Ecuador license plate (EC) in 2026 ✅
Since 2012, Ecuadorian car license plates have used the American format in black letters on a white background. The configuration of the license plates of Ecuador is three letters and three numbers. The first letter identifies the region from which the license plate comes. The name of the state is shown in capital letters at the top: ECUADOR.
Language: Spanish and Quechua
International code: EC
In Ecuador they drive on the right
First plate was registered on: 1905.
There are 7 1 cars per 1000 inhabitants.
Continent: South America
Table of contents of Ecuador license plates
Context of Current Ecuador License Plates
The license plates of Ecuador used since 2012 follow the AAA-1234 format with German-style typography. The first letter identifies the province where the vehicle is registered (see the map below), while the second letter determines the type of vehicle. Ecuadorian car plates have official dimensions of 154 mm high and 404 mm wide. At the top there is a colored band —except on private vehicles, whose registration plate is completely white— indicating the vehicle category. On the left side appears the logo and abbreviation ANT (National Transit Agency). In addition, certain letters in the second position identify specific vehicle categories. Ecuador license plates must be renewed every four years according to current regulations.
This system makes it possible to quickly classify each Ecuador vehicle registration plate according to its function, service type and responsible administration. Below are the most important colors, codes and variations used in the Ecuadorian license plate system.
Colors used on the upper band of Ecuador plates
The upper band of the Ecuador registration plate indicates the category of the vehicle. On some special license plates there is no colored upper band, as the entire background color of the plate changes instead. Below you can find all the possibilities.
| Color | Meaning | Image |
|---|---|---|
| White | Private vehicles | |
| Orange | Public transport, buses and taxis | |
| Yellow | Government vehicles | |
| Blue | Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations | More information about diplomatic plates |
| Red | Temporary license plates (IT – Temporary Importation) | |
| Green | Electric vehicles |
Regional codes on Ecuador license plates
On Ecuador vehicle registration plates, the first letter identifies the region. In the table below you can find the complete list of codes, which consist of a single letter.
Codes used since 1979
| Letter | Region | Image |
|---|---|---|
| A | Azuay | |
| B | Bolívar | |
| C | Carchi | |
| E | Esmeraldas | |
| G | Guayas | |
| H | Chimborazo | |
| I | Imbabura | |
| J | Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas (Since 2007) | |
| K | Sucumbíos (Since 1989) | |
| L | Loja | |
| M | Manabí | |
| N | Napo | |
| O | El Oro | |
| P | Pichincha | |
| Q | Orellana (Since 1998) | |
| R | Los Ríos | |
| S | Pastaza | |
| T | Tungurahua | |
| U | Cañar | |
| V | Morona-Santiago | |
| W | Galápagos | |
| X | Cotopaxi | |
| Z | Zamora-Chinchipe (Since 2007) |
Letters and vehicle type
| Letter | Vehicle type | Image |
|---|---|---|
| A / Z / Q | Buses and taxis | |
| E | Government vehicles | |
| M | Municipal vehicles | |
| W | National Police | |
| X | Other official vehicles |
Diplomatic Corps license plates in Ecuador
Diplomatic Corps license plates have a light blue upper band and consist of two letters followed by four numbers. The possible combinations are:
Diplomatic Corps codes
| Code | Entity | Image |
|---|---|---|
| CD | Diplomatic Corps |  |
| CC | Consular Corps | |
| OI | International Organizations | |
| AT | Administrative Technicians |
See more: vehicle, vehicles, for vehicles, car registration plate, car dealerships near me, auto, cars, automobiles.
List of images and Ecuador vehicle registration plate types
On this page you will find a complete list of Ecuador vehicle registration plates with images, real examples and details of every category. Provincial variations, special designs and historical plates are also included.
See more: for vehicles, vehicles, vehicle, car registration plate, automobiles, vehicle electronics, car dealerships near me, auto, types of Ecuador license plates with images and details.
The old system before 2012
Before 2012, Ecuador also used the AAA-1234 format, but without the upper colored band. The entire plate had a single background color depending on the vehicle category. This system was replaced to improve readability, standardization and quick identification.
☛ Which code identifies cars from Ecuador?
The code EC identifies Ecuador. The license plates of Ecuador may be used with the international registration code EC next to it on the back part of the car.
Example of a car with the international recognition code of Ecuador
Below you can find a car with the oval code and international recognition of Ecuador which is EC.
Questions and answers about car license plates in Ecuador 🥇
Where is the code EC in a license plate from?
The international code EC identifies Ecuador, in South America.
Which country uses the code EC on its license plate?
The country that uses the code EC on its car license plate system is Ecuador.. The letter or letters EC always identify Ecuador. The international code EC must always be displayed on the rear of the vehicle inEcuadorSpain in an oval in black characters on a white background when travelling abroad, except in very rare cases.
When did Ecuador have its first ordinary car license plate?
The date of the first car license plate registration officially issued in Ecuador was in 1905.
Which side of the road do people drive on in Ecuador?
In Ecuador, you drive on the right side of the road.
On which continent is Ecuador located?
Ecuador is located in the continent . 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 Ecuador called in other English-speaking couuntries?
In English, license plate of Ecuador is commonly called a license plate of Ecuador in the United States and Canada. In the UK and Australia, it’s often known as a number plate of Ecuador. Another term, registration plate of Ecuador, is understood globally and is slightly more formal. All these terms refer to the same vehicle identification plate of Ecuador, with usage varying by country. Car plate of Ecuador can be used in more technical situations.
Is it the same a license plate of Ecuador and a registration plate of Ecuador?
Yes, both license plate of Ecuador and registration plate of Ecuador can be used to refer the same vehicle registration unique number of Ecuador.
Cite this section about the license plates of Ecuador
Matriculasdelmundo. License plates of Ecuador. Reviewed and updated information. Matriculasdelmundo.com. Retrieved on 12/06/2026 from https://
License plates from other states and territories that you may be interested in:
Map of the Ecuador license plates
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Official Sources on License Plates of Ecuador
All the information about the license plates of cars and motorcycles in Ecuador 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 Ecuador has been collected since 2009, so we hope you find the information you're looking for about Ecuador license plates.
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