Victoria can reserve a V-nnnn series, usually brown lettering on a yellow background and stating Victorian Thoroughbred as a slogan. Still more are designed after football teams, and a limited edition Grand Prix series (GP-001 to GP-999) was authorised when Melbourne first hosted the Australian Grand Prix in 1996. Slimline editions of these plates have also been spotted, and still other combinations are being sighted.

Other vehicles

• Trucks and other heavy vehicles in Victoria are also given standard car-issued plates. Buses, coaches and commercially owned or run mini-buses are bearing new plates using a 4-number, 2-letter (nnnn-aa) format. The two letters at the end of the plate are either AO, AC, SO or NC, depending under which registration they fall under (Accredited Operator, Accredited Commercial, School Operator and Non-Commercial. [2] They usually bear the usual state logo or diamond, with 'ACCREDITED BUS' across the top and the VICTORIA - THE PLACE TO BE across the bottom. Vehicles used by primary producers in Victoria may be eligible for a discounted registration fee, such vehicles bear nnnnn-F plates, with 'Victorian Farmer' across the top.
• Melbourne Tow Trucks (the first 1,000) used TOW-nnn, when the 1,001 tow truck was registered, the format swapped to nnnn-TT. The TT standing for Tow Truck. This allowed for another 10,000 tow trucks to be registered.
• Motorcycles have smaller plates, using a 2-letter, 3-number format (aa-nnn). The colouring and format of motorcycle plates has changed with the standard car-issued plates, except for the emblem inserts or other symbols that may take more space to represent. The motorcycle series is soon expected to have cycled through all possible combinations, and a replacement series will soon have to be allocated.

• Trailers requiring their own registration in Victoria follow the 1-letter, 5-number format (ann-nnn). Larger, heavier semi-trailers use the nnnnn-S format exclusively. Trailers otherwise use the towing vehicle's plate for identification. Bike racks fitted onto the rear of vehicles (naturally having bicycles obstructing the numberplate) can have smaller numerical plates (black-on-white design) with Victoria - Bike Rack as the insert, fixed on the end of the rack and clearly visible.

• Taxis and hire cars in Victoria will have the following plates:
  • M-nnnn - Melbourne suburban taxis
  • ST-nnnn, nnnn-PS - taxis designated for use during peak periods only
  • C-nnnn - country and regional taxis
  • U-nnnnn - urban taxis
  • Motor Hire cars VHA 000 to VHA 999
  • Motor Hire cars VHC 000 to VHC 999
  • Motor Hire cycles S 000 to S 999

• Government cars (including police cars and fire engines) usually use a reserved of plates in the format Maa-nnn. These are red on a white background.
• Some vehicles registered around the time of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games have used M06-nnn plates. Many vehicles actually used in the Commonwealth Games used XAa-nnn plates (standard design).

Since October 2007 the plates commencing with WAA-nnn and onwards are manufactured by Toennjes, a German company in Ararat, Victoria.

Queensland

Issuing Authorities

Main Roads Department - 1950's to 1990
Queensland Transport - 1990 to 2009
Department of Transport and Main Roads - 2009 to Current

General Series

Vehicles:nnn·aaa

Motorcycles:nnn·aa

Large Trailers:nnn·Qaa

Small Trailers:aa·nnnn

• Prior to 1921, There were regional plates that were letter coded for example P-nnn is for Hugheden.
• From 1921 to 1924 the initial Q-nnn-nnn were all white on black base.
• from 1924 until 1955, the plates were 'Q-nnn-nnn'. The 'Q' area was painted black on a white background, while the numbers were painted white on a black background.

• From 1955 to 1977, plates were in the format 'aaa-nnn' and were white on black base. Block used was NAA-000 to PZZ-999, with runs from NAA-000 to NZZ-999 then PAA-000 to PZZ-999 and finally OAA-000 to OZZ-999.

• Since 1977, Queensland number plates have an unusual format, as the numbers come before the letters. The current format is nnn-aaa. Two slogans are used: Queensland - Sunshine State in conjunction with Queensland - The Smart State. Former State PremierPeter Beattie had (up until 2007) been promoting the use the of slogan 'Smart State' to describe the State Government's efforts to promote education, research and development within Queensland and in the early 2000s introduced the slogan to licence plates. However, after public ridicule (and several interstate jibes) the State Government agreed to allow vehicle owners the choice between the new slogan and the old Sunshine State slogan. 'Sunshine State' is the most popular, few people choose 'The Smart State'.Queensland number plates have maroon text on a white background. Maroon is the official state colour of Queensland and is also used by the state's sporting teams

• Block series: In 1977 in green on reflective white base, beginning at 000·NAA through to 000·PZZ. In late 1987, Queensland switched to the current format of green on white plates beginning at 000-AAA. The green ink was changed to maroon at 000-GKK in late 2001. As mentioned above, 2 slogans are currently available in the maroon on reflective white colour scheme: QUEENSLAND-THE SMART STATE with plates 000-HAA to 999-HFU, 000-HOY to 999-HQQ, 000-JAA to 999-JDZ and 000-JKA to 999-JKT, 000-KAA to 999-KAZ, 000-KFA to 999-KGK, 000-KOA to 999-KPD, 000-KWS to 999-KXG, 000-LFA to 999-LFU, 000-LOA to 999-LOZ, 000-LZI to 999-LZZ, MAA to ? . All others had SUNSHINE STATE slogans.

• Motorcycle: 1955 to 1975 NA-000 to QZ-999 in white on black base then reissued from 1973 to 1975. In 1975 it changed to 000-NA and completed the run at 999-QZ in December 1980. It changed back to aa-nn beginning at AA-000 in green on reflective white. From January 2002, it changed to Maroon on white at UK-000 then the run was completed in October 2006. Since 2006 it is in nnn-aa format commencing at 000-AA.

• Trailer: Up to 1955 the trailer has a QT-nnn-nnn format in white on black base with QT in reverse B&W. From 1955, the format was from NTA-000 to NTZ-999. In 1963 the blocks were recalled and replaced by two type formats the smaller trailer format from QZ-9999 to OA-0000 in white on black base, changing from 1988 to white on reflective green base from OK onwards. in 1993 the format began at AA-0000 and the 2002 changeover to Maroon on reflective white occurred in the B series and now in the C series. The standard size format for larger trailers in white on black runs from QVA-000 to QZZ-999 running from 1963 to 1988. In 1988 it switched to green on reflective white starting at 000-QAA then the 2002 change to maroon in the QH's series and now in nnn-QRa range.

Other vehicles

• QG Prefix State GovernmentQG·aann

State Government-owned vehicles' plates have the format QGa-nnn from 1955 to 1980 in white on black base then in an interim arrangement in 1979 allocated QHA until the Bjelke-Petersen government made a clear decision, to issue newer plates from May 1980 using nnn-QGa.

1955-1980 - QGa-nnn
1980-1989 - nnn-QGa
1989-1993 - QGa-nnn
1993-1999 - nnn-QGa
1993-2002 - QGa-nnn
2002-2007 - nnn-QGa

Most State Government vehicles bear the 'Smart State' slogan ('QG', of course, standing for 'Queensland Government').

As of May 2007, due to repetitive reissues of the QGa-nnn and nnn-QGa format, the Government Series format has changed to QG-aann.

Government Trailer format in both reverse formats are QZA-QZZ and smaller trailer as QG. They are no longer issued.

Queensland Fire and Rescue fire appliances have plates in the series nnnn-QF, QF being an abbreviation of Queensland Fire and nnnn being the appliance's fleet number, padded to 4 digits where necessary.

Special 'blocks' of plates are allocated to different vehicles:

• Tnn·nnn for taxis- Previously in white on green base both non reflective and reflective until from 1961 to 2002. In current maroon on reflective white.
• C·nnnnn for limited use vehicles (mainly roadworks equipment and golf buggies)
• L·nnnnn for limousines - QUEENSLAND LIMOUSINE embossed legend
• F·nnnnn for Farm Vehicles
• CC·nnn for consular staff vehicles. CONSULAR CORPS screened legend.

PPQ Personalised Plates Range

PPQ - Personalised Plates Queensland is a personalised plate product of the Queensland Transport and Main Roads Department and they have a dedicated website in use PPQ Queensland

Queensland motorists have a choice of nearly 100 different types of personalised plates.^[1] Personalised plates are very popular amongst Queenslanders and often sell for a premium via classifieds or various online portals such as Ebay. The high degree of flexibility for Queensland personalised plates, along with their being a relatively cheap once-off cost, means that personalised plates are becoming almost as common as regular plates.

Formats comes in: nn-aaa, aaa-nn, nnn-aaa or aaa-nnn and for custom as cccccc.
Queensland plates are manufactured by LicenSys in Brisbane.

South Australia

General Series

Vehicles & Trailers:Snnn·aaa

Motorcycles:Snn·aaa

In South Australia, until October 2008, standard numberplates followed the 3-letter, 3-number (xxx-nnn) standard used by New South Wales and Victoria: their series, introduced in 1966 started with RAA-000 and has continued from there to the current day.^[2]

Since October 2008, South Australian general issue plates follow the format Snnn-aaa, the S signifying South Australia. No slogan is printed on these plates, rather they contain the words 'South Australia' ^[3] .

Up until 1966 South Australian plates were all numerical, and were subject to re-issue, in either nn-nnn or nnn-nnn format, white on black background. These plates are available for re-issue at a fee.^[4] Post 1966 motorcycles were initially issued with RA-000 to SZ-999 then TAA-000 to TIZ-999. Trailers were issued TJA-000 to TZZ-999. When the Txx-nnn issues were exhausted, motorcycles were issued with high end Yxx-nnn, and trailers issued YAA-000 onwards. Since 2008, newly issued plates are in the form Snnn-aaa and motorcycles as Snn-aaa, while trailers start at Snnn-Taa.

Ezy Plates Range

Ezyplates administrated by the Department of Transport Infrastructure and Energy SA. Their dedicated website in use is : Ezy Plates SA

• Premium Plates'

Since 1995, Premium Numberplates can be purchased which are much more compact in size, in the format xx-nnnx: the letter is usually repeated (eg: AA-nnnx, BB-nnnx, current series CC-nnnx). These seem to follow the New South Wales Premium format, using black lettering on a white background on a noticeably slimmer plate. South Australian Premium numberplates feature black characters on a white base, and the letters 'SA' down the side, in the same format as NSW premium numberplates. As of 28 September 2009, there is a new addition to the premium range - white on black base, from XX-000A onwards.

• Personalised Plates

Introduced in 1979, in green on yellow original format with South Australia legend at the top. It started as aa-nnnn, aaa-nnn and aaaa-nn. Available for general vehicles, trailers and motorcycles

in 1996, the range was revamped, to the premium style dies and later with more recent dies, and has additional colour range on top of the original green on reflective yellow.

• Custom Plates

Introduced in the 1990s and revised to the current range of colours. Can order up to 7 characters and is also available for Trailers and Motorcycles

Special Purpose Number Plates

Government and police vehicles has SA Government plates in blue text on white background as Snnn·aQa (or previously aQa-nnn), with a Q as the second letter signifying 'Queen' or representative of the government. Older systems were allocated SAA-000 to SZZ-999 to government services as well. The legend is embossed as SA Government.
Ambulances, especially in Adelaide, may have plates in the form AMB-nnn, however these are being phased out and replaced with standard SA government plates.
Metropolitan taxis have plates with the word TAXI in a smaller size followed by three or four numbers, separated by the current tourism logo for South Australia - SA, A Brilliant Blend. More recently a new country Taxi Plates has been introduced in black on reflective yellow replacing general issue plates on SA country taxis. Other chauffered vehicles have a different style plate with a blue outline.

Since September 2007, The Heavy Vehicle series commenced and the format used is SB·nn·aa with the legend SA - HEAVY VEHICLE.

General Notes

Interestingly, no general issue SA numberplates (other than Government) are issued with the letter Q anywhere in the combination. The only exception is the series VPQ-nnn and WSQ-nnn - both of which were the first set issued by a new manufacturer.

Between 1981 and October 2008, all general issue SA plates contained the slogan 'SA - The Festival State', for the Adelaide Festival of Arts. Between 1997 and October 2008, other slogans were available for an additional fee, including: South Australia - Gateway to the Outback; South Australia - The Defence State; South Australia - The Wine State; South Australia - the Creative State; South Australia - The Rose State; and South Australia - The Electronics State. All slogan plates are discontinued, as at October 2008 ^[3] .

It is also possible to obtain a wide variety of personalised numberplates that feature full-colour illustrations and customised logos or slogans.^[5]

For a full gallery of plates visit the Transport SA website.

Western Australia

License plates are issued either as a general plate or as non metropolitan LGA specific plate. LGA specific plates can only be requested when the owner of the vehicle is resident within that LGA. In addition to plates for on road use Western Australia also has a plate series for vehicles designated for off-road use only.

Issuing Authorities

Department of Planning and Infrastructure - early 2000s to 2009
Department of Transport - 2009 to Current

General Plates

• The current series is of the form naaa·nnn (eg: 1ABC-123).
• The previous series (between 1978 and 1997) is of the form naa·nnn, where the first 'n' ranged from 6 to 9 (eg: 9BC-456).
• Prior to 1978, the series was of the form Xaa-nnn (eg: XLA-789).
• Earlier still, the series was in the form Uaa-nnn (eg: UGH-675).
• UQB-nnn was reserved for Transperth (formerly MTT) buses with 3-digit registration numbers usually corresponding to the bus fleet numbers. Buses introduced after 1989 use the TP-nnnn reserved range.
• Privately-operated buses, coaches TC-nnnn (Touring Coach) plates.
• TAXI-nnn plates are used for taxicabs.
• Limousines carry the plate PT-nnn
• Motorbikes have the plate naa-nnn (eg: 1AB-123)
• Trailers, caravans etc have nTaa-nnn (eg: 1TAB-123)

Outside metropolitan Perth

• There are 143 registration districts (mostly shire or town councils) which each issue licence plates using the form 'loc·n' (for shires) and 'loc n' (for towns or cities) - for example, 'A nnnn' would be a plate issued by the City of Albany, while AU.nnnn would be issued by the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River. A full list has been published near the back of the government-produced Metropolitan Street Directory/Streetsmart each year since 1985. Special licence plate versions for Shires, Cities and Towns have been made available to purchase. They are in the format 'nnn loc' with the Shire, City or Town crest between the numbers and letters.
• There had been a change in the WA licensing system where, for a period of time, all number plates in the state reverted to the equivalent of metropolitan plates, and then back to separate districts and plates again.^{[citation needed]}
• In recent years towns within shires have been allocated licence plates. Examples include FR.nnn for Frankland in Shire of Cranbrook and KND.nnn for Kendenup in the Shire of Plantagenet.

General

Western Australia also offers the largest number of characters in a personalised number plate, offering up to nine characters.^[6] Western Australian government plates are the same pattern as standard issue, however the colours are inverted, as depicted in the image.

Slogans on Western Australian number plates changed a number of times in the 1980s, and included 'State of Excitement', 'Home of the America's Cup' and 'The Golden State'. However, slogans were abandoned at the beginning of the 1990s.

Tasmania

Issuing Authorities

Tasmanian Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources - 1998 to current

General Series

a·nnaa

On 24 February 2008 the Tasmanian Government issued a new number plate design. After the first letter appears the Tasmanian state logo with the slogan 'Tasmania - Explore the Possibilities'. Tasmanian plates are manufactured by LicenSys in Brisbane, Australia.

From 1998, Tasmanian number plates had the format aa-nnnn, with the most recent series beginning with 'F'. These plates bear the slogan 'Tasmania - Your Natural State', and have blue lettering on a white background with a coloured decal of the Tasmanian state logo in the background (a stylised thylacine prowling through reeds on a riverbank). Prior to that, 3 letters and 3 numbers (aaa-nnn) were used (from 1954 onwards).

In the illustration, the three plates on the left side from top to bottom are EN1113 (pre-2008 issue), CO7984 (pre-1998 issue), WYG734 (1950's issue, non-reflective). The plates on the right side are domestic or semi trailer as indicated by the T, the red plate is a Tasmanian Interstate plate, issued before the birth of the Federal Interstate scheme.

TasPlates range

Since 2007, personalised plates are offered only through the TasPlates scheme. A wider range of coloured, prestige and themed plates is available for a once-off fee. See TasPlates.com for plate designs and ordering.

Prior to 2007, personalised plates were offered directly through the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources in previous slogan formats and colour options.

Other vehicles

Government Plates: With the introduction of the new standard design in 2008, the format G-nn-aa is used. The lettering and numbering on the plates is green instead of the standard blue. Since 1970 it was in GT-nnnn or GV-nnnn format but in the 1990s it was replaced by the G-nnnnn format. Both of these designs featured red lettering with blue or green numbers.

Trailer Plates: The current format is Z·nnaa. The previous format since 1970 was aT-nnnn, then it went back to issue IT-nnnn & QT-nnnn before the current format.

Tasmania Fire Service vehicles use red lettering on a white background plates with the TFS logo in the center, TFS-nnn.

Members of the Consular Corps Tasmania use plates with the letters CC followed by a colour depiction of the flag of the country they represent, followed by two numbers.

Staff of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources enjoy certain diplomatic status and are issued with plates with the letters IC, followed by one or two numbers.

The Governor of Tasmania's official cars are registered and insured, but in keeping with Vice-Regal tradition, they display the Crown of St Edward, rather than number plates. If the Governor himself is being conveyed, his personal flag will also be flown on the car.

Vintage and classic cars may carry 'special interest' plates, which are black letters on white, of the format SI·nnnn. Registered owners pay a lesser amount, on condition that the cars are not used as regular transport.

Northern Territory

* General Series:nnn·nnn coming soon: Ca·nn·aa

* Motorcycle:nn·nnn

* Trailer:Ta·nnnn

The Northern Territory has never fully adopted the 1950s three letter, three number Federal scheme. From the 1950s number plates in the NT were simply five numbers these being white on a black background. [eg 12 123], by the 1970s it reached 100-000 so a 6 digit version was added and ran until 1979 when it changed to Ochre on white plates. All black and white plates were recalled and replaced on expiry of registration, providing retention fees applies if the motorist wishes to keep the original number.

Since 1979 NT plates have six numbers in ochre on a white background, with the slogan 'Northern Territory: Outback Australia'. Motorcycle plates have five numbers. There doesn't seem to be a noticeable system to plate series, as numbers of all types appear on both halves of the plate.

By August 2008 it was reported both motorcycles and general series have reached the 9's and a new system is being looked into to replace the current system. It was reported that the MVR in the NT is looking at n-a-nnnn or aa-nnnn or the NSW aa-nn-aa format to replace it. It is expected to occur near the end of 2010.

As of 23 October 2009, the NT Government has announced the chosen new plate format Ca-nn-aa. [3]

Trailers plates have been on Tnn-nnn format until 1998 when it was exhausted; a new format Ta-nnnn was implemented. It started as a black on yellow base until 1979 when the current ochre on white slogan plates were introduced.

Special purpose plates offered are MO (Buses), MB (Mini Buses), Private Hire PH, Taxi, SUB taxi series, TV (Tourist Vehicle), SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle), LV (Limousine Vehicle), CV (Courtesy Vehicle) and SFV (Special Function Vehicle)

Earlier this year, a new Club plate scheme has replaced the VCC (Vintage Car Club) scheme, with embossed legend CLUB down left vertical and bottom legend 'NT-MOTOR ENTHUSIAST' and is white on reflective red.

Australian Capital Territory

Previous General Series

Up to 1968, ACT Plates were issued in numerics from 1 to 99-999 in white on navy blue. From September 1968 the Yaa-nnn series commenced (in blue on reflective white) at YAB. YAA was set aside for recalls of numericals, but public pressure led to a backflip and the authorities allowed motorists to retain their existing numbers as long as they converted them into blue on reflective white, for a fee. By 1979 the slogan was added as 'ACT - Canberra The Nation's Capital'

Current General Series

Yaa·nna

In 1998 when the previous series was exhausted, the series changed to Yaa-nna. The previous Feel the Power Slogan was replaced by the original 'ACT - Canberra The Nation's Capital' and an optional slogan was offered 'ACT - Canberra Heart of the Nation'.

Since 2007 a special series bearing the slogan 'ACT-Celebration of a Century 2013' is being issued in commemoration of Canberra's centenary year in 2013. These plates are being issued starting YGa-nna.

Motorcycle -nn·nnnIt has been the all numeric series since the beginning of the FCT/ACT registration, starting at 1 and continues beyond 72-999 in its current colour format - Blue on reflective white.

Trailer -T·nnnnaThe previous series T-n(nnnn as required) was used, initially in black on yellow, later blue on reflective white. When the number sequence reached T-99-999, plates were issued commencing at Tnnnna onwards.

Personalised

Since January 1984 personalised 'initial' plates have been available, as a two letter and three number combination. Out of sequence plates have also been available in the YAA-000 to YZZ-999 range and more recently in the current series Yaa-nna. Custom plates are now available with almost any combination of letters and numbers, in either blue-on-white tin, or in plastic with a very wide choice of colour combinations. They are available with company logos and customised slogans at the bottom of the plate.

Special Purpose Issues

Public transport vehicles are allocated distinctive codes:

• BUS-nnn (ACTION government buses) - Ochre on white
• MO-n, MO-nn, and MO-nnn (other buses) - Black on Yellow
• H-n, H-nn and H-nnn (chauffeur-driven hire cars) - Black on Yellow
• TX-n, TX-nn, and TX-nnn (taxicabs). - Black on Yellow. Taxi plates in the ACT numbered below TX-300 are plates which can be traded, and are estimated to be worth around $200 000. Recently the ACT government has issued over 100 plates which are leased from the government, cannot be traded or transferred, and are leased for a term of four years, with one renewal available. These plates are in the series TX-400 which can be found on any type of taxi, and TX-900 and above are reserved for, and bear the legend 'Restricted Taxi', which is for the use of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis which have an obligation to give priority to wheelchair-disabled persons.

ACT Government vehicles are allocated codes 2nn-nnn. The plates are red/brown on reflective white with ACT GOVERNMENT below the number.

Vintage, Veteran and Historic cars

Historic vehicles owned by members of registered ACT motor vehicle clubs and used only for approved events may be granted special plates at concessional registration. Plates are standard blue on reflective white with the following wording.

• Veteran cars built before 1919: ACT VETERAN CAR - nnn
• Vintage cars built from 1919 to 1930: ACT VINTAGE CAR - nnn
• Historic cars built after 1931 and more than 30 years old: ACT HISTORIC CAR - nnn

Commonwealth and Military

Military plates were nnn-nnn with the first digit corresponding to the military district number:

• 2 - New South Wales
• 3 - Victoria
• 4 - Queensland
• 5 - South Australia
• 6 - Western Australia
• 7 - Tasmania

However, new plates issued to the Army are now in this format: nn-nnnn, where the first two digits represent the year the vehicle was registered. Eg. 05-1832.

The military district number is also the basis of the Australian Postcode numbering system.

Current Australian Army number plate format is Annnnn with this newer format beginning in 2003. The A represents 'Army' with the next two digits representing the year the vehicle was first registered. For instance, a 2008 model Toyota Coaster used to transport army cadets might have the plate A08227. This format has also been adopted by the Defence Force, Navy, and Air Force with combinations Dnnnnn, Nnnnnn and Rnnnnn respectively.

The official cars of the three service chiefs carry plates ARMY1, NAVY1 or RAAF1.

The Commonwealth Government of Australia used the Z prefix for its government owned vehicles up until 2000 when the Commonwealth Vehicle Registry was closed.

These plates were black on white background, usually marked with 'C of A' at the top of the plate - an abbreviation of Commonwealth of Australia and the leading Z being red to further distinguish it from other state plates.

Issuance of Z prefixed plates used for same purposes was passed onto the states after 2000. ACT plates started at ZYA-000, VIC plates started at ZED-000, QLD plates started at ZQ-0000, NSW plates started at ZZZ-000, and SA plates started at ZSA-000.

Each of the states display their state initials as seen above the numbers instead of the old 'C of A' marking.

Interestingly the Northern Territory still uses the older format and same 'C of A' markings at top of the plate.

The number plate of the Prime Minister's vehicle is C*1 (i.e. Commonwealth No. 1) with a seven-pointed Federation Star.

The Governor-General's official cars do not carry number plates, but simply depict a representation of the Crown of St Edward.

For official visits to Australia, special plates are often put over the top of normal 'Z' plates, depicting the Australian Coat of Arms and, in red 'Visit to Australia' with a numeral. These are not strictly registration plates, but are useful for police and other officials to identify cars in official motorcades.

Federal Interstate Registration Scheme

Heavy Vehicles (over 4.5Tonnes GVM) can choose to participate in FIRS. FIRS plates are aa·nnaa, and are green on a reflective yellow background. FIRS plates are issued by state authorities on behalf of the Commonwealth, and carry the format as specified by the INTERSTATE ROAD TRANSPORT REGULATIONS 1986 - REG 21^[7]

The first character represents the state of issue:

• A for Australian Capital Territory
• C for Northern Territory
• N for New South Wales
• Q for Queensland
• S for South Australia
• T for Tasmania
• V for Victoria
• W for Western Australia

The second character represents the type of vehicle being registered:

• V for Vehicle (typically issued to either a prime mover or a rigid truck).
• T for Trailer (usually a Semi trailer)
• X for eXtra weight, with registrations possible up to 42 tonne.

The remaining two numbers and letters are allocated by the issuing authorities.

So a typical plate could be NT·08FA which might be found on a semi-trailer, registered in NSW.

Diplomatic

Diplomatic plates issued to foreign diplomats in Australia's national capital, Canberra, Australia are of the format D.C.-nnnn or D.X.-nnnn, where the first two numbers are the code for the home country of the diplomat, and have black text on a powder blue background. DC plates are issued to members of the Diplomatic Corps, whereas DX plates are issued to persons who are attached to diplomatic missions but are not themselves diplomats, e.g. household staff.

State registration authorities issue CC plates to Consular representatives in their relevant State capital.

Full stops are included on the plate after each of the first two letters, eg DC 6901, and the first two numbers appearing the plate correspond to a specific country, for example 69 is issued to the United Kingdom. The second two digits are typically issued with lower numbers to higher ranking officials, usually 01 being issued to the ambassador from that country. So DC-6901 would be found on the vehicle of the British High Commissioner to Australia.

The number issued to each country has no particular relevance, and was allocated by ballot. Countries with many vehicles (such as the USA) are allocated two numbers. Before the blue D.C. plates were introduced, diplomatic cars in Canberra carried plates which were white letters on red. The numbers then correlated to the length of time the particular diplomatic mission had been in Canberra and the British High Commissioner's car proudly carried the plate D.C. 1. The replacement arrangement is more egalitarian.

Other plates

Student drivers are required to drive with an additional plate reading L, for Learner.

Notes

1. ^http://ppq.com.au
2. ^http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/registrations/number_plates/alpha.asp Standard Example
3. ^ ^abhttp://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24418410-2682,00.html The Advertiser
4. ^http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/registrations/number_plates/historic.asp
5. ^http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/registrations/number_plates/slogan.asp Examples of Custom Plates
6. ^Custom plates, Department of Transport, http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/1202.asp, retrieved 2010-01-23
7. ^http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_reg/irtr1986417/s21.html

References

• Blue Mountains Family History Society.(2007) Australian number plates Springwood, N.S.W. : Blue Mountains Family History Society. ISBN 9780975678848
• Nance, Tony.(1980) Australian number plates Beaumaris, Vic. ISBN 0959447407
• Wright, D.C. (1983) Australasian (motor vehicle) registration plates, 1901-1982 Montmorency, Vic. ISBN 0959498001

Australian vehicle registration plates or number plates are issued by state, territory, and Commonwealth governments, and the armed forces of Australia. The plates are associated with a vehicle and are generally intended to last for the time the vehicle remains registered in the state, though as they become unreadable (or for other reasons) they may be recalled or replaced with newer ones. Motor vehicle registration in Australia requires annual renewal together with payment of the registration fee.

• 1Current standard issue plates
• 2History and Federal numbering scheme

Current standard issue plates

Standard issue

Other issue

Trailers

Motorcycles

On all motorcycle plates, the legend is embossed at the top.

History and Federal numbering scheme

Standards and federal allocations for all vehicles

From 1910 onwards all Australian plates started at number 1 and were manufactured in enamel.

Since 1936, Australian plates were to be uniform in size and use embossing in standard Australian dies, beginning with New South Wales, FCT (now ACT) and Victoria. By 1956 the remaining states and territories moved into standard Australian embossing from either stamped or enamel, standardising in dimensions of 372 mm (14.6 in) × 134 mm (5.3 in).

From 1951–52, Australian automobiles were to adopt a broad scheme across all states and territories for vehicle number plates. Both New South Wales and Victoria had previously issued plates with 2-letters, 3-digits, white on a black background. However, while implemented, this was not entirely popular as some states and territories preferred their own identity reflected on their vehicles instead. They were meant to use the following proposed scheme:

General Notes: Western Australia deemed itself too large to fit into the proposed scheme and adhered to one of its own devising; plates in the Iaa-nnn series were to be skipped (as a capital I was believed to be easily mistaken for a number 1). This allowed the two populous states with greater registrations of vehicles 6 letter-series each (New South Wales had A to F, Victoria had G to H, and J to M), and others with 3 letter-series (Queensland N, and P to Q, South Australia R to T, Western Australia was allocated U to V). Tasmania was only given one, W, due to its size, and the Australian Capital Territory Y. Z was for federal government department use Australia-wide, the 2nd letter reflecting the commonwealth department, Northern Territory had all numeric supposed to be X, . Letters I and O were deemed to be too similar to 1 and 0 and weren't part of the scheme.

However, the system to be introduced in 1951/52 was not as popular as expected: the Northern Territory refused and continued its previous all-number system. Western Australia soon adopted the scheme, taking charge of the previously NT allocated XAA-000 to XZZ-999 (WAG-000 to WAG-999 they reserved for WA Government vehicles, then extending to XZZ-999). However many WA rural shires chose to issue their own series plates, with initial letters being Shire abbreviations followed by digits, in the WA colour scheme.

All the remaining states and territories stuck to their initial allocations, until the number of registrations became too large for each state and 'overflowed' into series otherwise allocated to another state. NSW overflowed from FZZ-999 to GAA-000 (otherwise issued to Victoria) in 1972, Victoria (having reserved the Maa-nnn series for state government registrations) overflowed from LZZ-999 to IAA-000 (previously skipped) in 1974, and then from IZZ-999 to AAA-000 (otherwise issued to NSW) in 1977. South Australia did similar, overflowing from SZZ-999 to UAA-000 etc. (having reserved the Taa-nnn series for trailer registrations).

All states and territories now have adopted their own new series replacing the ABC-123 series and they do not need to be allocated to the grouped allocations like it happened in the 1950's as the alpha/numerics can start from the beginning to the end of series.

Federal Interstate Registration Scheme

Run years: 1 January 1987 to 1 July 2018

Heavy vehicles (over 4.5 tonnes GVM) can choose to participate in FIRS scheme.

FIRS plates are WX·00AA, and are green on a reflective yellow background.

FIRS plates are issued by state authorities on behalf of the Commonwealth, and carry the format as specified by the Interstate Road Transport Regulations 1986 – Reg 21.^[2] Federal Interstate-registered vehicles are prohibited from undertaking intrastate journeys and can only be used for cross-border work.

The first character represents the state of issue:

• A for Australian Capital Territory
• C for Northern Territory
• N for New South Wales
• Q for Queensland
• S for South Australia
• T for Tasmania
• V for Victoria
• W for Western Australia

The second character represents the type of vehicle being registered:

• V for vehicle (typically issued to prime-movers, but are also attached to rigid vehicles such as coaches and moving trucks).
• T for trailer.
• X for extra weight, for vehicles with particular high gross vehicle or aggregate trailer masses.

The remaining characters are allocated by the issuing authorities. As most interstate transport companies are based on the East Coast, the majority of FIRS plates are registered in NSW and VIC. Some issues originate in QLD or SA, with the remaining states appearing relatively rarely.

Australian License Plate Holders

A typical plate which might be found on a semi-trailer, registered to a company in QLD would be QT·88MW.

^[3] ALL FIRS scheme plates ceased accepting renewals on 1 July 2018 and FIRS closed on 1 July 2019, after all FIRS registration expired and plates exchanged to the new National Heavy Vehicle scheme/state based registration plates.

More details are found under the Infrastructure^[4] website of the Federal Government's

National Heavy Vehicle Registration Scheme

Starting 1 July 2018, a new system was implemented in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania. Victoria joined the scheme on 1 October 2018.

Northern Territory has just started using National Heavy Vehicle Plates and abolished the rego stickers effective 1 August 2019 ^[5]

Western Australia is not participating, hence WA Heavy Vehicles are on state based plates.

The format now in use are:

FB-12AA in Black on white reflection base, and blue band legend with the words NATIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE imprinted on it.

XQ-12AA is for Trucks while YQ-12AA is for Trailers. In this example the prefix denotes X for Trucks and Y for Trailers and the last prefix letter is for home states/territory: XQ - Queensland, XN- New South Wales etc.

It replaced the state based general series, however not mandatory and owners can request state based personalised plates if they wish to have them. It applies to new heavy vehicles or heavy vehicle requiring replacement of state based general series plates. 4.5 GVM minimum must qualify for the new plates.

Common features

Plates tend to bear the State or Territory name and perhaps a state motto or slogan at the top and/or bottom of the plate. Recent issues of plates (since the 1980s) also often use the state's colours and may include some imagery related to the state (such as the state's logo as the sequence separator).

Vehicles running on autogas or compressed natural gas must have a metal diamond with a white lettering LPG on a retro-reflective red background or metal disc with white lettering CNG on red background. The tag must be mechanically fixed (and is usually riveted) onto both of the registration plates. If multiple gas tanks are fitted to vehicle, multiple tags are required – one tag for each tank installed. Subsequently, vehicle manufacturers who manufacture cars with LPG as standard fitting, provide LPG stickers already stuck to the vehicle's registration plate areas, and some state and territory registration authorities also are producing plastic 'flat' printed registration plates, and therefore need to provide LPG stickers to avoid damage to the plates if drilled for pop rivets.

All hybrid electric vehicles must have a green diamond sticker with the word 'Hybrid' written in white letters. This became a mandatory requirement on all hybrid vehicles registered in Victoria from 1 April 2009,^[6] and is designed to warn emergency services in the case of an accident that the vehicle contains high voltage cabling throughout the vehicle.

Commonwealth and military

Military plates were nnn-nnn with the first digit corresponding to the military district number:

Italian License Plate Sayings

• 1 – Queensland
• 2 – New South Wales
• 3 – Victoria
• 4 – South Australia
• 5 – Western Australia
• 6 – Tasmania
• 7 - Northern Territory*

However, new plates issued to the Army are now in this format: nn-nnnn, where the first two digits represent the year the vehicle was registered. r.g. 05-1832.

Current Australian Army registration plate format is Annnnn with this newer format beginning in 2003. The A represents 'Army' with the next two digits representing the year the vehicle was first registered. For instance, a 2008 model Toyota Coaster used to transport army cadets might have the plate A08227. This format has also been adopted by the Defence Force, Navy, and Air Force with combinations Dnnnnn, Nnnnnn and Rnnnnn respectively.

The official car of Chief of the Defence Force carries plates ADF1 and official cars for the three service chiefs carry plates ARMY1, NAVY1 or RAAF1.

The Commonwealth Government of Australia used the Z prefix for its government owned vehicles up until 2000 when the Commonwealth Vehicle Registry was closed.

These plates were on a black on white background, usually marked with 'C of A' at the top of the plate – an abbreviation of Commonwealth of Australia and the leading Z being red to further distinguish it from other state plates.

Issuance of Z prefixed plates used for same purposes was passed onto the states after 2000. Australian Capital Territory plates started at ZYA-000, Victoria plates started at ZED-000, Queensland plates started at ZQ-0000, New South Wales plates started at ZZZ-000, South Australia plates started at ZSA-000, Western Australia plates started at ZAA-00F and Tasmania plates started at ZTA-000. Only New South Wales and Victoria chose to use their state base colours rather than the standard black on reflective white, with the use of red embossed Z prefix.

Australian License Plates

Each of the states display their state initials as seen above the numbers instead of the old 'C of A' legend.

The Northern Territory still uses the older format and same 'C of A' legend at top of the plate.

The registration plate of the Prime Ministerial Limousine was C*1 (i.e. Commonwealth No. 1) with a seven-pointed Commonwealth Star. This has been updated in November 2015 showing C (Australian Government crest image) 1.^[7] Other Commonwealth fleet cars for official transport carry 'C of A' plates in the form C-nnn.

The Governor-General's official cars do not carry registration plates, but simply depict a representation of the St Edward's Crown. They tend to also have a flag mounted on the official car. Similar plates are used for vehicles carrying Queen Elizabeth II when visiting Australia.

Cars owned by the government have special numberplates, some also have a crown and symbols.

For official visits to Australia, special plates are often put over the top of normal 'Z' plates, depicting the Australian Coat of Arms and, in red 'Visit to Australia' with a numeral. These are not strictly registration plates, but are useful for police and other officials to identify cars in official motorcades.

Diplomatic

Diplomatic plates are issued to foreign diplomats by the Government of the Australian Capital Territory. They would formerly grant diplomatic immunity to the vehicle and driver from all traffic laws, speed limits, parking infringements and tolls in all reasonable course of duty by a diplomatic officer, in compliance with international treaty, but this is no longer the case. They follow the format of 'DC nnnn', 'DCnnnnn', 'DX nnnn' or 'DXnnnnn', where the first two or three numbers are the code for the home country of the diplomat, and have black text on a powder blue background. DC plates are issued to members of the diplomatic corps, whereas DX plates are issued to persons who are attached to diplomatic missions but are not themselves diplomats, e.g. household staff.

Older issues have no territory identifier, however newer plates have 'ACT' embossed at the top centre of the plate. Newer plates are also written as 'DC' and 'DX', rather than 'D.C.' and 'D.X.' to allow for the inclusion of a greater number of characters in the sequence. A substantial number of older-style plates are still in use, however.

The first two or three numbers appearing in the plate correspond to a specific country, for example 69 is issued to the United Kingdom. The following two digits are typically issued with lower numbers to higher-ranking officials, usually 01 being issued to the ambassador from that country. So DC 6901 would be found on the vehicle of the British High Commissioner to Australia.

The number issued to each country has no particular relevance, and was allocated by ballot. Countries with many vehicles (such as the USA) are allocated two numbers. Before the blue D.C. plates were introduced, diplomatic cars in Canberra carried plates which had white letters on red.

The numbers then correlated to the length of time the particular diplomatic mission had been in Canberra and the British High Commissioner's car proudly carried the plate D.C.1 The replacement arrangement is more egalitarian.

State registration authorities issue CC plates to consular representatives in their relevant state capital.

The ACT Government issues similar plates to representatives of international organisations in the Territory. These plates are also coloured black on powder blue, and follow a format of IO nnnn.

Registration labels abolition

All states have abolished registration labels for light and heavy vehicles:

• Western Australia – 1 January 2010 beginning with light vehicles and Northern Territory is the last to be abolished from 1 August 2019 for Heavy Vehicles.

See also

Notes

1. ^'Primary producer vehicles'. VicRoads. 5 August 2014.
2. ^'INTERSTATE ROAD TRANSPORT REGULATIONS 1986 – REG 21 Registration plate'. Austlii.edu.au. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
3. ^Roads and Maritime Services, N. S. W. 'Federal Interstate Registration Scheme (FIRS)'. Roads and Maritime Services.
4. ^Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities. 'Federal Interstate Registration Scheme (FIRS) Closure'. Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities.
5. ^https://www.bigrigs.com.au/news/nt-adopts-rego-changes-for-heavy-vehicles/3796145/
6. ^'Hybrid vehicle registration discount'. VicRoads. 17 June 2014.
7. ^Peatling, Stephanie (11 November 2015). 'Politics Live: November 11, 2015'. The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 February 2016.

References

• Blue Mountains Family History Society (2007) Australian number plates Springwood, NSW: Blue Mountains Family History Society. ISBN978-0-9756788-4-8
• Nance, Tony (1980) Australian number plates Beaumaris, Vic. ISBN0-9594474-0-7
• Wright, D.C. (1983) Australasian (motor vehicle) registration plates, 1901–1982 Montmorency, Vic. ISBN0-9594980-0-1

External links

South Australia License Plates

Custom Plates Issuing Authorities

Custom License Plate