Irak license plate (IRQ) in 2025 ✅
Iraqi license plates since 2008 have a rectangular plate size that is taller than the American one. On the left side, the text IRAQ is displayed vertically. The configuration of the Iraqi license plates is divided into three lines. The top one shows the configuration in Arabic. The second line shows the configuration in Latin characters, and the third line, separated by a black line, shows the type of vehicle.
Language: Arab
International code: IRQ
In Irak they drive on the right
First plate was registered on: ?.
There are 5 0 cars per 1000 inhabitants.
Continent: Asia
Table of contents of Irak license plates
Current Iraqi Car License Plates
The current private car license plates in Iraq (or Iraqi) used since 2010 are divided into three sections separated by black lines. On the left side, the country name IRAQ and a security hologram seal are displayed on a background that can vary in color depending on the vehicle type. Next, at the top, the serial number of the plate is shown, with large Arabic numerals above and European numerals below. In the bottom block, on the left, the vehicle type is displayed in Arabic, and on the right the name of the Iraqi province in Arabic appears. The plates use black characters and borders on a white background, except for special license plates where the left block’s background color varies. In that case, the Arabic text identifying the vehicle type also changes. The dimensions are 335x155 mm, and the plates are made of aluminum. It should be noted that the license plates in the Kurdistan region are different, and we explain them below.
Regions of Iraq and Their License Plates
All license plates in Iraq, except for some special license plates, display the province name at the bottom. Below you can find the names of the provinces in Arabic along with their translations.
| Province Name | ||
|---|---|---|
| بابل - Babylon | بغداد - Baghdad | البصرة - Basra |
| ذي قار - Dhi Qar | ديالى - Diyala | دهوك - Duhok * |
| أربيل - Erbil * | كربلاء - Karbala | كركوك - Kirkuk |
| ميسان - Maysan | ميسان - Mutanah | النجف - Najaf |
| نينوى - Nineveh | القادسية - Al-Qadisiyah | صلاح الدين - Saladin |
| السليمانية - Sulaymaniyah * | التعميم - Tamim | واسط - Wasit |
Types of Special License Plates in Iraq and Details
Below we show what the special license plates in Iraq look like and how they differ. In addition, the text displayed on the plate varies. Some special plates, such as military ones, differ completely, as explained below. Furthermore, for the Kurdistan region, a similar color pattern is used.
| Type | Background Color |
Arabic Text | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Private Vehicle |
White | خصوصي |
|
| Rental, Bus and Taxi | Red | اجرة |
|
| Government | Blue | حكومية No provincial code |
|
| Commercial | Yellow | حمل |
|
| Temporary Customs Entry Temporary |
Orange | إدخال كمركي مؤقت No provincial code |
|
| Agricultural / Construction | Green | زراعي Agricultural إنشائية Construction |
|
Other Types of Special License Plates in Iraq
In addition to the special license plate types in Iraq shown in the table above, there are other special plates that you can find below. These plates feature a different system from that used in the current ordinary plates.
Iraq Ministry of Defense License Plate
The license plates of the Iraq Ministry of Defense—that is, for the military forces—use plates with white characters on a green background. In the top left, a letter is displayed. At the bottom, the text الدفاع (Defense) appears. On the right, a combination of five numbers is shown.
Previous License Plate System in Iraq. From 2001 to 2010
From 2001 until 2010, Iraq used a different license plate system from the current one, entirely in Arabic characters and with background colors varying according to the vehicle type. The plate was slightly larger on the rear of the vehicle than on the front, with a width of 320 mm. In the top left, the name of the country in Arabic العراق (Al-Iraq), a hologram, and at the bottom the region name in Arabic were displayed. The region name is the same as that used today.
Current License Plates in Kurdistan
Furthermore, Iraq has an interesting and unique situation regarding Kurdistan license plates. This geographical area is located in the northern part of the country, in the border region with Turkey. Although they bear a slight resemblance to ordinary Iraqi license plates, they have a different design and structure which we explain below.
How Do Kurdistan License Plates Work Since 2022?
The current Kurdistan license plates (Iraqi Kurdistan) were adopted in May 2022 after more than a year of preparation for the system’s implementation. The license plates use black characters on a white background, with a European size of 520x110 millimeters. They feature a separate section on the left displaying the international code of Iraq (IR) vertically, beneath which the letters KR appear, identifying Kurdistan. The background color of this section varies according to the vehicle type, maintaining the colors used in the license plates of the current and previous global Iraqi system. On the right side of the plate, starting from the left, two numbers are shown that identify each governorate of Kurdistan. 21 identifies Sulaymaniyah, 22 Erbil, 23 Halabja, and 24 Duhok.
Current Special License Plates in Kurdistan
| Type | Background Color | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Private Vehicle |
White |
|
| Rental, Bus and Taxi | Red |
|
| Government | Blue |
|
| Commercial | Yellow |
|
| Agricultural | Green |
|
Previous Kurdistan License Plates from 1982 to 2022
The Kurdistan license plates from 1982 to 2022 are characterized by a system different from the rest of Iraq. This is due to its status as a constitutionally recognized independent region, which since 2005 has allowed it to have its own system. The previous system was used until 2022 and featured black characters on a white background. The license plate is divided into three sections: the top section displays a serial number of up to six digits; the bottom left shows the name of the region; and the bottom right displays the name Al-Iraq in Arabic العراق.
| Type | Background Color | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Private Vehicle |
White |
|
| Rental, Bus and Taxi | Red |
|
| Commercial | Yellow |
|
European-Style Kurdistan License Plate Until 2022
Until 2022, it was common for Kurdistan vehicles traveling abroad (especially to Europe) to use a license plate with European dimensions of 520x110 mm placed over the vehicle’s original plate. This Kurdistan license plate is characterized by displaying a numeric combination followed by a three-letter code that identifies the region. For example, for Erbil, the code is EBL. On the left side of the Kurdistan license plate, a blue stripe is displayed with the text IRAQ or the code IRQ.
☛ Which code identifies cars from Irak?
The code IRQ identifies Irak. The license plates of Irak may be used with the international registration code IRQ next to it on the back part of the car.
Example of a car with the international recognition code of Irak
Below you can find a car with the oval code and international recognition of Irak which is IRQ.
Questions and answers about car license plates in Irak 🥇
Where is the code IRQ in a license plate from?
The international code IRQ identifies Irak, in Asia.
Which country uses the code IRQ on its license plate?
The country that uses the code IRQ on its car license plate system is Irak.. The letter or letters IRQ always identify Irak. The international code IRQ must always be displayed on the rear of the vehicle inIrakSpain in an oval in black characters on a white background when travelling abroad, except in very rare cases.
When did Irak have its first ordinary car license plate?
The date of the first car license plate registration officially issued in Irak was in ?.
Which side of the road do people drive on in Irak?
In Irak, you drive on the right side of the road.
On which continent is Irak located?
Irak is located in the continent . You can check how are the license plates of Asia following the link to the general section within matriculasdelmundo. Car license plates in Asia
What are license plates from Irak called in other English-speaking couuntries?
In English, license plate of Irak is commonly called a license plate of Irak in the United States and Canada. In the UK and Australia, it’s often known as a number plate of Irak. Another term, registration plate of Irak, is understood globally and is slightly more formal. All these terms refer to the same vehicle identification plate of Irak, with usage varying by country. Car plate of Irak can be used in more technical situations.
Is it the same a license plate of Irak and a registration plate of Irak?
Yes, both license plate of Irak and registration plate of Irak can be used to refer the same vehicle registration unique number of Irak.
Cite this section about the license plates of Irak
Matriculasdelmundo. License plates of Irak. 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 Irak license plates
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Official Sources on License Plates of Irak
All the information about the license plates of cars and motorcycles in Irak 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 Irak has been collected since 2009, so we hope you find the information you're looking for about Irak license plates.
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