Cyprus license plate (CY) in 2026 ✅
Since 2013, car license plates in Cyprus have been in the European size. On the left side of the plate, the Euroband with the international code CY is displayed. The layout of the license plates from Cyprus consists of three letters and three numbers. Between them, the date of first registration is shown.
Language: Greek
International code: CY
In Cyprus they drive on the left
First plate was registered on: 1920.
There are 5 3 2 cars per 1000 inhabitants.
Continent: Europe
Table of contents of Cyprus license plates
Current Cyprus License Plate System
Since June 2013, Cyprus license plates have used a black-on-white design, with the Euroband displaying the country code "CY" on the left side of the registration plate. The dimensions of Cyprus license plates are the same as the European standard, 520 x 110 millimeters. The Cyprus license plate configuration consists of three letters separated from three numbers, beginning with 001, by a space displaying the vehicle's date of first registration. The month is shown above and the year below. The current license plate design was introduced in 2013, beginning with the MAA series. License plates issued before this date could adopt the new design, but this was not mandatory. The typeface used on current Cyprus license plates is the same as that used on current German license plates. Other Cyprus license plate sizes are also used, including 340x220 mm for two-line square plates and a reduced 280x200 mm format. Motorcycles also use license plates in Cyprus. Discover more about the history of Cyprus license plates.
Other Types of Special License Plates in Cyprus
Different types of special Cyprus license plates can be identified according to the colors used on the registration plates.
| Type | Image |
|---|---|
| Standard system |  |
| Trailer |  |
| Rental vehicle |  |
| Commercial vehicles |  |
Motorcycles use the same configuration but with a different size, including red-background license plates for rental motorcycles. Quads also use this size.
License Plates for Public Service Vehicles
In June 2013, commercial vehicle license plates were also updated. They began using a yellow background on both front and rear plates, sharing the numbering system with standard license plates. These plates identify taxis and commercial trucks.
The previous system was not used only for standard vehicles; it was also used for commercial vehicles. These plates had a yellow background on both the front and rear, but only when they were used by a commercial truck. In the case of a taxi or a vehicle operating as a taxi, the plate followed the standard design but began with the letter T (e.g. TAAA 001). The letter T was also used on license plates issued before 1990.
Trailer License Plates
Trailer license plates used since 2013 are different from those of the towing vehicle and also display two groups of characters separated by the vehicle's manufacturing date. The first group contains the letter P and two numbers. The group on the right contains three numbers in sequential order. However, these license plates may vary in the position of the letters. Some plates from previous designs have adopted this new system.
From 1973 to 2013, trailer license plates used the design of the previous system, consisting of a series of numbers ending in the letters CT (e.g. 12345CT). Some of the first license plates registered with the post-2013 design use the previous system's plate format.
Rental Vehicle License Plates
Red backgrounds identify rental vehicles. The license plate system works in the same way as the standard system.
During the first months after the adoption of the new system in June 2013, the Euroband was optional for rental vehicles and in many cases was not used. As with the standard system, vehicles with the pre-2013 design could switch to the new design, allowing them to display the Euroband and remove the Z from the first position. Until 2013, rental vehicle license plates used the standard combination of letters and numbers, but were headed by the letter Z (e.g. ZAAA 001).
Historic Vehicle License Plates
A black background identifies historic vehicles registered 40 years ago or more (originally before 1975) and holding a valid certificate. In these cases, vehicles may display the Euroband on the left side.
Historic vehicles can opt for their own registration system, consisting of a series of four numbers starting from 1000, followed by the letter A.
Other Special License Plates Explained
Dealer vehicle license plates use red characters on a white background. These plates begin with the text ΔΟΚΙΜΗ test.
Army license plates (Cypriot National Guard) use a completely different design and format. The plates begin with the Greek coat of arms, followed by the letters ΕΦ. The Cyprus flag is displayed on the right-hand side.
Diplomatic Corps License Plate - CD
Diplomatic Corps license plates, both under the current and previous systems, consist of two numbers identifying the country (see complete list of codes), followed by the letters CD and finally two sequential numbers. In 2004, these license plates began using the Euroband. Until 1990, license plates used black characters on a light green background, with the letters CD in small characters in the upper-left corner.
From 1973 to 1990, diplomatic license plates used a blue-green background. In 1990, a system similar to the current one was adopted, with a yellow background at the rear and a white background at the front. In 2004, the Euroband was introduced, and in 2017 the system was completely modified.
United Nations License Plates in the Buffer Zone
Cyprus is currently divided between the Greek Cypriot zone and the Turkish Cypriot zone. This separation has existed since 1974, when the United Nations arrived on the island to separate the two sides. This division involves a physical separation consisting of a zone that cannot be accessed except by United Nations personnel. Official vehicles use license plates beginning with the letters UN (United Nations) or UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), among other types, with white characters on a blue background and a sequential number.
Previous License Plate Systems, from 1973 to the Present
Before June 2013, Cyprus license plates used a wide variety of different styles, with a white front plate and a yellow rear plate, as used in the United Kingdom. The registration consisted of two or three letters followed by up to three numbers. From 1973 to 1990, two letters were used in sequence ("AB123"), while from 1990 to 2003 three letters were used ("ABC123"). In 2004, when the country joined the European Union, the use of the Euroband with the letters CY became optional for standard and commercial license plates. Vehicles using a design different from the current one could adopt the new design or retain their existing design.
As mentioned above, all license plates with designs dating from before 2013 could be remade using the current system. This is why it is possible to see older vehicles with old registration formats, such as the following.
History of Cyprus License Plates from 1900 to 1973
1990 - 2013
Until 1973, Cyprus license plates used the design and size of UK license plates, with gray/white characters on a black background, as Cyprus was a British colony under British administration. Until 1930, the Cyprus license plate configuration consisted of one letter followed by three numbers ("A123"). F - Famagusta, K - Kyrenia, LL - Limassol, N - Nicosia, P - Paphos and L - Larnaca. If a license plate began with T, it identified a taxi. In 1930, a fourth character was introduced ("A1234").
In 1947, regional codes were removed from Cyprus license plates, and a few years later, in 1950, a letter was reintroduced in the first position, this time in sequence from A1 to A999. In 1956, after reaching Z999, two letters were used in the first position ("AB123"). On August 16, 1960, Cyprus became an independent country, although this change did not result in any modification to its license plates.
License Plates at the Akrotiri and Dhekelia British Military Bases
For historical reasons, the United Kingdom has two military bases within Cyprus. The two British military bases are Akrotiri in the south and Dhekelia in the northeast. Both bases belong to the United Kingdom, so British license plates are commonly seen there. Vehicles belonging to the bases may use Cyprus license plates, while official vehicles may use British license plates with the letters SBAA followed by a series of numbers. Both front and rear plates use a white background and German-style typography. It should be noted that the current Cyprus license plate typeface is the German FE-Schrift, so these plates are probably manufactured in Cyprus itself. However, there are also cases of plates using British typography.
☛ Which code identifies cars from Cyprus?
The code CY identifies Cyprus. The license plates of Cyprus may be used with the international registration code CY next to it on the back part of the car.
Example of a car with the international recognition code of Cyprus
Below you can find a car with the oval code and international recognition of Cyprus which is CY.
Questions and answers about car license plates in Cyprus 🥇
Where is the code CY in a license plate from?
The international code CY identifies Cyprus, in Europe.
Which country uses the code CY on its license plate?
The country that uses the code CY on its car license plate system is Cyprus.. The letter or letters CY always identify Cyprus. The international code CY must always be displayed on the rear of the vehicle inCyprusSpain in an oval in black characters on a white background when travelling abroad, except in very rare cases.
When did Cyprus have its first ordinary car license plate?
The date of the first car license plate registration officially issued in Cyprus was in 1920.
Which side of the road do people drive on in Cyprus?
In Cyprus, you drive on the left side of the road.
On which continent is Cyprus located?
Cyprus is located in the continent Europe. 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 Cyprus called in other English-speaking couuntries?
In English, license plate of Cyprus is commonly called a license plate of Cyprus in the United States and Canada. In the UK and Australia, it’s often known as a number plate of Cyprus. Another term, registration plate of Cyprus, is understood globally and is slightly more formal. All these terms refer to the same vehicle identification plate of Cyprus, with usage varying by country. Car plate of Cyprus can be used in more technical situations.
Is it the same a license plate of Cyprus and a registration plate of Cyprus?
Yes, both license plate of Cyprus and registration plate of Cyprus can be used to refer the same vehicle registration unique number of Cyprus.
Cite this section about the license plates of Cyprus
Matriculasdelmundo. License plates of Cyprus. Reviewed and updated information. Matriculasdelmundo.com. Retrieved on 08/10/2026 from https://
License plates from other states and territories that you may be interested in:
Map of the Cyprus license plates
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Official Sources on License Plates of Cyprus
All the information about the license plates of cars and motorcycles in Cyprus 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 Cyprus has been collected since 2009, so we hope you find the information you're looking for about Cyprus license plates.
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