Rabat – Morocco is moving toward a single format for vehicle license plates used both inside the country and abroad, following a decision by the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.
The National Road Safety Agency (NARSA) said the measure is aimed at ending practical problems caused by the difference between the plates used for domestic traffic and those required for international travel.
The decision, numbered 640.26, amends and supplements decision 2711.10 of September 29, 2010, concerning the registration of motor vehicles and trailers, which was published in the Official Gazette No. 7531 on August 3, 2026, according to NARSA.
The change follows difficulties faced by Moroccan motorists traveling abroad. In June 2025, NARSA said it had received complaints from drivers who were fined in European countries because their Moroccan plates did not meet international requirements. The agency said some fines exceeded €140 (MAD 1,504.05) and were linked in particular to the size and readability of the plates.
Under the new system, a unified plate model and dimensions will be used for vehicles whether they are driven in Morocco or internationally. The international format includes Latin characters corresponding to the Arabic characters on the registration number, as well as the distinctive “MA” sign identifying Morocco.
Existing plates will not have to be replaced immediately in all cases. Vehicles in the normal registration series carrying plates without Latin characters may continue using them until the first transfer of ownership.
For vehicles in the normal series that are used for international travel and currently carry Latin characters along with a separate “MA” sign, the old plates will remain valid until December 31, 2026.
The new unified model, however, applies immediately to any registration operation involving a vehicle bought in Morocco or imported from abroad, whether the vehicle is new or used.
NARSA has also called on all license plate manufacturers to comply with Decision 640.26 and strictly follow the required design, dimensions and specifications of the different components.
