North Cyprus license plate (TRNC) in 2026 ✅
Northern Cyprus car license plates are different from those used in Cyprus. License plates in Turkish Republic of North Cyprus use black characters on white background. The configuration is a serial configuration of two letters followed by three numbers and a letter. On the left side of the Northern Cyprus license plate there is a blue stripe with the stamp of the die-cutting machine.
Language: Turkish
International code: TRNC
In North Cyprus they drive on the left
First plate was registered on: 1920.
There are 532 cars per 1000 inhabitants.
Continent: Europe
Table of contents of North Cyprus license plates
Current Northern Cyprus car license plate
Cyprus is currently divided into two main areas: the southern Greek Cypriot zone and the Turkish Cypriot zone in the north. 
This division took place in 1974, after a long conflict that ended with the invasion of the northern part of the island by Turkey. After mediation by the United Nations, the island was formally divided in 1974. From that moment on, both territories began using very similar but distinct car license plate systems. Over the years, the differences between both vehicle registration systems have become increasingly noticeable.
Current car license plates in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
The license plates of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have used, since June 2025, black characters on a white background. The plate size follows the European standard. On the left side of the registration plate there is a blue band with an emblem at the top displaying the text "MOTORLU ARAÇLAR MUKAYYITLİĞİ" (Motor Vehicles Registry) along with a number identifying the approved manufacturer. The current Northern Cyprus car license plate format consists of two letters, three numbers, and one final letter, starting from AA001A.
Northern Cyprus Turkish car license plates from 2018 to 2025
The Northern Turkish Cyprus license plates from 2018 to 2025 used vehicle registration plates in standard European size or reduced square (Japanese-style) format, with black characters on a white background. On the left side, a blue band with the emblem was displayed. The format consisted of two letters followed by three sequential numbers. Historic vehicles use black-background plates with the same format as the current system, as the previous system had to be replaced on all vehicles before 2019. The last Northern Cyprus Turkish license plates issued in 2025 were released in June 2025, ending with ZY999. Motorcycles display two license plates, one at the front and one at the rear.
Special license plates currently in use
Several types of license plates are used in Northern Cyprus. They are mainly characterized by the use of different colors and/or by adding a letter before the first group of characters. Below are some of the most representative types.
Rental vehicles use red-background plates and add the letter Z in the first position. Government vehicles use plates starting with the letters RHA followed by four numbers. These may have a black background for police vehicles. Taxis add the letter T at the beginning. These vehicles are not allowed to cross into the Greek Cypriot zone while providing service. On rare occasions, owners cover the letter T on the license plate when crossing.
In addition to the types previously described, there are two types of temporary license plates for vehicles in Northern Cyprus. Short-term temporary license plates begin with the letters ZZ, while provisional plates awaiting permanent registration begin with ZT.
Diplomatic Corps license plates in Northern Cyprus
Only Turkey recognizes Northern Cyprus as an independent state, which is why there is only one embassy, that of this country. However, several international organizations and bodies use these license plates. They are characterized by a turquoise-green background. The plates begin with the letters CD (Diplomatic Corps) followed by the letters BE (or subsequent series).
Official vehicle license plates
Official vehicles in Northern Cyprus use their own license plates with red characters on a white background. The plates consist of three numbers starting from 001. Below is an example and the meaning of each number.
| Number | ||
|---|---|---|
| 001 - Speaker of the Assembly | 002 - Prime Minister | 003 - President of the Supreme Court |
| 004 - Minister of Finance | 005 - Minister of Foreign Affairs | 006 - Minister of the Interior |
| 008 - Minister of Education and National Culture | 012 - Minister of Health | 013 - Minister of Labour and Social Security |
| 014 - Deputy Speaker of the Assembly | 015 - Attorney General | 016 - President of the Court of Auditors |
| 017 - President of the Public Service Commission | 018 - Ombudsman |
United Nations license plates in the Buffer Zone
Cyprus is currently divided between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot zones. This separation has existed since 1974, when the United Nations arrived on the island to mediate between both sides. This division involves a physical buffer area where access is restricted. Official vehicles of United Nations personnel use license plates beginning with the letters UN (United Nations) or UNDP (United Nations Development Programme), with white characters on a blue background followed by a serial number.
Previous vehicle registration system
Until 2018, the vehicle registration system used in Northern Cyprus had remained largely unchanged since 1974 and was very similar to the one used before that date. However, within a few months, all vehicles were required to replace their plates in order to use the new system. From February 1, 2019, any vehicle still using plates from the previous system could be fined. The older plates featured black characters on a yellow background at the rear and on a white background at the front, with a wide variety of designs and typefaces, but always with a distinctive red border around the entire plate. The registration format was the same as that used from 1974 until today.
☛ Which code identifies cars from North Cyprus?
The code TRNC identifies North Cyprus. The license plates of North Cyprus may be used with the international registration code TRNC next to it on the back part of the car.
Example of a car with the international recognition code of North Cyprus
Below you can find a car with the oval code and international recognition of North Cyprus which is TRNC.
Questions and answers about car license plates in North Cyprus 🥇
Where is the code TRNC in a license plate from?
The international code TRNC identifies North Cyprus, in Europe.
Which country uses the code TRNC on its license plate?
The country that uses the code TRNC on its car license plate system is North Cyprus.. The letter or letters TRNC always identify North Cyprus. The international code TRNC must always be displayed on the rear of the vehicle inNorth CyprusSpain in an oval in black characters on a white background when travelling abroad, except in very rare cases.
When did North Cyprus have its first ordinary car license plate?
The date of the first car license plate registration officially issued in North Cyprus was in 1920.
Which side of the road do people drive on in North Cyprus?
In North Cyprus, you drive on the left side of the road.
On which continent is North Cyprus located?
North Cyprus is located in the continent . 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 North Cyprus called in other English-speaking couuntries?
In English, license plate of North Cyprus is commonly called a license plate of North Cyprus in the United States and Canada. In the UK and Australia, it’s often known as a number plate of North Cyprus. Another term, registration plate of North Cyprus, is understood globally and is slightly more formal. All these terms refer to the same vehicle identification plate of North Cyprus, with usage varying by country. Car plate of North Cyprus can be used in more technical situations.
Is it the same a license plate of North Cyprus and a registration plate of North Cyprus?
Yes, both license plate of North Cyprus and registration plate of North Cyprus can be used to refer the same vehicle registration unique number of North Cyprus.
Cite this section about the license plates of North Cyprus
Matriculasdelmundo. License plates of North Cyprus. 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 North Cyprus license plates
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Official Sources on License Plates of North Cyprus
All the information about the license plates of cars and motorcycles in North 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 North Cyprus has been collected since 2009, so we hope you find the information you're looking for about North Cyprus license plates.
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