Vehicle number plates in India are more than just a random collection of letters and numbers; they are a systematic code that provides key information about a vehicle. From the state where it is registered to its intended use, the colour and format of the number plate tell a specific story. With the introduction of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), the system has become even more standardized. This 2026 guide will help you decode the colours, codes, and formats of vehicle number plates across India.
Quick Answer
In India, standard private vehicles use a white number plate with black lettering. Commercial vehicles like taxis use a yellow plate with black lettering. Electric vehicles have a green plate. The first two letters on the plate (e.g., MH for Maharashtra, DL for Delhi) indicate the state of registration, followed by the RTO code and a unique vehicle number.
Decoding the Format of a Number Plate
A typical Indian number plate follows a format like **XX 01 YY 1234**, where each part has a specific meaning:
- XX (First Two Letters): This is the state code, indicating the state or union territory where the vehicle is registered. For example, ‘DL’ stands for Delhi, ‘KA’ for Karnataka, and ‘WB’ for West Bengal. You can find more information about these states in our guide to States of India, Their Capitals, and Languages.
- 01 (Next Two Numbers): This is the district code or the Regional Transport Office (RTO) code where the vehicle was registered. Each district within a state has a unique two-digit code.
- YY (Next One or Two Letters): This is a series code, which helps in categorizing the vehicle type or simply provides more unique combinations once the numbers run out.
- 1234 (Last Four Numbers): This is the unique registration number for the vehicle, ranging from 0001 to 9999.
High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP)
As of 2026, it is mandatory for all vehicles in India to have a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP). These plates are made of aluminium and have several security features to prevent tampering and counterfeiting:
- Hot-stamped Chromium-based Chakra Hologram: To prevent counterfeiting.
- Laser-etched Permanent Identification Number: A unique 10-digit number etched on the plate.
- ‘IND’ Inscription: The letters ‘IND’ are inscribed in blue.
- Snap-Lock System: These plates are affixed with non-reusable snap locks, which break if someone tries to remove them.
The Meaning of Different Number Plate Colours
The colour combination of the number plate (background colour and text colour) indicates the category of the vehicle. This is the most visible way to identify a vehicle’s purpose.
White Plate with Black Text
- Meaning: This is the most common type of number plate. It is used for private and non-commercial vehicles. These cars or bikes cannot be used for any commercial purpose, such as for hire or transporting goods.
Yellow Plate with Black Text
- Meaning: This combination is for commercial vehicles. This includes taxis, auto-rickshaws, buses, and trucks that are used to transport passengers or goods for a fee. Drivers of these vehicles are required to have a commercial driving permit.
Green Plate with White/Yellow Text
- Meaning: Green plates are exclusively for Electric Vehicles (EVs). This helps in easy identification of zero-emission vehicles.
- Green Plate with White Text: For private electric vehicles.
- Green Plate with Yellow Text: For commercial electric vehicles (like electric taxis or buses).
Black Plate with Yellow Text
- Meaning: This type is for commercial vehicles available for self-drive rentals. These cars can be rented by individuals without the need for a commercial driving permit. They are popular with services like Zoomcar or Revv.
Blue Plate with White Text
- Meaning: A blue number plate is reserved for vehicles belonging to foreign diplomatic missions. This includes embassies or consulates. The numbers on the plate represent the country code of the specific mission.
Red Plate with White Text
- Meaning: This is a temporary registration plate issued by a vehicle dealer. It is valid for a limited period (usually one month) until the permanent registration number is assigned by the RTO. It is illegal to drive a vehicle with a temporary plate after its validity expires.
Number Plate with an Upward-Pointing Arrow (Military Vehicles)
- Meaning: Vehicles belonging to the Indian Armed Forces have a unique registration system. Their plates start with an upward-pointing arrow, known as a Broad Arrow. The first or third character after the arrow indicates the year of procurement. These vehicles are registered with the Ministry of Defence in New Delhi.
Red Plate with the Emblem of India
- Meaning: Vehicles carrying the President of India or the Governors of states use a red plate with the gold-embossed Emblem of India instead of a registration number.
The Bharat (BH) Series Number Plates
Introduced in 2021, the BH series is a new registration mark for non-transport vehicles. It is designed to facilitate the seamless transfer of vehicles across states. This is especially beneficial for central government employees, defence personnel, and employees of private companies with offices in four or more states.
- Format: The format is **YY BH #### XX**.
- YY: Year of first registration.
- BH: Code for Bharat series.
- ####: Random four-digit number.
- XX: Two alphabets.
- Advantage: A vehicle with a BH series plate does not require re-registration when the owner moves from one state to another, which was a cumbersome process with regular state-registered plates.
Understanding these codes and colours can make you a more informed road user and help you appreciate the organized system behind vehicle registration in India. It’s a system designed to manage millions of vehicles across the vast and diverse landscape of the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the first two letters on a number plate mean?
The first two letters (e.g., DL, MH, KA) represent the state or union territory where the vehicle is registered. For instance, ‘DL’ is for Delhi, ‘MH’ is for Maharashtra, and ‘KA’ is for Karnataka. This is the primary identifier of the vehicle’s origin state.
What is the difference between a white and a yellow number plate?
A white number plate with black letters is for private vehicles used for personal, non-commercial purposes. A yellow number plate with black letters is for commercial vehicles, such as taxis, buses, or trucks, which are used to transport people or goods for money.
Why do electric vehicles have a green number plate?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are given a green number plate to make them easily identifiable as zero-emission vehicles. This helps in implementing policies related to EVs, such as preferential treatment in parking, free entry into certain zones, or toll concessions.
What is a BH series number plate?
The BH (Bharat) series is a special registration mark for private vehicles that eliminates the need for re-registration when a vehicle owner relocates to a new state. It is available to government and certain private sector employees who have transferable jobs.
What does a black number plate with yellow letters signify?
This type of number plate is for commercial vehicles that are available for rent on a self-drive basis. A person hiring such a car does not need a special commercial driving license to operate it. It is commonly seen on rental cars from companies like Zoomcar.