Vehicle registration codes in the world

All countries around the world use a unique regional identifier known as the International Vehicle Registration Code. This vehicle registration code is recognized by most nations globally and must be displayed on all cars when traveling abroad. Every vehicle is required to have a sticker with a code of up to three letters identifying the country of origin. This is necessary only when the vehicle leaves its home country. In regions like the European Union, the euroband on the license plate can replace this code. Learn more below about the international car code and see the full list of codes for each territory worldwide.

What is the International Identification Code?

Since 1909, most countries around the world have used an oval code combination of one, two, or three letters to represent the state of origin. This international vehicle registration code may appear in the local language or in English and must be displayed whenever a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle crosses the nation’s borders. Certain territories under a state, like the island of Jersey—part of Great Britain—use “GBJ” instead of “GB.”

This international car code must be displayed on an oval-shaped sticker or plate, with uppercase black letters on a white background.

Exceptions and Current Situation in the European Union and Other Territories

There are certain territories and locations with internal treaties or laws that affect the use of the international vehicle registration code. Since this is a global standard established by the 1909 Paris International Convention on Motor Traffic, the same rules apply worldwide, although not all countries have signed the agreement.

The European Union, for example, has established that vehicles from member states traveling within the European Union (EU) do not need to display the oval-shaped international car code on the back of the vehicle, as the euroband was introduced for this purpose.

Some European Union territories do not show the blue stripe as it may be optional in their respective States. As a general rule, when traveling to another country, including another within the EU, vehicles need to display the oval sticker with the international vehicle registration code.

What is the Blue Stripe Shown on Cars in the European Union?

The blue stripe shown on the left side of many cars in the European Union is known as the euroband (or Eurobande in French). This blue stripe features the European Union flag at the top and, below it, the one-, two-, or three-letter code identifying the country. The euroband is only valid for travel within the European Union, so it is not sufficient if leaving EU borders.

There are other countries such as Moldova, Montenegro, Ukraine, Lebanon, and Israel, that use a blue stripe on the left side of their license plates. This is intended to create a common system and simplify vehicle identification at an international level. However, for these countries, the oval international car code remains essential when leaving their own country, as they do not have internal agreements with the EU.

Where is This Car From and What Does the Oval Code Display?

If you've seen a car with an international code you don’t recognize and want to know its origin, below is the complete, updated list of all countries and territories worldwide, including those that no longer exist.

You can use the search bar to directly find the code or the name you're looking for: