About

Custom Plates. Show the Real You.

Your car is one of the biggest investments you'll make during your life so it's understandable that you'd like it to make it unique. 

You might get a custom plate to be different or to give your car a finishing touch. Whatever the reason, we're here to help you create a plate you’ll love. Plus, you get the added bonus of knowing your purchase supports the development of Victorian road projects and safety initiatives.

If you’d like to know more about combinations and availability or purchase and transfers, see our FAQ’s

The history of number plates in Victoria

In 1909 the Motor Car Act put into writing that, "Every motor car shall be registered by the Chief Commissioner who shall keep a register and shall assign a separate identifying number to every car so registered and shall enter in the register every such number..."
Initially, the responsibility was on vehicle owners to display their registration number. Some owners painted their registration number directly onto their car, whilst others designed displays made from different materials. 

Recognising that a common approach was required, official number plates were designed and enforced under legislation in 1932.

"No person shall drive any motor car... unless the identifying number of each or all is clearly shown on the number plates firmly affixed in front and rear thereof in an upright position so that every letter and figure on the plate is upright and easily distinguishable."

Handmade from heavy gauge metal, with embossed or raised numbers, and coated with black and white vitreous enamel, these original number plates acted as a practical and functional tool. Drivers at the time would not have imagined the future desirability of these original plates.

From 1932, until their discontinuation in 1939, VicRoads (then the Motor Registration Branch), issued vitreous enamel plates-sequentially from plate number "2" up to number "285,000".

Advancements in technology resulted in the introduction of machine-stamped plates to Victoria. Not only did this new procedure increase total plate output and satisfy the growing demands of motor vehicle popularity, it also opened up many new opportunities for customisation and design.

Since 1939, standard Victorian state plates have been black and white (1939-1977), green and white (1977-1994), and they are currently, blue and white (1994-present). 

As for Custom Plates…

Those with a taste for something a little different have jumped at the opportunity to splash a bit of colour on their car. Sporting buffs have able to barrack from their bumper sine 1993 with our footy plates and European car owners have been able to complete their look since 2005 with the Euro plate range.  

2007 saw the introduction of Signature plates, which gave Victorians the opportunity to display just two initials, or their initials combined with one or two numbers. These plates evolved into the prestige plates range, which offered combinations in silver and gold.

Custom Plates and Road Safety

Although we love to have a good time, we're serious about your safety on the road. Victoria's road users are among the safest in the world. This is no accident!

Visit roadsafety.vic.gov.au to find out more.