Brazil license plate (BR) in 2026 ✅
Since 2018, Brazilian car license plates use the same format and format as Mercosur license plates. A blue stripe with the text BRAZIL and the national flag is displayed at the top. The configuration is three letters, one number, one letter and two numbers with no regional codes in the numbering.
Language: Portuguese
International code: BR
In Brazil they drive on the right
First plate was registered on: ?.
There are 2 4 9 cars per 1000 inhabitants.
Continent: South America
Table of contents of Brazil license plates
Current Brazil License Plate System
On September 11, 2018, Brazil introduced its current license plate system based on the Mercosur Unified License Plate system, designed to create a common standard among the South American countries belonging to Mercosur (known as Mercosul in Portuguese). The current Brazil license plate uses the ABC1D23 alphanumeric format, without geographical references in the registration number. The long version measures 400x130 millimeters, while the square version used on motorcycles and tricycles measures approximately 200x170 millimeters. Depending on the colors used, the plate can identify a special vehicle registration plate.
At the top of a current Brazil license plate, there is a blue band with the Mercosur logo on the left, the country name ("Brasil") in the center, and the Brazilian flag. On the left side of the registration plate, a QR code and Brazil's international identification code, "BR", are displayed. On the right side, the name of the city of registration appears in small characters at the bottom, the municipal coat of arms is shown in the middle, and the state flag is displayed at the top.
Why Is Conversion to the Mercosul License Plate Necessary?
The Brazil license plate system underwent a major change with the introduction of the Mercosul model, a more modern, secure and standardized system shared by the countries of the bloc. Although the old placa cinza remains valid in certain circumstances, replacement becomes mandatory in situations such as a change of ownership, a change of municipality or state, a change in vehicle category, or when the license plate is damaged or illegible. The new format improves vehicle identification, reduces the risk of fraud and simplifies administrative procedures throughout Brazil.
To understand how an old Brazilian registration plate corresponds to the new format, the Brazil license plate converter is especially useful. The official conversion changes the fourth numerical digit of the old license plate into a specific letter while preserving the vehicle's registration and avoiding duplicate combinations. This tool allows users to see the equivalent Mercosul plate immediately and understand the conversion between the old and current Brazil car license plate systems.
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Conversion:
Special Car License Plates Currently Used in Brazil
Brazil also uses the Mercosur system for special car license plates. The different types of special Brazilian registration plates are identified by different character or background colors while retaining the same general character sequence. Below is the complete list of the main special Brazil license plate types. In June 2022, Brazil adopted the new system for historic vehicle license plates. These historic plates are distinguished by the absence of the Mercosur logo in the upper-left section of the plate.
| License plate type | Image | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial vehicle |  | Red characters |
| Special vehicle (dealer, test drive...) |  | Green characters |
| Historic vehicle (Brazil only) |  | Black background. Valid for vehicles more than 30 years old and at least 80% original. Since 2022 Known as placa preta |
| Historic vehicle (Brazil and other Mercosur states) |  | Gray characters |
| Diplomatic Corps |  | Yellow characters |
| Official vehicle (government administration...) |  | Blue characters |
Previous Brazil License Plate System (1990-2018)
Brazilian license plates issued from 1990 until September 2018 were issued independently by the Traffic Department of each state, which was responsible for vehicle registration and subsequent tax collection. The system was associated with the National Registry of Motor Vehicles (RENAVAM) and used the "LLL-NNNN" configuration, where "LLL" represented three letters followed by four numbers ("NNNN").
Brazilian license plates were always assigned to the same vehicle, regardless of who owned the car. Above the registration combination, an abbreviation identifying the state was displayed, such as "SP" for Sao Paulo, "RJ" for Rio de Janeiro, "PR" for Paraná and "AM" for Amazonas, together with the name of the municipality. Since 2008, the Mandatory typeface has been used on Brazilian license plates, the same font used in the United Kingdom. In 2014, Brazil presented the new license plate shared with the other Mercosur countries, featuring a blue band at the top and the Brazilian flag on the right.
Private vehicles used black characters on a gray background. Public transport vehicles such as taxis and buses used white characters on red. Driving-school vehicles used red characters on white, historic vehicles used gray characters on white, test vehicles used white characters on green or blue, and the Diplomatic Corps, Consular Corps and International Organizations used white characters on blue with the "CD/CC 1234" format.
☛ Which code identifies cars from Brazil?
The code BR identifies Brazil. The license plates of Brazil may be used with the international registration code BR next to it on the back part of the car.
Example of a car with the international recognition code of Brazil
Below you can find a car with the oval code and international recognition of Brazil which is BR.
Questions and answers about car license plates in Brazil 🥇
Where is the code BR in a license plate from?
The international code BR identifies Brazil, in South America.
Which country uses the code BR on its license plate?
The country that uses the code BR on its car license plate system is Brazil.. The letter or letters BR always identify Brazil. The international code BR must always be displayed on the rear of the vehicle inBrazilSpain in an oval in black characters on a white background when travelling abroad, except in very rare cases.
When did Brazil have its first ordinary car license plate?
The date of the first car license plate registration officially issued in Brazil was in ?.
Which side of the road do people drive on in Brazil?
In Brazil, you drive on the right side of the road.
On which continent is Brazil located?
Brazil is located in the continent South America. You can check how are the license plates of South America following the link to the general section within matriculasdelmundo. Car license plates in South America
What are license plates from Brazil called in other English-speaking couuntries?
In English, license plate of Brazil is commonly called a license plate of Brazil in the United States and Canada. In the UK and Australia, it’s often known as a number plate of Brazil. Another term, registration plate of Brazil, is understood globally and is slightly more formal. All these terms refer to the same vehicle identification plate of Brazil, with usage varying by country. Car plate of Brazil can be used in more technical situations.
Is it the same a license plate of Brazil and a registration plate of Brazil?
Yes, both license plate of Brazil and registration plate of Brazil can be used to refer the same vehicle registration unique number of Brazil.
Cite this section about the license plates of Brazil
Matriculasdelmundo. License plates of Brazil. Reviewed and updated information. Matriculasdelmundo.com. Retrieved on 29/10/2026 from https://
License plates from other states and territories that you may be interested in:
Map of the Brazil license plates
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Official Sources on License Plates of Brazil
All the information about the license plates of cars and motorcycles in Brazil 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 Brazil has been collected since 2009, so we hope you find the information you're looking for about Brazil license plates.
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