Licence Plates of Qatar

When driving around Qatar, you may notice the different licence plate numbers on vehicles, whether private, public or corporate. Certain types of vehicles display a similar colour-text code on their number plate.

There are various criteria that regulate which vehicle bears which colour number plate, and you may have noticed in the first instance that some cars have white plates, some black, and others blue. As a matter of fact, the owner isn't allowed to choose the colour of the number plate. Under the Ministry of Transport and based on the European system of codification, Qatar's Traffic Department imposes the colour restrictions, symbols, and categories upon each vehicle via the different licence plates. In addition, the licence number and the type of licence plate number carried by a vehicle is determined and allocated by the Traffic Department.

White background with black text and Qatar flag is for private vehicles owned by residents of Qatar. Resembling Qatar's flag, it will have the plate number on the right and the maroon isosceles triangles on the left with the word Qatar written on it. A vehicle with this licence plate cannot be used for commercial purposes.

Public transportation buses will carry a similar licence plate that is maroon to the left and white with the plate number to the right but without the isosceles triangles.

Vehicles which were bought in 2022 bear plate numbers with the official logo of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM

By Ola Diab

Every year, the Ministry of Interior holds an auction for licence plates with special numbers that could sell for more than QAR1 mn (USD274,649).

White background with red text is for diplomatic or dignitary vehicles, which are issued to accredited diplomats only. 'CD' will be written on the plate along with 'diplomatic dignitary' in Arabic. These are special vehicle registration plates that usually have unique features to enable them to be distinguished from other vehicles, allowing them to have special facilities. Black background with white text is for commercial vehicles.

Blue background with white text are for the white and blue striped police vehicles. Yellow background with red text are for the red Lekhwiya security force's plate number.

Metallic grey background with black text is for public transport such as that of the Karwa taxis. In addition to the plate number on the right, 'Taxi' will be written in English and Arabic on the left of the plate. White and green background with black text is for trucks commonly used for the transportation of goods and materials within the country.

Orange background with black text is commonly for vehicles that transport for export.

As of 22 February 2023, all cars registered under limousine companies will need to get new licence plates at the time of vehicle permit renewal. The new vehicles belonging to limousine companies will be registered with a plate number with the word 'Limo' written on it.

For more information, visit moci.gov.qa or call the MoCI Call Centre 16001 m