East Germany license plate (DDR) in 2025 ✅
East German (or German Democratic Republic or DDR) car license plates consisted of one to three letters followed by two blocks of numbers separated by a hyphen. The first letter of the license plate from East Germany identified the region in which the vehicle was registered. East German license plates used black characters on a white background.
Language: German
International code: DDR
In East Germany they drive on the right
First plate was registered on: 1949.
There are ¿? cars per 1000 inhabitants.
Continent: Europe
Table of contents of East Germany license plates
Car License Plates in the German Democratic Republic of East Germany (DDR - GDR)
On October 7, 1949, East Germany (German Democratic Republic - GDR), which was occupied by the Soviet Union, became an independent country known as the German Democratic Republic of East Germany, with the oval code DDR. In this new country, the system used in the Eastern German zone with white characters on a black background remained until 1953, when a completely new system was introduced. This new system displayed a two-letter regional code that later became three. Then, two groups of numbers separated by a hyphen were shown, with the technical inspection seal displayed above them.
Functioning of East German License Plates (DDR)
License plates used in East Germany followed a format of 450x90 mm, with black characters on a white background. The international code used by the German Democratic Republic from 1974 was DDR, and plates were no longer valid after December 31, 1992. The configuration consisted of two or three letters identifying the region, followed by two sets of numbers separated by a hyphen. In any case, the first letter identified the region (e.g., I = Berlin (East), H = Magdeburg).
Initially, East German license plates started with only two letters, meaning only the first one identified the region. Later, they switched to three letters. At that point, the two letters accompanying the regional identifier specified the district. (East Berlin used the codes IA to IZ, so Berlin would have plates with a configuration like "IIA 4-44"). Since 1963, East German rear plates featured a national crest sticker with color variations depending on the year.
Special License Plates in East Germany
Official vehicles in East Germany used a separate license plate system. These plates began with two letters identifying the type of vehicle. Possible codes used in East German plates include: VA - Volksarmee (Army), VP - Volkspolizei (Police).
Diplomatic License Plates in East Germany
Diplomatic license plates had white characters on a red background. These plates could start with CD, CC, or CY. The country code (first number pair) for Spain was 44, for Mexico 47, and for the Soviet Union 01. If the country was not recognized by East Germany, the code used in diplomatic plates ranged between 91 and 98.
In the example shown in this image, K = Halle region, CL = Prenzlau district, and the red sticker indicates registration between 1987 and 1990 (although it could also be between 1969 and 1973).
Regional Codes Used in East German License Plates
| Letter | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A | Rostock | |
| B | Schwerin | |
| C | Neubrandenburg | |
| D | Potsdam | |
| E | Frankfurt an der Oder | |
| F | Erfurt | Since 1960 |
| H | Magdeburg | |
| I | Berlin (East) | Since 1953 |
| K | Halle | |
| L | Erfurt | |
| M | Magdeburg | Since 1959 |
| N | Gera | |
| O | Suhl | |
| P | Potsdam | Since 1971 |
| R | Dresden | |
| S | Leipzig | |
| T | Karl Marx Stadt | (Chemnitz) |
| U | Leipzig | Since 1959 |
| V | Halle | Since 1959 |
| X | Karl Marx Stadt | Since 1956 |
| Y | Dresden | Since 1957 |
| Z | Cottbus |
☛ Which code identifies cars from East Germany?
The code DDR identifies East Germany. The license plates of East Germany may be used with the international registration code DDR next to it on the back part of the car.
Example of a car with the international recognition code of East Germany
Below you can find a car with the oval code and international recognition of East Germany which is DDR.
Questions and answers about car license plates in East Germany 🥇
Where is the code DDR in a license plate from?
The international code DDR identifies East Germany, in Europe.
Which country uses the code DDR on its license plate?
The country that uses the code DDR on its car license plate system is East Germany.. The letter or letters DDR always identify East Germany. The international code DDR must always be displayed on the rear of the vehicle inEast GermanySpain in an oval in black characters on a white background when travelling abroad, except in very rare cases.
When did East Germany have its first ordinary car license plate?
The date of the first car license plate registration officially issued in East Germany was in 1949.
Which side of the road do people drive on in East Germany?
In East Germany, you drive on the right side of the road.
On which continent is East Germany located?
East Germany is located in the continent . You can check how are the license plates of Europe following the link to the general section within matriculasdelmundo. Car license plates in Europe
What are license plates from East Germany called in other English-speaking couuntries?
In English, license plate of East Germany is commonly called a license plate of East Germany in the United States and Canada. In the UK and Australia, it’s often known as a number plate of East Germany. Another term, registration plate of East Germany, is understood globally and is slightly more formal. All these terms refer to the same vehicle identification plate of East Germany, with usage varying by country. Car plate of East Germany can be used in more technical situations.
Is it the same a license plate of East Germany and a registration plate of East Germany?
Yes, both license plate of East Germany and registration plate of East Germany can be used to refer the same vehicle registration unique number of East Germany.
Cite this section about the license plates of East Germany
Matriculasdelmundo. License plates of East Germany. Reviewed and updated information. Matriculasdelmundo.com. Retrieved on 01/05/2025 from https://
License plates from other states and territories that you may be interested in:
Map of the East Germany license plates
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Official Sources on License Plates of East Germany
All the information about the license plates of cars and motorcycles in East Germany and vehicle plates shown here has been extracted from official state archives (such as the BOE and the DGT in Spain), from personal sightings, by contacting automobile clubs from other countries, or through media or files referenced in the text. This information on car and motorcycle plates in East Germany has been collected since 2009, so we hope you find the information you're looking for about East Germany license plates.
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