Nuevas matrículas

The DGT has recently announced a major change to the vehicle registration system. This innovation, the fourth in 120 years, could arrive as early as 2024 and would represent a major development, paving the way for new number plates.

Old number plates

Vehicle registration was introduced in Spain in 1900. The first system, organised by province, consisted of between one and three letters followed by six numbers. This system, like those that followed, had an implicit expiry date (the last vehicle in Madrid to be registered under this system was, in fact, M-999999).

From 1971 onwards, the XX-0000-X format was introduced. The main changes were the reduction from six to four numerical digits and the addition of a final letter. It came to an end in 2000 after three decades in use. The last vehicle registered under this system was M-6814-ZX, once again issued in Madrid.

Current number plates

The current system, common across the European Union, has more than 92 million variations and features the letter E for Spain, followed by four numbers and three letters.

New number plates

As for the new number plates, which, as mentioned above, could be introduced this year, there are several theories about what changes they might bring. Adding a number, a letter, both... There are even rumours suggesting that the DGT could allow personalised number plates, although this is an unfounded rumour that appears unlikely to go very far.

Whatever happens, what is clear is that changes are coming. New developments regarding number plates are on the way. Their correct use and placement have always been an essential requirement for driving and an important element of the technical inspection.

Book your ITV appointment at any of our Applus+ stations and have your number plate and everything else checked.