Number plates
Number plate basics
All vehicles registered in NSW must have official number plates mounted and clearly displayed at the front and rear. Motorcycles and trailers only need to have number plates on the rear.
The plates must match the details on the vehicle's Certificate of Registration.
Custom number plates
Standard NSW number plates have black characters on a yellow background. However, you can have different colours and number/letter combinations on custom number plates.
If you'd like to know more about the costs, choices and possibilities of custom number plates, visit myPlates.
Bike rack plates
If the rear number plate of your vehicle is obscured by a bike or bike rack, you must either:
- mount the number plate elsewhere, or
- purchase a special bike rack plate.
Bike rack plates have the same number/letter combination as your vehicle's registration, but they are only available as black characters on a white background. You can order bike rack plates from a motor registry, by calling 13 22 13 or online at myPlates.
Storing number plates
If you want to cancel your registration (for example because you'll be overseas) but want to keep the same number plates, they must be stored at a motor registry. You'll need to take your plates to a motor registry with your Certificate of Registration and proof of identity.
There is an annual storage fee, plus any annual fees that may be payable.
Number plate prices
Number plate prices vary with the extent of customisation, beginning with a set of standard black-on-yellow plates. The Number Plate Price List details many more options and prices for you, or visit myPlates.
Labels
Registration labels
You will be provided with a new registration label each time you establish or renew your vehicle registration.
The label should be stuck on the inside of the lower-left portion of the front windscreen or on a fixed glass panel on the left-hand side of your vehicle.
For caravans and other trailers with a rear facing window, the label may be stuck on the inside of that window in a position as close as possible to the number plate. Hinged windows displaying a rego label must be closed while the vehicle is being towed.
For all other vehicles, the label should be affixed on or adjacent to the vehicle's rear number plate without obscuring the vehicle's number plate characters.
Suitable label holders may be purchased from most automotive retail suppliers. Please note that the holder should not obscure the label in any way.
LPG and CNG fuelled vehicles
If you have a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuelled vehicle, you are legally required to have an approved reflective label displayed on your vehicle's front and rear number plates to provide a visual warning of the potential risk to emergency services workers of the potential risk of explosion.
Labels are affixed to number plates by authorised Autogas installers or if your number plates are replaced you must ensure that the new number plates display the approved LPG or CNG label. Label kits are available from authorised Autogas installers.
The Australian Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association website provides a tool for searching for Autogas installers.