France


OVAL : F

Passenger series
Motorcycle series
Provisional series
Military series
Agricultural series
Temporary tourist series
Foreign cultural staff series
Diplomatic series
French Forces in Germany series
Trade series
Other series
Pictures of the entire code list

Passenger series

Normal series used since 1950. White front plate used since 1993, with euroband.
75 stands for Paris.

Normal series used since 1950. Yellow rear plate used since 1993, with euroband.
75 stands for Paris.

Normal series since 1950, rear plate in black on white optional since 2007.
The registration consists of three numerals, followed by three letters and two numerals.
To the left of the plate is a blue band with the oval F in white below the twelve golden European stars.
The last two numerals denote the department where 06 stands for Alpes-Maritimes.

Normal series used since 1950. Black on yellow rear plate used since 1993.
The registration consists of four numerals, followed by three letters and two numerals that indicate the department.
75 stands for Paris.
Note that this plate has nine characters. I guess Paris has exceeded the eight characters combinations.

Normal series used since 1950. Yellow rear plate used since 1993, with special euroband.
BZH stands for Bretagne and 44 stands for Loire-Atlantique.

Normal series used since 1950. Yellow rear plate used since 1993. Small plate.
75 stands for Paris.

Normal series used since 1950. Yellow rear plate used since 1993, without euroband.
This plate is made in British style (Number "|" instead of number "1").
92 stands for Hauts-de-Seine.

Normal series since 1950, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of three numerals, followed by three letters and two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 78 stands for Yvelines.
Note the British style of letters.

Normal series since 1950, rear plate in black on yellow. The yellow rear plate is used since 1993.
The registration consists of three numerals, followed by three letters and two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 78 stands for Yvelines.
Note the British style of letters.

Current passenger series since 1950, front plate in black on white since 1993.
The registration consists of two numerals, followed by two letters and two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department, where 62 stands for Pas-de-Calais.

Current passenger series since 1950, rear plate in black on yellow since 1993.
The registration consists of two numerals, above two letters and two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department, where 62 stands for Pas-de-Calais.

Normal series issued since 1950. Yellow rear plate used since 1993 where 71 stands for Saône-et-Loire.
At the left side is the oval F in a black area.

Normal series used since 1950. Yellow rear plate used since 1993, without euroband.
2A stands for South Corsica.

Normal series used since 1950. Yellow rear plate used since 1993.
2A stands for South Corsica. Unusual europlate, probably from Corsican separatists.

Normal series used since 1950. White front plate used since 1993, without euroband.
2B stands for Upper Corse.

Normal series used since 1950. Yellow rear plate used since 1993, without euroband.
2B stands for Upper Corse.

Normal series since 1950, rear plate in black on yellow. The yellow rear plate is used since 1993.
The registration consists of four numerals, followed by two letters and two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 22 stands for Côtes-d'Armor.
Left of the plate is a blue euroband with an unofficial Corsican sticker (Tete de Maure).

Normal series issued since 1950. White front plate used since 1993, with special (unofficial) band. 57 stands for Moselle.

Normal series issued since 1950. White front plate used since 1993, no euroband.
91 stands for Essone. Note the Renault insigna after the three numerals.

Normal series issued since 1950. Black on yellow rear plate used since 1993.
The registration consists of four numerals, followed by two letters and two numerals that indicate the department.
83 stands for Var.
Note the blue, black and red band in the left top corner.

Normal series issued between 1950 until 1992. 74 stands for Haute-Savoie.

Normal series issued between 1950 until 1992. 02 stands for Aisne.

Normal series issued between 1950 until 1992. 75 stands for Paris.

Normal series issued between 1950 until 1992.
93 stands for Seine-Saint-Denis.

Normal series issued between 1950 and 1992 where 75 stands for Paris.
Three serial letters issued in Paris since 1974.

Normal registration in the Free Zone Gex (department of Ain) in silver on red.
The registration consists of five numerals, followed by the letters TTW.

Motorcycle series

Current motorcycle series since 1950, rear plate in black on yellow. The yellow rear plate is used since 1993.
The registration consists of three numerals, above three letters and two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 75 stands for Paris.
Top left is a blue euroband with the oval F in white below the 12 European golden stars.

Provisional series

Provisional series since 1950. WW2 stands for provisional, to travel outside France. 77 stands for Seine-et-Marne.

Provisional series, rear plate.
The registration consists of four numerals followed by WWA and the department code.
WWx means that this is a provisional license plate while the department code 75 stands for Paris.

Provisional series, hand-made plate.
The registration consists of three numerals followed by WW and the department code.
WW means that this is a provisional license plate while the department code 06 stands for Alpes-Maritimes.

Provisional series, rear plate.
The registration consists of four numerals followed by WAE and the department code.
WAE - WAL means that this is a provisional license plate for overseas travelling while the department code 62 stands for Pas-de-Calais.

Provisional series since 1999, front plate. WxE combinations denote provisional plates for export to countries outside the European Union. 53 stands for Mayenne.

Provisional series since 1999, rear plate. WxE combinations denote provisional plates for export to countries outside the European Union. 53 stands for Mayenne.

Provisional series, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of four numerals followed by WWP and two numerals.
WWx is used for provisional license series.
The last two numerals denote the department code where 75 stands for Paris.

Provisional series, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of four numerals, followed by WWT and two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 68 stands for Haut-Rhin.
These provisional series are valid for two weeks for vehicles awaiting normal registrations.

Provisional series, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of four numerals, followed by the letter W and two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 68 stands for Haut-Rhin.
This single letter W is used for garages.

Military series

Front plate of a car from the French Gendamerie (Police). Only numbers and at the left the French flag with some kind of bug in it.

Rear plate of a car from the French Gendamerie (Police). Only numbers and at the left the French flag with some kind of bug in it.

Military series (Gendarmerie) since 1980, front plate in black on white.
The registration consists of 8 numerals.
The insignia at the left hand side indicates the service where the grenadine across the tricolour stands for Gendarmerie.
The first numeral indicates the service where 2 stands for Gendarmerie since 1989.
The second and third letter indicate the year of registration where 00 stands for 2000.
The fourth letter indicates the type of vehicle where 2 stands for a van.

Military series (Gendarmerie) since 1980, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of 8 numerals.
The insignia at the left hand side indicates the service where the grenadine across the tricolour stands for Gendarmerie.
The first numeral indicates the service where 2 stands for Gendarmerie since 1989.
The second and third letter indicate the year of registration where 00 stands for 2000.
The fourth letter indicates the type of vehicle where 2 stands for a van.

Military series since 1980, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of 8 numerals.
The insignia at the left hand side indicates the service where the sword on tricolour stands for the Army.
The first numeral indicates the service where 6 stands for the Army since 1989.
The second and third letter indicate the year of registration where 01 stands for 2001.
The fourth letter indicates the type of vehicle where 3 stands for a truck.

French army license plate with only numbers.

Agricultural series

Agricultural series, rear plate in black on yellow.
The registration consists of five numerals, followed by two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 68 stands for Haut-Rhin.

Agricultural series in black on white.
The registration consists of five numerals above two numerals.
The lower two numerals denote the department where 88 stands for Vosges.

Temporary tourist series

Temporary tourist plate.
The registration consists of two numerals, three letters and two numerals in silver on red.
The last number denotes the department. At the right is the month above the year.
The plate is valid until February 2002 while 92 stands for Hauts-de-Seine.

Temporary tourist plate.
The registration consists of three numerals, three letters and two numerals in silver on red.
The last number denotes the department. At the right is the month above the year.
The plate is valid until December 2001 while 92 stands for Hauts-de-Seine.

Temporary tourist plate in silver on red.
The registration consists of three numerals, followed by three letters and two numerals.
The letters TDA through TKZ are issued by Peugeot and is always using department code 92, Hauts-de-Seine.
To the right of the plate is month above the year of validity (December 2004).

Foreign cultural staff series

Foreign cultural staff license plate since 1st January 1998 in silver on red.
The registration consists of two numerals, followed by the letters IT and two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 37 stands for Indre-et-loire.
To the right of the plate is the month (05 stands for March) above the last two numerals of the year (12 stands for 2012).

Foreign cultural staff license plate since 1st January 1998 in silver on red.
The registration consists of four numerals, followed by the letters IT and two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 01 stands for Ain.
To the right of the plate is the month (05 stands for May) above the last two numerals of the year (05 stands for 2005).

Foreign cultural staff license plate since 1st January 1998 in silver on red.
The registration consists of four numerals, followed by the letters IT and two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 67 stands for Bas-Rhin.
To the right of the plate is the month (04 stands for April) above the last two numerals of the year (05 stands for 2005).
To the left of the plate is a blue euroband with the oval F in white below the twelve European golden stars.

White (silver) on red plate where the letters IT stand for foreign cultural staff.
67 is a regular departemental code and stands for Bas-Rhin.

Diplomatic series

Diplomatic series since 1965 in orange on green.
The registration consists of one numeral, followed by the letters CD and four numerals.
CD stands for Diplomatic Corps. The first number denotes the embassy or organization where 5 stands for Germany.

Diplomatic series since 1965 in orange on green.
The registration consists of two numerals, followed by the letters CD and three numerals.
CD stands for Diplomatic Corps. The first number denotes the embassy or organization where 12 stands for Belgium.

Diplomatic series since 1965. 12 stands for Belgium. CD means Corps Diplomatique

Diplomatic series since 1965. 12 stands for Belgium. CD means Corps Diplomatique.

Diplomatic series since 1965. 46 stands for Greece. CD means Corps Diplomatique.

Diplomatic series since 1965. 115 stands for Russia. CD means Corps Diplomatique.

Diplomatic series since 1965. 82 stands for Niger. CD means Corps Diplomatique.

Diplomatic series since 1965. 405 stands for EU. CD means Corps Diplomatique.

Diplomatic series (CD) used since 1965 in orange on green.
The registration consists of the letter E, followed by three numerals, CD and three other numerals.
Members of delegations to International Organisations have a code letter prefixing a normal diplomatic registration and
in addition 200 is added to the normal Embassy code.
In this case, this code is E that stands for O.E.C.D. and 260 (= 200 + 60) stands for Italy.

Current diplomatic series since 1965 in white (silver) on green.
The registration consists of three numerals, followed by one letter and four numerals.
The letter K stands for Consular Officials attached to Embassies and Administrative and technical staff.
The numbers 400 to 449 are used for members of various European, international and UN organizations.
The number 405 itself is used for members of E.S.A..

Diplomatic series since 1965 in orange on green.
The registration consists of three numerals, followed by the letter K and one numeral.
K stands for Consular officials attached to embassies and Administrative and Technical staff.
The first number denotes the embassy or organization where 414 stands for UNHCR.

Diplomatic series since 1965 in orange on green.
The registration consists of three numerals, followed by the letter K and three numerals.
K stands for Consular officials attached to embassies and Administrative and Technical staff.
The first number denotes the embassy or organization where 402 stands for OECD.

Diplomatic series since 1965 in orange on green.
The registration consists of three numerals, followed by the letter CD and two numerals.
CD stands for Diplomatic Corps and the first number denotes the embassy or organization where 151 stands for Latvia.

Concular series (C) used since 1965 in orange on green.
The registration consists of two numerals, followed by the letter C, three numerals and two other numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 93 stands for Seine-Saint-Denis.

Diplomatic series since 1965. 150 stands for Estonia. CD means Corps Diplomatique.
The suffix Z means that this car is exempt custom duty.

Diplomatic series since 1965. 891 is an unknown code. CD means Corps Diplomatique.
For the C series like this one, the serial number is followed by a period and the Department code.
In this case 34 stands for Hérault.

Diplomatic series since 1965 in orange on green.
The registration consists of three numerals, followed by the letters CD, four numerals and the letter X.
The first number denotes the embassy or organization where 401 stands for UNESCO. CD stands for Diplomatic Corps.
The lette X means that the vehicle is not exempt from duty.

White (silver) on green plate where the letter K stands for Consular Officials attached to Embassies and Administrative and technical staff.
The numbers 400 to 449 are used for members of various European, international and UN organizations.
The number 420 itself is used for members of eurocontrol.

The letter K stands for Consular Officials attached to Embassies and Administrative and technical staff. Members of delegations to International Organisations have a code letter prefixing a normal diplomatic registration and in addition 200 is added to the normal Embassy code. In this case E means O.E.C.D. and 212 (= 200 + 12) stands for Belgium.

White (silver) on green plate where the letter K stands for Consular Officials attached to Embassies and Administrative and technical staff.
The number 600 is used for members of the Council of Europe.

Probably a Frence license plate whereby K stands for Adminastrive and technical staff.

Diplomatic series (CD) used since 1965. Members of delegations to International Organisations have a code letter prefixing a normal diplomatic registration and in addition 200 is added to the normal Embassy code. In this case E means O.E.C.D. and 212 (= 200 + 12) stands for Belgium.

Diplomatic series (CD) used since 1965.
Members of delegations to International Organisations have a code letter prefixing a normal diplomatic registration and in addition 200 is added to the normal Embassy code.
In this case E means O.E.C.D. and 212 (= 200 + 12) stands for Belgium

Current diplomatic series since 1965 in orange on green, front plate.
The registration consists of one letter, followed by three numerals, the letters CD and two numerals.
The first three numerals indicate the embassy where 246 stands for Greece.
Members of delegations to International Organizations have a code letter prefixing a normal diplomatic registration,
in this case S (Council of Europe), in addition to which 200 is added to the normal Embassy code (200+46=246).

Current diplomatic series since 1965 in orange on green, rear plate.
The registration consists of one letter, followed by three numerals above the letters CD and two numerals.
The first three numerals indicate the embassy where 246 stands for Greece.
Members of delegations to International Organizations have a code letter prefixing a normal diplomatic registration,
in this case S (Council of Europe), in addition to which 200 is added to the normal Embassy code (200+46=246).

Member of delegations to International Organisation where S stands for the Council of Europe. 212 (=200+12) stands for Belgium.

French Forces in Germany series

license plate for the French Forces in Germany. This series in use since 1955.
The second numeral indicates the office of use where 5 stands for Villingen.

license plate for the French Forces in Germany in silver on blue. This series in use since 1955.
The registration consists of two numerals, a hyphen and three numerals.
The second numeral indicates the office of use where 4 stands for Trier.

Trade series

Trade series in white on black.
The registration consists of three numerals, followed by WWA and three numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 92 stands for Hauts-de-Seine.

Other series

Old French motorcycle plate?

Plate in silver on red.
The registration consists of four numerals, above two letters and two numerals.
The last two numerals denote the department where 68 stands for Haut-Rhin.
The reason for the red plate colour is still unknown.

French vehicle registration plates end with a group of two or three digits, indicating the department or territory of registration, followed by their main towns in parentheses, to aid location.
Pictures of the entire code list

01	Ain	Bourg-en-Bresse
02	Aisne	Laon
03	Allier	Moulins
04	Alpes-de-Haute-Provence	Digne-les-Bains
05	Hautes-Alpes	Gap
06	Alpes-Maritimes	Nice
07	Ardèche	Privas
08	Ardennes	Charleville-Mézières
09	Ariège	Foix
10	Aube	Troyes
11	Aude	Carcassonne
12	Aveyron	Rodez
13	Bouches-du-Rhône	Marseille
14	Calvados	Caen
15	Cantal	Aurillac
16	Charente	Angoulême
17	Charente-Maritime	La Rochelle
18	Cher	Bourges
19	Corrèze	Tulle
2A	South Corsica	Corse-du-Sud	Ajaccio
2B	Upper Corsica	Haute-Corse Bastia
21	Côte-d'Or	Dijon
22	Côtes-d'Armor	St-Brieuc
23	Creuse	Guéret
24	Dordogne	Périgeux
25	Doubs	Besançon
26	Drôme	Valence
27	Eure	Evreux
28	Eure-et-Loir	Chartres
29	Finistère	Quimper
30	Gard	Nîmes
31	Haute-Garonne	Toulouse
32	Gers	Auch
33	Gironde	Bordeaux
34	Hérault	Montpellier
35	Ille-et-Vilaine	Rennes
36	Indre	Châteauroux
37	Indre-et-Loire	Tours
38	Isère	Grenoble
39	Jura	Lons-le-Saunier
40	Landes	Mont-de-Marsan
41	Loir-et-Cher	Blois
42	Loire	St-Etienne
43	Haute-Loire	Le Puy
44	Loire-Atlantique	Nantes
45	Loiret	Orléans
46	Lot	Cahors
47	Lot-et-Garonne	Agen
48	Lozère	Mende
49	Maine-et-Loire	Angers
50	Manche	St-Lô
51	Marne	Châlons-en-Champagne
52	Haute-Marne	Chaumont
53	Mayenne	Laval
54	Meurthe-et-Moselle	Nancy
55	Meuse	Bar-le-Duc
56	Morbihan	Vannes
57	Moselle	Metz
58	Nièvre	Nevers
59	Nord	Lille
60	Oise	Beauvais
61	Orne	Alençon
62	Pas-de-Calais	Arras
63	Puy-de-Dôme	Clermont-Ferrand
64	Pyrénées-Atlantiques	Pau
65	Hautes-Pyrénées	Tarbes
66	Pyrénées-Orientales	Perpignan
67	Bas-Rhin	Strasbourg
68	Haut-Rhin	Colmar
69	Rhône	Lyon
70	Haute-Saône	Vesoul
71	Saône-et-Loire	Mâcon
72	Sarthe	Le Mans
73	Savoy	Savoie	Chambéry
74	Haute-Savoie	Annecy
75	Paris	Paris
76	Seine-Maritime	Rouen
77	Seine-et-Marne	Melun
78	Yvelines	Versailles
79	Deux-Sèvres	Niort
80	Somme	Amiens
81	Tarn	Albi
82	Tarn-et-Garonne	Montauban
83	Var	Toulon
84	Vaucluse	Avignon
85	Vendée	La Roche-sur-Yon
86	Vienne	Poitiers
87	Haute-Vienne	Limoges
88	Vosges	Épinal
89	Yonne	Auxerre
90	Territoire-de-Belfort	Belfort
91	Essonne	Evry
92	Hauts-de-Seine	Nanterre
93	Seine-Saint-Denis	Bobigny
94	Val-de-Marne	Créteil
95	Val-d'Oise	Pontoise
971	Guadeloupe, Caribbean
SB 971	St Barthélemy, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
ZA 971	St Martin, Guadeloupe, Caribbean
972	Martinique, Caribbean
973	French Guiana
974	Reunion
976	Mayotte, Indian Ocean

France

OVAL : F