Kiribati license plate (KIR) in 2026 ✅
Current Kiribati license plates vary depending on the island and atoll involved. Most of the population is on Tarawa Atoll. License plates on Tarawa Atoll use white characters on a black background, beginning with two letters. The first identifies the part of the atoll and the second identifies the class of vehicle. The other islands of Kiribati use different license plates with unique designs.
Language: English and Gilbertese
International code: KIR
In Kiribati they drive on the left
First plate was registered on: 1960s.
There are - cars per 1000 inhabitants.
Continent: Oceania
Table of contents of Kiribati license plates
Kiribati license plate
Kiribati license plates vary depending on the island, atoll or island/atoll group. Since 1979, each island has used a system with a slightly different configuration and format. In general, the first three letters identify the island, usually followed by up to three numbers. Lettering styles and plate designs have varied greatly, with no single standard style since 1979. Below you can find the codes used at the beginning of the license plates.
| Regional codes | ||
|---|---|---|
| BAN-Banaba Ocean Island | BTC-Betio Betio Town Council South Tarawa Currently B | ETC-North Tarawa Tarawa Currently E |
| FTC-Phoenix Islands | KMA-Line Islands | NON-Nonouti |
| TUC-Teinainano Teinainano Urban Council Tarawa Currently T | XMA-Christmas Island Kiritimati - Line Islands | |
Tarawa Atoll license plate in Kiribati
The current license plate used since 2010 on Tarawa Atoll (Kiribati) is characterized by white letters on a black background, a design very similar to that used in other Oceania countries. Tarawa Atoll is the island/atoll with the highest population in Kiribati, with approximately 45,000 inhabitants. The plate border may be the same black color as the background or orange. The format consists of two letters followed by up to four numbers. The first letter identifies the area of the atoll (see previous table: T, E, B). The second letter identifies the vehicle type and is usually shown in yellow, orange, or even white. The second letter identifies A-public transport, D-motorcycles, and C-private vehicles.
What does the second letter on Kiribati license plates in Tarawa mean?
The second letter on license plates from Tarawa Atoll in Kiribati identifies different vehicle types. Below you can see what each letter stands for.
| Letter and meaning | ||
|---|---|---|
| A-Bus | B-Commercial vehicle | C-Private vehicle |
| D-Motorcycle | E-Trailer | G-Government |
License plates during the British colonial period; Gilbert Islands
Until 1979, Kiribati was a British colony, together with present-day Tuvalu, forming the Gilbert and Ellice Islands territory. The Gilbert Islands became Kiribati, while the Ellice Islands became Tuvalu. It is also worth mentioning the emergence of Tokelau as a new territory, although it is currently under the administration of New Zealand.
The license plates used during the British colonial period in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands were identical to those used in the United Kingdom at that time. That is, plates with white or grey characters on a black background, using British typography and size. The plates began with the letters GE (Gilbert Ellice), and could end with different letters. If ending in G, it identified a government vehicle.
☛ Which code identifies cars from Kiribati?
The code KIR identifies Kiribati. The license plates of Kiribati may be used with the international registration code KIR next to it on the back part of the car.
Example of a car with the international recognition code of Kiribati
Below you can find a car with the oval code and international recognition of Kiribati which is KIR.
Questions and answers about car license plates in Kiribati 🥇
Where is the code KIR in a license plate from?
The international code KIR identifies Kiribati, in Oceania.
Which country uses the code KIR on its license plate?
The country that uses the code KIR on its car license plate system is Kiribati.. The letter or letters KIR always identify Kiribati. The international code KIR must always be displayed on the rear of the vehicle inKiribatiSpain in an oval in black characters on a white background when travelling abroad, except in very rare cases.
When did Kiribati have its first ordinary car license plate?
The date of the first car license plate registration officially issued in Kiribati was in 1960s.
Which side of the road do people drive on in Kiribati?
In Kiribati, you drive on the left side of the road.
On which continent is Kiribati located?
Kiribati is located in the continent . You can check how are the license plates of Oceania following the link to the general section within matriculasdelmundo. Car license plates in Oceania
What are license plates from Kiribati called in other English-speaking couuntries?
In English, license plate of Kiribati is commonly called a license plate of Kiribati in the United States and Canada. In the UK and Australia, it’s often known as a number plate of Kiribati. Another term, registration plate of Kiribati, is understood globally and is slightly more formal. All these terms refer to the same vehicle identification plate of Kiribati, with usage varying by country. Car plate of Kiribati can be used in more technical situations.
Is it the same a license plate of Kiribati and a registration plate of Kiribati?
Yes, both license plate of Kiribati and registration plate of Kiribati can be used to refer the same vehicle registration unique number of Kiribati.
Cite this section about the license plates of Kiribati
Matriculasdelmundo. License plates of Kiribati. Reviewed and updated information. Matriculasdelmundo.com. Retrieved on 27/01/2026 from https://
License plates from other states and territories that you may be interested in:
Map of the Kiribati license plates
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Official Sources on License Plates of Kiribati
All the information about the license plates of cars and motorcycles in Kiribati 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 Kiribati has been collected since 2009, so we hope you find the information you're looking for about Kiribati license plates.
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