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{{Short description|none}} <!-- This short description is INTENTIONALLY "none" - please see WP:SDNONE before you consider changing it! -->
{{Orphan|date=November 2017}}

{{Main|Vehicle registration plates of Canada}} {{Main|Vehicle registration plates of Canada}}


In Canada, '''licence plate numbers''' are usually assigned in ascending order, beginning with a starting point such as AAA-001.
In Canada, '''licence plate numbers''' are usually assigned in ascending order, beginning with a starting point such as AAA-001. Thus, someone familiar with the sequence can determine roughly when the licence plate was issued. After ] transition to an ABCD-123 format in 1997, plates were issued in ascending order starting with AAAA-001. It took close to ten years to exhaust the supply of plate numbers with A as the first digit. In late 2006, plates with B as the first digit were assigned, and have continued from there sequentially. Plates with C as the first digit have been spotted in Ottawa and Toronto as of August 2016.


As such, someone familiar with the sequence can determine roughly when the licence plate was issued. After ] transition to an ABCD-123 format in 1997, plates were issued in ascending order starting with AAAA-001. It took close to 10 years to exhaust the supply of plate numbers with A as the first digit. In late 2006, plates with B as the first digit were assigned, and have continued from there sequentially. Plates with C as the first digit started appearing in 2016. The first plates beginning with D were issued in 2023.
The gradual increase in the use of letters in the serials of licence plates has given rise to an increased possibility of unintentional profane or inappropriate words or messages arising from the use of sequential alphanumeric combinations. Thus, numbering sequences generally exclude certain combinations of letters or numbers that would be potentially offensive. Jurisdictions' attention to excluding offensive combinations varies widely, however. In 1986, Waldale, a Canadian licence plate manufacturer, due to a production error, produced an entire batch of ] plates that began with the letters ASS. The plates were issued, and were unofficially scrapped, but many found their way into the collectors' black market.


The gradual increase in the use of letters in the serials of licence plates has given rise to an increased possibility of unintentional profane or inappropriate words or messages arising from the use of sequential alphanumeric combinations. Thus, numbering sequences generally exclude certain combinations of letters or numbers that would be potentially offensive. Jurisdictions' attention to excluding offensive combinations varies widely, however. In 1986, Waldale, a Canadian licence plate manufacturer, due to a production error, produced an entire batch of ] plates that began with the letters ASS. The plates were issued, and were unofficially scrapped, but many found their way into the collectors' black market.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}
From 1971 to 1975, Manitoba's licence plate bore the slogan "Sunny Manitoba: 100,000 lakes" <ref></ref> but was changed to "Friendly Manitoba", possibly due to conflict with ]'s "10,000 lakes" slogan.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}}


From 1971 to 1975, Manitoba's licence plate bore the slogan "Sunny Manitoba: 100,000 lakes,"<ref></ref> but was changed to "Friendly Manitoba," possibly due to conflict with ]'s "10,000 lakes" slogan.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}}
==Designs and serial formats==

==Current designs and serial formats==

''The most recent design or serial format being issued.''
===Passenger plates===
{|class="wikitable" {|class="wikitable"
|- |-
!Province/Territory !Province/Territory
!First issued
!Description !Description
!Slogan !Slogan
Line 19: Line 24:
|- |-
|] |]
|2021
|red on non-reflective white
|Red on reflective white
|"Wild Rose Country" |"Wild Rose Country"
|ABC-1234 |ABC-1234
|] |]
|- |-
|] |]
|2014
|blue on reflective white with screened provincial flag / yellow and white mountain scene with the 2010 Olympic symbol screened
|Blue on reflective white with screened stylized provincial flag in centre
|"Beautiful British Columbia" |"Beautiful British Columbia"
|AB1 23C
|AB1 23C, 2014 to 2023, (Passenger Cars)<ref></ref>
|]

AB 1234 (Passenger Trucks)
|]
|- |-
|] |]
|2012
|dark blue on white with screened graphic landscape
|Embossed dark blue serial on reflective white plate with river scene featuring green trees on either side and yellow wheat at the bottom; black bison graphic screened at top right; "Manitoba" screened in blue at top, offset to right, with red maple leaf over the 'i'
|"Friendly Manitoba" |"Friendly Manitoba"
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
|] |]
|- |-
|] |]
|2011
|red on reflective white with provincial wordmark and rainbow design
|Embossed red serial on reflective white plate with curved gold and sky blue bands at the top; screened provincial wordmark (red galley graphic with small blue waves and "New" to the left, "Nouveau" to the right and "Brunswick" and "CANADA" below, all in green) on bands, centred above serial
|{{N/A}} <!--Wordmark only, no motto--> |{{N/A}} <!--Wordmark only, no motto-->
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
Line 45: Line 52:
|- |-
|] |]
|2007–21
|blue on reflective white with provincial wordmark
2023–present
|Embossed blue serial on white plate; screened provincial wordmark centred at bottom, consisting of a pitcher plant with "Newfoundland" and "Labrador" in blue below
|{{N/A}} <!--Wordmark only, no motto--> |{{N/A}} <!--Wordmark only, no motto-->
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
|] |]
|- |-
|] |]
|2010
|screened nature scene, shaped like a ] |screened nature scene, shaped like a ]
|"Spectacular Northwest Territories" |"Spectacular Northwest Territories"
|123456 |123456
|] |]
|- |-
|] |]
|2011
|blue on reflective white with screened image of the '']''
|Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate; light blue graphic of the Bluenose screened in the centre; "NOVA SCOTIA" screened in blue centred at top
|"Canada's Ocean Playground" |"Canada's Ocean Playground"
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
|] |]
|- |-
|] |]
|2012
|blue and white with the aurora borealis and a polar bear, includes the territory's name written in both Latin characters and ]
|Screened black serial on rectangular plate with night scene featuring polar bear, inuksuk, three sets of northern lights and 25 stars; "Nunavut" screened in black letters and in Inuktitut syllabics (ᓄᓇᕗᑦ) centred at bottom
|{{N/A}} <!--Name only, no motto--> |{{N/A}} <!--Name only, no motto-->
|123 456 |123 456
|] |]
|- |-
|rowspan=6|] | rowspan="4" |]
| rowspan="4" |1997–2020 <br>2020–present
|rowspan=4|white on reflective, two-hue blue with white stylized trillium separator and white crown placed bottom right<ref>{{cite web|url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-s-new-licence-plates-hit-the-road-here-s-what-you-need-to-know-1.4795049|title=Ontario's new licence plates hit the road: Here's what you need to know|date=February 3, 2020|publisher=toronto.ctvnews.ca}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Accueil véhicules |url=http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/french/vehicles/ |website=Ministère des Transports |publisher=Le gouvernement de l'Ontario |accessdate=12 February 2020 |language=fr}}</ref>
| rowspan="2" |Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top
|"]"
|"Yours to Discover"
|rowspan=2|ABCD 123
|rowspan=2|] | rowspan="2" |ABCD-123
|]
|- |-
|"{{lang|fr|En plein essor}}" | "{{lang|fr|Tant à Découvrir}}"
|]
|- |-
|rowspan=2|Green on reflective white with screened graphic of ]; for hydrogen and plug-in electric vehicles<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-gets-new-green-licence-plates-1.865105 |title=Ontario gets new green licence plates |publisher=CBC |date=2009-11-02 |accessdate=2009-11-07}}</ref>
|"Open for Business" (commercial)
|rowspan=2|AB 12345
|rowspan=2|
|-
|"{{lang|fr|Ouvert aux affaires}}"
|-
|rowspan=2|green on reflective white with screened graphic of ]; for hydrogen and plug-in electric vehicles<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-gets-new-green-licence-plates-1.865105 |title=Ontario gets new green licence plates |publisher=CBC |date=2009-11-02 |accessdate=2009-11-07}}</ref>
|"Green Vehicle" |"Green Vehicle"
|GVAB 123 |'''GV'''AB 123
|rowspan=2|] |]
|- |-
|"{{lang|fr|Véhicule écologique}}" |"{{lang|fr|Véhicule écologique}}"
|VEAB 123 |'''VE'''AB 123
|]
|- |-
|rowspan=2|] |]
|2022
|rowspan=2|light brown on reflective white with photo of ] on the left
|Green letters on white baseplate; 'PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND' screened at top & 'CANADA' along bottom. PEI crest in center and small Canadian flag in bottom left.
|"Birthplace of Confederation"
|''none''
|rowspan=2|12 3AB
|123 ABC
|rowspan=2|<!-- Deleted image removed: ] -->
|]
|-
|"{{lang|fr|Berceau de la Confédération}}"
|- |-
|rowspan=2|] | rowspan="2" |]
|2023
|dark blue on reflective white
|Embossed dark blue serial on reflective white plate with border line; "Québec" centred at top
|rowspan=2|"{{lang|fr|]}}" {{nowrap|(I Remember)}}
| rowspan="2" |"{{lang|fr|]}}" {{nowrap|(I Remember)}}
|rowspan=2|A12 BCD
|ABC 12D
|]
|]
|- |-
|2011
|green on reflective white with electric vehicle pictogram on the lower left side (for electric vehicles)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/vehicle_registration/categories/electric_vehicles.php |title=Electric Vehicles |publisher=SAAQ |accessdate=2012-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708234512/http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/vehicle_registration/categories/electric_vehicles.php |archive-date=2012-07-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |green on reflective white with electric vehicle pictogram on the lower left side (for electric vehicles)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/vehicle_registration/categories/electric_vehicles.php |title=Electric Vehicles |publisher=SAAQ |accessdate=2012-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708234512/http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/vehicle_registration/categories/electric_vehicles.php |archive-date=2012-07-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|Began as B12 '''VE'''A, followed by C12 '''V'''AB
|]
|]
|- |-
|] |]
|2009
|green on reflective white with screened wheat graphic
|Green on reflective white with screened wheat graphic in centre; serif "Saskatchewan" screened in green centred at top
|"Land of Living Skies" |"Land of Living Skies"
|123 ABC |123 ABC
|] |]
|- |-
|] |]
|1990
|black on white with screened miner image
|Black on reflective white with border line; screened prospector at left; screened red "Yukon" centred on sky blue band at bottom
|"The Klondike" |"The Klondike"
|ABC12 |ABC12
Line 120: Line 133:
|- |-
|] - All provinces and territories |] - All provinces and territories
|
|dark green on reflective white with "Canada" on top flanked by two red maple leaves |dark green on reflective white with "Canada" on top flanked by two red maple leaves
|{{N/A}} |{{N/A}}
Line 125: Line 139:
|] |]
|} |}
''Note: For Ontario and Quebec electric vehicle plates, letters in '''bold''' denotes that they are specifically set to identify them, apart from the regular issuance.''

===Commercial plates===
''Most provinces issue separate commercial plates for trucks, usually for commercial purposes or over a certain vehicle weight.''


==Plate Types and Serial Formats No Longer Issued But Still Valid==
{|class="wikitable" {|class="wikitable"
|- |-
!Province/Territory !Province/Territory
!First issued
!Description !Description
!Slogan !Slogan
Line 135: Line 153:
!Image !Image
|- |-
|rowspan=2|] |]
|
|colspan=4|''none''
|-
|]
|2008
|Blue on reflective white with screened stylized provincial flag used as separator
|"Beautiful British Columbia"
|AB 1234
|]
|-
|]
|2012
|Embossed dark blue serial on reflective white plate with river scene featuring green trees on either side and yellow wheat at the bottom; black bison graphic screened at top right; "Manitoba" screened in blue at top, offset to right, with red maple leaf over the 'i'
|"Friendly Manitoba"
|'''C'''AB 123
|]
|-
|]
|2011
|Embossed red serial on reflective white plate with curved gold and sky blue bands at the top; screened provincial wordmark (red galley graphic with small blue waves and "New" to the left, "Nouveau" to the right and "Brunswick" and "CANADA" below, all in green) on bands, centred above serial
|{{N/A}}
|'''C'''AB 123
|]
|-
|]
|2007
|Embossed blue serial on white plate; screened provincial wordmark centred at bottom, consisting of a pitcher plant with "Newfoundland" and "Labrador" in blue below
|{{N/A}}
|'''C'''A1 234
|]
|-
|]
|2010
|screened nature scene, shaped like a polar bear
|"Spectacular Northwest Territories"
|'''C'''12345
|]
|-
|]
|2012
|Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "NOVA SCOTIA" and "COMMERCIAL" centred at top and bottom respectively
|{{N/A}}
|12-345-A
|]
|-
|]
|2012
|Screened black serial on rectangular plate with night scene featuring polar bear, inuksuk, three sets of northern lights and 25 stars; "Nunavut" screened in black letters and in Inuktitut syllabics (ᓄᓇᕗᑦ) centred at bottom
|{{N/A}}
|'''C'''12 345
|]
|-
|rowspan=2|]
|rowspan=2|2011
|rowspan=2|Black on reflective white with screened crown separator
|"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
|rowspan=2|AB 12345
|]
|-
|"TANT À DÉCOUVRIR"
|]
|-
|]
|2013
|Embossed light brown numbers on reflective white with photo of Province House on the left
|"Birthplace of Confederation"
|'''C'''1 234
|]
|-
|]
|2001
|Embossed dark blue serial on reflective white plate with border line; "Québec" centred at top
|"Je me souviens"
|'''F'''AB1234
|]
|-
|]
|
|colspan=4|''none''
|-
|rowspan=2|]
|1990
|Light Commercial - Black on reflective white with border line; screened prospector at left; screened red "Yukon" centred on sky blue band at bottom
|{{N/A}}
|'''C'''123A
|]
|-
|2009
|Heavy Commercial - Black on reflective white with border line; screened prospector at left; screened red "Yukon" centred on sky blue band at bottom
|{{N/A}}
|'''C'''A123
|]
|}

==Former designs and serial formats still valid==

''Designs or serial formats that are no longer issued, yet are still valid for use.''

{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Province/Territory
!Dates Issued
!Description
!Slogan
!Serial format
!Image
|-
| rowspan="4" |]
|1983-92
|red on reflective white |red on reflective white
|rowspan=2|"Wild Rose Country" | rowspan="4" |"Wild Rose Country"
|rowspan=2|ABC-123 | rowspan="2" |ABC-123
|rowspan=2|] |]
|- |-
|1993-2010
|red on non-reflective white |red on non-reflective white
|]
|- |-
|2010-19
|]
|blue on reflective white with screened provincial flag |red on non-reflective white
| rowspan="2" |ABC-1234
|"Beautiful British Columbia"
|]
|ABC 123 (Passenger Cars 1985 to 2001) and 123 ABC (Passenger Cars 2001-2014)
|-
1234 AB (Passenger Trucks)
|2019-21
|as above, but with newer Alberta government logo
|]
|-
|rowspan=2|]
|1985-2001
|Blue on reflective white with screened stylized provincial flag in centre
|rowspan=2|"Beautiful British Columbia"
|ABC 123
|] |]
|-
|2001-14
|Blue on reflective white with screened stylized provincial flag in centre
|123 ABC
|]
|- |-
|] |]
|1997-2012
|colspan=4|''Friendly Manitoba''
|Embossed dark blue serial on reflective white plate with river scene featuring green trees on either side and yellow wheat at the bottom; blue bison graphic screened at top right; "Manitoba" screened in blue at top, offset to right, with red maple leaf over the 'i'
|"Friendly Manitoba"
|ABC 123
|]
|- |-
|rowspan=2|] |rowspan=2|]
|2003-09
|red on reflective white with provincial wordmark
|Embossed red serial on reflective white plate; screened provincial wordmark ("New" to the left of the galley, "Nouveau" to the right and "Brunswick" and "CANADA" below)
|''none''
|{{N/A}}
|ABC-123 |ABC-123
|] |]
|- |-
|2009-11
|red on reflective white with provincial wordmark and rainbow design
|Embossed red serial on reflective white plate with curved gold and sky blue bands at the top; screened provincial wordmark (red galley graphic with small blue waves and "New" to the left, "Nouveau" to the right and "Brunswick" and "CANADA" below, all in green) on bands, centred above serial
|"Be...in this place - Être...ici on le peut'" |"Be...in this place - Être...ici on le peut'"
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
|]
|
|- |-
|rowspan=4|] |rowspan=8|]
|1982-93
|red and blue embossed on white |red and blue embossed on white
|{{N/A}}
|''none''
|ABC-123 |ABC-123
|] |]
|- |-
|1993-96
|red on reflective white with screened Viking ship graphic |red on reflective white with screened Viking ship graphic
|"A World of Difference" |"A World of Difference"
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
|] |]
|
|- |-
|1996-97
|red on reflective blue/white with screened Cabot graphic |red on reflective blue/white with screened Cabot graphic
|"Celebrate 500 Years" |"Celebrate 500 Years"
Line 180: Line 333:
|] |]
|- |-
|1997-2001
|As 1993–96 base
|"A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE" as from 1993–96
|ABC 123
|]
|-
|2001-02
|Embossed red serial on white plate; screened provincial flag centred slightly below serial; "NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR CANADA" screened in red below flag
|{{N/A}}
|ABC 123
|]
|-
|2002-03
|As above, but with "NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR" centred at top, and "CANADA" increased in size
|{{N/A}}
|ABC 123
|]
|-
|2003-07
|red on reflective white with screened provincial flag graphic |red on reflective white with screened provincial flag graphic
|{{N/A}}
|''none''
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
|] |]
|-
|2022-23
|Embossed blue serial on white and teal gradient plate; screened blue graphic of a whale; screened red provincial word mark on top; screened red “COME HOME 2022” on bottom
|"COME HOME 2022"
|ABC 123
|]
|- |-
|] |]
|
|colspan=4|''none'' |colspan=4|''none''
|- |-
|] |]
|
|blue on white |blue on white
|"Canada's Ocean Playground" |"Canada's Ocean Playground"
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
|]
|
|- |-
|] |]
|
|colspan=4|''none'' |colspan=4|''none''
|- |-
|rowspan=5|] |rowspan=6|]
|1973–78
|blue on white with embossed crown separator
|Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right
|"Keep It Beautiful"
|"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL"
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
|] |]
|- |-
|1978-82
|blue on white with embossed crown separator
|As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right
|"Yours to Discover"
|"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL"
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
|]
123 ABC
|]
|- |-
|1982-86
|blue text on reflective white with screened crown separator (license plates issued to commercial vehicles are issued plates with black text on reflective white)
|rowspan=2|As above, but with no sticker box
|"Yours to Discover"
|"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
|ABC 123
|]
|-
|1986-94
|"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
|123 ABC |123 ABC
|] |]
|- |-
|1994–97
|rowspan=2|blue on reflective white with screened crown separator (commercial vehicles: black on reflective white)
|Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top
|"Yours to Discover"
|"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
|rowspan=2|ABCD 123 (1997 - Passenger)
|123 ABC

|]
AB1 234 (1995 - Commercial)

234 1AB (1996 - Commercial)

AB 12345 (2011 - Commercial)
|]
|- |-
|2020
| "{{lang|fr|Tant à Découvrir}}"
|white on reflective, two-hue blue with white stylized trillium separator and white crown placed bottom right<ref>{{cite web|url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-s-new-licence-plates-hit-the-road-here-s-what-you-need-to-know-1.4795049|title=Ontario's new licence plates hit the road: Here's what you need to know|date=February 3, 2020|publisher=toronto.ctvnews.ca}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Accueil véhicules |url=http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/french/vehicles/ |website=Ministère des Transports |publisher=Le gouvernement de l'Ontario |accessdate=12 February 2020 |language=fr}}</ref>
|]
|"]"
|ABCD 123
|]
|- |-
|rowspan=4|] | rowspan="8" |]
|1981-92
|green on white with embossed provincial crest
|Embossed green serial with provincial shield separator on reflective white plate; border lines around plate and around bottom corners; "PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND" at top and "CANADA" centred at bottom
|''none''
|{{N/A}}
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
|]
|
|- |-
|1993–97
|red on reflective white with screened '']'' graphic
|Embossed red serial on reflective white plate; green and red Anne of Green Gables graphic slightly to left of centre; "PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND" screened in red at top
|"Home of Anne of Green Gables" |"Home of Anne of Green Gables"
|AB 123 |AB 123
|] |]
|- |-
|rowspan=2|1997-2007
|green on reflective green/white/blue background with screened ] graphic
|Embossed green serial on reflective gradient green, white and blue plate; screened Confederation Bridge graphic at top centre and national flag at bottom left; "Prince Edward Island" screened in green below graphic with green trees, wavy blue underline, and "CANADA" below underline
|"Confederation Bridge" |"Confederation Bridge"
|AB 123 |AB 123
|]
|
|- |-
|green on reflective green/white/blue background with screened ] graphic |As above, but with screened Province House graphic at top centre
|"Birthplace of Confederation" |"Birthplace of Confederation"
|AB 123 |AB 123
|]
|
|- |-
|2007-09
|rowspan=3|]
|rowspan=3|dark blue on reflective white |rowspan=2|Embossed green numbers on reflective white plate with screened photo of windmills
|rowspan=3|"Je me souviens" |rowspan=2|"Canada's Green Province" at bottom
|AB 123
|123A456
|] |]
|- |-
|2009-12
|123 AB
|]
|-
| rowspan="2" |2013-22
| rowspan="2" |Embossed light brown numbers on reflective white with photo of Province House on the left
|"Birthplace of Confederation"
| rowspan="2" |12 3AB
|]
|-
|"{{lang|fr|Berceau de la Confédération}}"
|]
|-
| rowspan="5" |]
|1979–83
|Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate with border line; "79" at top left; fleur-de-lys and "Québec" at top right
| rowspan="5" |"Je me souviens"
|123A456<br />(1979 series only)
|]
|-
|1983-96
| rowspan="4" |As above, but with wider serial dies, a darker shade of blue, and fleur-de-lys and "Québec" centred at top
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
|] |]
|- |-
|1996-2009
|123 ABC |123 ABC
|] |]
|- |-
|2009-22
|]
|A12 BCD
|green on reflective white with screened wheat graphic
|]
|''Land Of the Living Skies”''
|-
|2022-23
|01B ACD
|]
|-
|rowspan=2|]
|1977-98
|Green on reflective white with screened wheat graphic in centre; sans-serif "Saskatchewan" screened in green centred at top
|rowspan=2|"Land Of the Living Skies"
|ABC 123 |ABC 123
|] |]
|-
|1998-2009
|Green on reflective white with screened wheat graphic in centre; serif "Saskatchewan" screened in green centred at top
|123 ABC
|]
|- |-
|] |]
|
|colspan=4|''none'' |colspan=4|''none''
|- |-
Line 282: Line 509:
* *
* *
*
* *
* *
*
*
*
*
*


{{Vehicle registration plates of Canada}} {{Vehicle registration plates of Canada}}

Latest revision as of 22:19, 19 September 2024

Main article: Vehicle registration plates of Canada

In Canada, licence plate numbers are usually assigned in ascending order, beginning with a starting point such as AAA-001.

As such, someone familiar with the sequence can determine roughly when the licence plate was issued. After Ontario's transition to an ABCD-123 format in 1997, plates were issued in ascending order starting with AAAA-001. It took close to 10 years to exhaust the supply of plate numbers with A as the first digit. In late 2006, plates with B as the first digit were assigned, and have continued from there sequentially. Plates with C as the first digit started appearing in 2016. The first plates beginning with D were issued in 2023.

The gradual increase in the use of letters in the serials of licence plates has given rise to an increased possibility of unintentional profane or inappropriate words or messages arising from the use of sequential alphanumeric combinations. Thus, numbering sequences generally exclude certain combinations of letters or numbers that would be potentially offensive. Jurisdictions' attention to excluding offensive combinations varies widely, however. In 1986, Waldale, a Canadian licence plate manufacturer, due to a production error, produced an entire batch of New Brunswick plates that began with the letters ASS. The plates were issued, and were unofficially scrapped, but many found their way into the collectors' black market.

From 1971 to 1975, Manitoba's licence plate bore the slogan "Sunny Manitoba: 100,000 lakes," but was changed to "Friendly Manitoba," possibly due to conflict with Minnesota's "10,000 lakes" slogan.

Current designs and serial formats

The most recent design or serial format being issued.

Passenger plates

Province/Territory First issued Description Slogan Serial format Image
Alberta 2021 Red on reflective white "Wild Rose Country" ABC-1234
British Columbia 2014 Blue on reflective white with screened stylized provincial flag in centre "Beautiful British Columbia" AB1 23C
Manitoba 2012 Embossed dark blue serial on reflective white plate with river scene featuring green trees on either side and yellow wheat at the bottom; black bison graphic screened at top right; "Manitoba" screened in blue at top, offset to right, with red maple leaf over the 'i' "Friendly Manitoba" ABC 123
New Brunswick 2011 Embossed red serial on reflective white plate with curved gold and sky blue bands at the top; screened provincial wordmark (red galley graphic with small blue waves and "New" to the left, "Nouveau" to the right and "Brunswick" and "CANADA" below, all in green) on bands, centred above serial — ABC 123
Newfoundland and Labrador 2007–21

2023–present

Embossed blue serial on white plate; screened provincial wordmark centred at bottom, consisting of a pitcher plant with "Newfoundland" and "Labrador" in blue below — ABC 123
Northwest Territories 2010 screened nature scene, shaped like a polar bear "Spectacular Northwest Territories" 123456
Nova Scotia 2011 Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate; light blue graphic of the Bluenose screened in the centre; "NOVA SCOTIA" screened in blue centred at top "Canada's Ocean Playground" ABC 123
Nunavut 2012 Screened black serial on rectangular plate with night scene featuring polar bear, inuksuk, three sets of northern lights and 25 stars; "Nunavut" screened in black letters and in Inuktitut syllabics (ᓄᓇᕗᑦ) centred at bottom — 123 456
Ontario 1997–2020
2020–present 		Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top "Yours to Discover" ABCD-123
"Tant à Découvrir"
Green on reflective white with screened graphic of white trillium; for hydrogen and plug-in electric vehicles "Green Vehicle" GVAB 123
"Véhicule écologique" VEAB 123
Prince Edward Island 2022 Green letters on white baseplate; 'PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND' screened at top & 'CANADA' along bottom. PEI crest in center and small Canadian flag in bottom left. none 123 ABC
Quebec 2023 Embossed dark blue serial on reflective white plate with border line; "Québec" centred at top "Je me souviens" (I Remember) ABC 12D
2011 green on reflective white with electric vehicle pictogram on the lower left side (for electric vehicles) Began as B12 VEA, followed by C12 VAB
Saskatchewan 2009 Green on reflective white with screened wheat graphic in centre; serif "Saskatchewan" screened in green centred at top "Land of Living Skies" 123 ABC
Yukon 1990 Black on reflective white with border line; screened prospector at left; screened red "Yukon" centred on sky blue band at bottom "The Klondike" ABC12
Department of National Defence - All provinces and territories dark green on reflective white with "Canada" on top flanked by two red maple leaves — 12345

Note: For Ontario and Quebec electric vehicle plates, letters in bold denotes that they are specifically set to identify them, apart from the regular issuance.

Commercial plates

Most provinces issue separate commercial plates for trucks, usually for commercial purposes or over a certain vehicle weight.

Province/Territory First issued Description Slogan Serial format Image
Alberta none
British Columbia 2008 Blue on reflective white with screened stylized provincial flag used as separator "Beautiful British Columbia" AB 1234
Manitoba 2012 Embossed dark blue serial on reflective white plate with river scene featuring green trees on either side and yellow wheat at the bottom; black bison graphic screened at top right; "Manitoba" screened in blue at top, offset to right, with red maple leaf over the 'i' "Friendly Manitoba" CAB 123
New Brunswick 2011 Embossed red serial on reflective white plate with curved gold and sky blue bands at the top; screened provincial wordmark (red galley graphic with small blue waves and "New" to the left, "Nouveau" to the right and "Brunswick" and "CANADA" below, all in green) on bands, centred above serial — CAB 123
Newfoundland and Labrador 2007 Embossed blue serial on white plate; screened provincial wordmark centred at bottom, consisting of a pitcher plant with "Newfoundland" and "Labrador" in blue below — CA1 234
Northwest Territories 2010 screened nature scene, shaped like a polar bear "Spectacular Northwest Territories" C12345
Nova Scotia 2012 Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "NOVA SCOTIA" and "COMMERCIAL" centred at top and bottom respectively — 12-345-A
Nunavut 2012 Screened black serial on rectangular plate with night scene featuring polar bear, inuksuk, three sets of northern lights and 25 stars; "Nunavut" screened in black letters and in Inuktitut syllabics (ᓄᓇᕗᑦ) centred at bottom — C12 345
Ontario 2011 Black on reflective white with screened crown separator "YOURS TO DISCOVER" AB 12345
"TANT À DÉCOUVRIR"
Prince Edward Island 2013 Embossed light brown numbers on reflective white with photo of Province House on the left "Birthplace of Confederation" C1 234
Quebec 2001 Embossed dark blue serial on reflective white plate with border line; "Québec" centred at top "Je me souviens" FAB1234
Saskatchewan none
Yukon 1990 Light Commercial - Black on reflective white with border line; screened prospector at left; screened red "Yukon" centred on sky blue band at bottom — C123A
2009 Heavy Commercial - Black on reflective white with border line; screened prospector at left; screened red "Yukon" centred on sky blue band at bottom — CA123

Former designs and serial formats still valid

Designs or serial formats that are no longer issued, yet are still valid for use.

Province/Territory Dates Issued Description Slogan Serial format Image
Alberta 1983-92 red on reflective white "Wild Rose Country" ABC-123
1993-2010 red on non-reflective white
2010-19 red on non-reflective white ABC-1234
2019-21 as above, but with newer Alberta government logo
British Columbia 1985-2001 Blue on reflective white with screened stylized provincial flag in centre "Beautiful British Columbia" ABC 123
2001-14 Blue on reflective white with screened stylized provincial flag in centre 123 ABC
Manitoba 1997-2012 Embossed dark blue serial on reflective white plate with river scene featuring green trees on either side and yellow wheat at the bottom; blue bison graphic screened at top right; "Manitoba" screened in blue at top, offset to right, with red maple leaf over the 'i' "Friendly Manitoba" ABC 123
New Brunswick 2003-09 Embossed red serial on reflective white plate; screened provincial wordmark ("New" to the left of the galley, "Nouveau" to the right and "Brunswick" and "CANADA" below) — ABC-123
2009-11 Embossed red serial on reflective white plate with curved gold and sky blue bands at the top; screened provincial wordmark (red galley graphic with small blue waves and "New" to the left, "Nouveau" to the right and "Brunswick" and "CANADA" below, all in green) on bands, centred above serial "Be...in this place - Être...ici on le peut'" ABC 123
Newfoundland and Labrador 1982-93 red and blue embossed on white — ABC-123
1993-96 red on reflective white with screened Viking ship graphic "A World of Difference" ABC 123
1996-97 red on reflective blue/white with screened Cabot graphic "Celebrate 500 Years" ABC 123
1997-2001 As 1993–96 base "A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE" as from 1993–96 ABC 123
2001-02 Embossed red serial on white plate; screened provincial flag centred slightly below serial; "NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR CANADA" screened in red below flag — ABC 123
2002-03 As above, but with "NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR" centred at top, and "CANADA" increased in size — ABC 123
2003-07 red on reflective white with screened provincial flag graphic — ABC 123
2022-23 Embossed blue serial on white and teal gradient plate; screened blue graphic of a whale; screened red provincial word mark on top; screened red “COME HOME 2022” on bottom "COME HOME 2022" ABC 123
Northwest Territories none
Nova Scotia blue on white "Canada's Ocean Playground" ABC 123
Nunavut none
Ontario 1973–78 Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" ABC 123
1978-82 As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" ABC 123
1982-86 As above, but with no sticker box "YOURS TO DISCOVER" ABC 123
1986-94 "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 123 ABC
1994–97 Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top "YOURS TO DISCOVER" 123 ABC
2020 white on reflective, two-hue blue with white stylized trillium separator and white crown placed bottom right "A Place to Grow" ABCD 123
Prince Edward Island 1981-92 Embossed green serial with provincial shield separator on reflective white plate; border lines around plate and around bottom corners; "PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND" at top and "CANADA" centred at bottom — ABC 123
1993–97 Embossed red serial on reflective white plate; green and red Anne of Green Gables graphic slightly to left of centre; "PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND" screened in red at top "Home of Anne of Green Gables" AB 123
1997-2007 Embossed green serial on reflective gradient green, white and blue plate; screened Confederation Bridge graphic at top centre and national flag at bottom left; "Prince Edward Island" screened in green below graphic with green trees, wavy blue underline, and "CANADA" below underline "Confederation Bridge" AB 123
As above, but with screened Province House graphic at top centre "Birthplace of Confederation" AB 123
2007-09 Embossed green numbers on reflective white plate with screened photo of windmills "Canada's Green Province" at bottom AB 123
2009-12 123 AB
2013-22 Embossed light brown numbers on reflective white with photo of Province House on the left "Birthplace of Confederation" 12 3AB
"Berceau de la Confédération"
Québec 1979–83 Embossed blue serial on reflective white plate with border line; "79" at top left; fleur-de-lys and "Québec" at top right "Je me souviens" 123A456
(1979 series only)
1983-96 As above, but with wider serial dies, a darker shade of blue, and fleur-de-lys and "Québec" centred at top ABC 123
1996-2009 123 ABC
2009-22 A12 BCD
2022-23 01B ACD
Saskatchewan 1977-98 Green on reflective white with screened wheat graphic in centre; sans-serif "Saskatchewan" screened in green centred at top "Land Of the Living Skies" ABC 123
1998-2009 Green on reflective white with screened wheat graphic in centre; serif "Saskatchewan" screened in green centred at top 123 ABC
Yukon none

See also

References

  1. Manitoba License Plays, 1969-Present
  2. "Ontario gets new green licence plates". CBC. 2009-11-02. Retrieved 2009-11-07.
  3. "Electric Vehicles". SAAQ. Archived from the original on 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2012-07-26.
  4. "Ontario's new licence plates hit the road: Here's what you need to know". toronto.ctvnews.ca. February 3, 2020.
  5. "Accueil véhicules". Ministère des Transports (in French). Le gouvernement de l'Ontario. Retrieved 12 February 2020.

External links

Vehicle registration plates of Canada (by province or territory)
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