Vehicle registration plates of British Columbia

Last updated

British Columbia
British Columbia 2017 Passenger License Plate CF346E.jpg
Current series
SloganBeautiful British Columbia
Size12 in × 6 in
30 cm × 15 cm
MaterialAluminum
Serial formatAB1 23C
Introduced1985 (1985)
Availability
Issued by Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
Manufactured byWaldale Manufacturing Limited, Amherst, Nova Scotia
History
First issuedJanuary 1913 (1913-01)
(pre-provincial plates from February 1904 to December 1912)

The Canadian province of British Columbia first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1904. Registrants provided their own licence plates for display until 1913, when the province began to issue plates. [1]

Contents

As of 2022, plates are issued by the provincial motor vehicle insurer, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.

Passenger baseplates

1913 to 1969

In 1956, Canada, the United States, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for licence plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes. [2] The 1954 (dated 1955) issue was the first British Columbia licence plate that complied with these standards.

ImageDates issuedDesignSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1913White serial on blue porcelain plate; vertical "B.C." and "1913" at left and right respectivelynone12341 to approximately 6900
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1914Black serial on white porcelain plate; "BC" monogram and "1914" at leftnone12341 to approximately 7900
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1915White serial on green flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms at left with "B.C. 1915" belownone12341 to approximately 7700
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1916Black serial on yellow flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms at left with "B.C. 1916" belownone12341 to approximately 9400
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1917Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms at left with "B.C. 1917" belownone123451 to approximately 13000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1918–19Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "BC" monogram and "1918" within box at leftnone123451 to approximately 22000First embossed plate. Revalidated for 1919 with green tabs.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1920–22As 1918–19 base, but without box and with "1920" below monogramnone123451 to approximately 39500Revalidated for 1921 with red tabs, and for 1922 with green tabs.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1923Embossed yellow serial on green plate with border line; "BC 1923" at leftnone123451 to approximately 38500
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1924Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and "24" at rightnone12-3451 to approximately 45-000First use of the full province name.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1925Embossed white serial on black plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and "25" at rightnone12-3451 to approximately 57-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1926Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and "26" at rightnone12-3451 to approximately 69-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1927Embossed black serial on orange plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and "27" at rightnone12-3451 to approximately 77-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1928Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and "28" at rightnone12-3451 to approximately 90-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1929Embossed black serial on tan plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and "29" at rightnone12-3451 to approximately 99-999
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1930Embossed yellow serial on red plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and "30" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 103-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1931Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and "31" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 108-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1932Embossed white serial on brown plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and "32" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 120-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1933Embossed brown serial on yellow plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and "33" at rightnone12-3451 to approximately 99-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1934Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and "34" at rightnone12-3451 to approximately 96-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1935Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and "35" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 102-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1936 graphic.png
1936Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "36" at rightnone12-3451 to approximately 89-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1937 graphic.png
1937Embossed black serial on cream plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "37" at rightnone12-3451 to approximately 91-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1938 graphic.png
1938Embossed cream serial on brown plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "38" at rightnone12-3451 to approximately 97-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1939 graphic.png
1939Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "39" at rightnone12-3451 to approximately 99-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1940 graphic.png
1940Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "40" at rightnone12-3451 to 99-999'A' prefix serials were issued from Vancouver Island, 'B' prefixes from Vancouver, and 'F' prefixes from New Westminster. This practice continued through 1947. [3]
A1-234Coded by branch office (see right)
Canada British Columbia license plate 1941 graphic.png
1941Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "41" at rightnone12-3451 to 99-999
A1-234Coded by branch office
Canada British Columbia license plate 1942 graphic.png
1942Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "42" at rightnone12-3451 to 99-999Produced in pairs but only single plates issued; the remaining plates were restamped and repainted for use in 1943, due to metal conservation for World War II. [4]
A1-234Coded by branch office
Canada British Columbia license plate 1943 graphic.png
1943Embossed black serial on cream plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "43" at rightnone12-3451 to 99-999Restamped and repainted 1942 plates.
A1-234Coded by branch office
Canada British Columbia license plate 1944 graphic.png
1944Embossed cream serial on black plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "44" at rightnone12-3451 to 99-999
A1-234Coded by branch office
Canada British Columbia license plate 1945 graphic.png
1945Embossed red serial on white plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "45" at rightnone12-3451 to 99-999
A1-234Coded by branch office
Canada British Columbia license plate 1946 graphic.png
1946Embossed white serial on red plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "46" at rightnone12-3451 to 99-999
A1-234Coded by branch office
Canada British Columbia license plate 1947 graphic.png
1947Embossed green serial on white plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "47" at rightnone12-3451 to 99-999
A1-234Coded by branch office
Canada British Columbia license plate 1948 graphic.png
1948Embossed white serial on green plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "48" at rightnone12-3451 to 99-999
A1-234Coded by branch office
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1949Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "49" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 168-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1950–51Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom and vertical "50" at rightnone123-4561 to approximately 237-000Revalidated for 1951 with white tabs.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1952–54Embossed black serial on unpainted aluminum plate with border line; embossed totem and maple leaf graphic at right; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" at bottom, offset to left; "52" above graphicnone12-345
A1-234
1A-234
1-234A
Revalidated for 1953 with blue tabs, and for 1954 with black tabs. Later plates manufactured without the graphic.
Canada British Columbia license plate 1955 graphic.png
1955Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA 55" at bottomnone123-4561 to approximately 310-000First 6" x 12" plate.
Canada British Columbia license plate 1956 graphic.png
1956Embossed golden yellow serial on black plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA 56" at bottomnone123-4561 to approximately 352-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1957 graphic.png
1957Embossed dark blue serial on white plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA 57" at bottomnone123-4561 to approximately 402-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1958 graphic.png
1958Embossed green serial on gold plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" centred at top"1858 CENTENARY 1958" at bottom123-4561 to approximately 421-000Commemorated the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Colony of British Columbia.
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1959Embossed turquoise serial on maroon plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA 59" at bottomnone123-4561 to approximately 432-000
Blank License Plate Shape.svg
1960Embossed maroon serial on turquoise plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA 60" at bottomnone123-4561 to approximately 453-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1961 graphic.png
1961Embossed maroon serial on pink plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA 61" at bottomnone123-4561 to approximately 471-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1962 graphic.png
1962Embossed pink serial on maroon plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA 62" at bottomnone123-4561 to approximately 509-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1963 graphic.png
1963Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA 63" at bottomnone123-4561 to approximately 534-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1964 graphic.png
1964Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" centred at bottom; "64" at bottom right"BEAUTIFUL" centred at top123-4561 to approximately 573-000First use of the "Beautiful British Columbia" slogan.
Canada British Columbia license plate 1965 graphic.png
1965Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" centred at bottom; "65" at top right"BEAUTIFUL" centred at top123-4561 to approximately 630-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1966 graphic.png
1966Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" centred at bottom; "66" at top right"BEAUTIFUL" centred at top123-4561 to approximately 674-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1967 graphic.png
1967Embossed red serial on white plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" centred at bottom; "67" at top right"BEAUTIFUL" centred at top123-4561 to approximately 720-000Colours chosen to commemorate the centennial of Canadian Confederation. [5]
Canada British Columbia license plate 1968 graphic.png
1968Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" centred at bottom; "19" at top left and "68" at top right"BEAUTIFUL" centred at top123-4561 to approximately 762-000
Canada British Columbia license plate 1969 graphic.png
1969Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "BRITISH COLUMBIA" centred at bottom; "19" at top left and "69" at top right"BEAUTIFUL" centred at top123-4561 to approximately 805-000

1970 to present

British Columbia introduced an ABC-123 serial format on its passenger plates in 1970. A split-alphabet system was used, with each letter advancing from A through K, or from L through X (the letters I, O, Q, U, Y and Z were omitted). Serials were thus issued in the following eight series: AAA–KKJ, AAL–KKX, ALA–KXK, ALL–KXX, LAA–XKK, LAL–XKX, LLA–XXK and LLL–XXX. [3] When the ABC-123 format was exhausted in 2001, a reversed format, 123-ABC, was introduced, with the same split-alphabet system and thus the same eight series. Upon the exhaustion of this format in 2014, an AB1-23C format was introduced, with the split-alphabet system discontinued and each letter thus advancing from A through X.

ImageDates issuedDesignSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
British Columbia License Plate 1970.jpg 1970–72Blue on whiteBeautiful British ColumbiaABC-123AAA-000 to KKJ-999;
KLL-000 to KXX-999
Validated each year with stickers.
British Columbia License Plate 1973.jpg 1973–78Blue on whiteBeautiful British ColumbiaABC 123LAA 000 to XKK 999; LLA 000 to XXK 999; LLL 000 to PXX 999Later plates manufactured in Quebec using that province's serial dies.
British Columbia License Plate 1979.jpg 1979–85White on blueBeautiful British ColumbiaABC-123AAA-000 to KKJ-999;
AAL-000 to KKX-999;
ALL-000 to KXX-999;
ALA-000 to BRB-999
Early plates manufactured in Quebec.
1985 British Columbia license plate MBG 091.jpg 1985–2001Blue on reflective white with screened stylized provincial flag in centreBeautiful British ColumbiaABC 123LAA 000 to XXX 999
British Columbia License Plate 143 GKN.jpg 2001– August 2014123 ABC000 AAA to 999 XXX; 000 MJG to 999 MXX'M' series of serials initially reserved for 2010 Winter Olympics plates; unused serials were issued on the standard base in mid-2014 following 999 XXX. 'V' series reserved for Veteran plates. Numbers 400 through 499 omitted from serials starting in 2008, due to problems surrounding the number 4 among the province's Chinese population. [6]
British Columbia 2017 Passenger License Plate CF346E.jpg August 2014 –presentAB1 23CAA0 00A to NX9 99X; SA0 00A to WV9 99X (as of November 16, 2024)Serials PA0 00A through RX9 99X reserved for BC Parks plates.

Truck plates 1973 to present

The current standard truck plate is issued to both commercial and private trucks, and also to buses and taxis. [7]

ImageFirst issuedDesignSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
British Columbia Truck License Plate 1973.jpg 1973Black on whiteBeautiful British Columbia123-456500-001 to 999-999
British Columbia Truck License Plate 1976.jpg 1976Orange on whiteBeautiful British Columbia12-34-AB00-00-AA to approximately 25-00-DSLetters I, O, Q, U and Z not used in serials; this practice continues today. [8]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1979Green on whiteBeautiful British Columbia12-34-AB00-00-FA to approximately 10-00-LY
British Columbia Truck License Plate 4826HP.jpg 1985Blue on reflective white with screened stylized provincial flag used as separatorBeautiful British Columbia1234 AB0000 MB to 9999 YY; 0000 AA to approximately 9999 LR
1985 British Columbia license plate CD 7172.jpg 2008AB 1234AL 0000 to WN 9999 (as of November 17, 2024)

Non-passenger plates

Motorcycle plates

ImageFirst issuedDesignSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
British Columbia Motorcycle License Plate 1974.jpg 1974-78Orange on white plate, "B.C." in top left corner; "MOTORCYCLE" screened at bottom centre.none123456
British Columbia 1979 MOTORCYCLE Baseplate.jpg 1979-85White on blue, "B.C." in top left corner; "MOTORCYCLE" screened at bottom centre.noneA12-345
British Columbia Motorcycle License Plate 1994.jpg 1985Blue on reflective white with screened stylized provincial flag in centreBeautiful British ColumbiaN1-2345J6-7000 to E9-9999K4-2000 to S3-9999
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2021Blue on reflective white with "M.C." in bottom left corner; BC sun logo in bottom right corner.Beautiful British ColumbiaN12345 1234A5S59000 to J69999; 0000A0 to 9999A9
(As of November 10, 2024)

Antique plates

ImageDates issuedDesignSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1966-72Black serial on white plate; "VINTAGE" screened at topBRITISH COLUMBIA123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1972-74Black serial on white plate; "VINTAGE" screened at topBRITISH COLUMBIA1
12
British Columbia Antique Vehicle License plate 1294.jpg 1974-presentBlack serial on white plate; "VINTAGE" screened at topBRITISH COLUMBIA12341001 to presentIssued to vehicles 25 years old or older, or 15 years old or older and of a limited production run.

Other non-passenger

ImageTypeFirst issuedDesignSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
British Columbia Amateur Radio licence plate.png Amateur radio White background with blue text (identical to standard passenger plates)Beautiful British ColumbiaVE7ABC
VA7ABC
VE7ABC to VE7XXX VA7ABC to VA7XXXAvailable to holders of a valid amateur radio licence. [9]
British Columbia Collector License Plate B45-249.jpg Collector1990White background with black textnoneB12 345
1M2-345
B00-001 to B39-999; 0M0-000 to 2M9-999New serial format introduced in 2020.
British Columbia Dealer License Plate 1986.jpg Dealer1985Blue on reflective white with screened stylized provincial flag used as separator; DEMONSTRATION screened in blue at top.noneD1 2345D0-0000 to D9-9999

Consular plates 1967 to present

ImageFirst issuedDesignSloganNotesSerial formatSerials issued
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1967The first year diplomat plates are issued with date stamped plates changing yearly from red-on-white, blue-on-white, and white-on-blue.Beautiful British ColumbiaDate stamped from 1967 to 1972CONSUL 123
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1973The first year for decals, small decals, in the blue-on-white colour scheme.Beautiful British ColumbiaSmall decal from 1973 to 1978CONSUL 123101-500

501-600

Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1979The first year for large decals, in the white-on-blue colour scheme.Beautiful British ColumbiaLarge decal from 1979 to 1985CONSUL 123002-100

601-999

Blank License Plate Shape.svg 1986The first year of the "flag graphic" plates with the blue-on-white colour scheme.Beautiful British ColumbiaFlag graphicCONSUL 123101-500

501-999

Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2001Continuation of the flag graphic with a change of serial formatBeautiful British ColumbiaFlag graphicCONSUL A12A01-D99*

*Unconfirmed

Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2007Red background with white writing and rising sun logo; created by ICBC and the Department of Foreign Affairs in OttawanoneDiplomat-level Representative - Includes dependents or International OrganizationsDL 123A
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2007Red background with white writing and rising sun logo; created by ICBC and the Department of Foreign Affairs in OttawanoneCareer Consular Officers - Includes level foreign representatives and their dependents or Consular Post where headed by a Career OfficerCC 123A
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2007Red background with white writing and rising sun logo; created by ICBC and the Department of Foreign Affairs in OttawanoneHonorary Consular Officers - Includes Canadian citizens, level foreign representatives or a Consular Post where headed by Honorary ConsularHC 123A
1985 British Columbia license plate CS 015A diplomatic.jpg 2007Red background with white writing and rising sun logo; created by ICBC and the Department of Foreign Affairs in OttawanoneConsular Staff - Includes administrative, technical and service level foreign representatives and their dependentsCS 123A
Blank License Plate Shape.svg 2007Red background with white writing and rising sun logo; created by ICBC and the Department of Foreign Affairs in OttawanoneSpecial Representative - Includes foreign officials and their dependents from Offices of Political Subdivisions of Foreign State and from other Office and for their Offices [10] SR 123A

Specialty plates

2010 Olympics

ImageTypeFirst issuedDesignSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
2007 British Columbia license plate 011 MJB Olympic.jpg Passenger2007Screened mountain design background with black lettering and the 2010 Winter Olympics logo in the centreThe Best Place On Earth123 MBC000 MAA to 999 MJFIssued from April 16, 2007 to December 31, 2010. Surcharge supported Canada's Winter Olympic team. [11]
British Columbia 2010 Olympics Truck Plate.jpg Truck2007Screened mountain design background with black lettering and the 2010 Winter Olympics logo in the centreThe Best Place On EarthAB 1234AA 0000 to approximately AF 2500Issued from April 16, 2007 to December 31, 2010. Surcharge supported Canada's Winter Olympic team. [11]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Farm Truck2007Screened mountain design background with black lettering and the 2010 Winter Olympics logo in the centreThe Best Place On EarthG1 2345G9 0000 to G9 9999Issued from April 16, 2007 to December 31, 2010. Surcharge supported Canada's Winter Olympic team. [11]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Commercial Trailer2007Screened mountain design background with black lettering and the 2010 Winter Olympics logo in the centreThe Best Place On Earth1234 5U0000 0U to 9999 9UIssued from April 16, 2007 to December 31, 2010. Surcharge supported Canada's Winter Olympic team. [11]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Trailer2007Screened mountain design background with black lettering and the 2010 Winter Olympics logo in the centreThe Best Place On EarthUYM 12AUYM 00G to UYM 99G UYM 00C to UYM 99CIssued from April 16, 2007 to December 31, 2010. Surcharge supported Canada's Winter Olympic team. [11]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Motorcycle2007Screened mountain design background with black lettering and the 2010 Winter Olympics logo in the centreThe Best Place On EarthV1 2345V2 0000 to V2 9999Issued from April 16, 2007 to December 31, 2010. Surcharge supported Canada's Winter Olympic team. [11]

BC Parks plates

On November 28, 2016, British Columbia announced its new BC Parks Future Strategy. This included the issuance by the ICBC of special licence plates, with the proceeds going towards preserving BC Parks. [12] The three new plates were unveiled by the ICBC on January 18, 2017, and went on sale January 29, 2017, through the Autoplan broker network. Each plate costs $50 for the initial purchase, of which $33 goes towards funding BC Parks; thereafter, there is an annual renewal fee of $40, all of which goes towards funding the parks system. [11] In less than eight weeks since going on sale, it was reported that 10,000 BC Parks plates had been sold; this included all three designs. [13]

ImageFirst issuedDesignSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
2017 British Columbia "Discover BC Parks".jpg 2017An image of a Kermode Bear as the background with black lettering. The Kermode Bear is also a provincial symbol. It is a white black bear subspecies; it is not albino. [14] Beautiful British ColumbiaPB123C
RL123C
PA000A to PJ999X, RK000A to RN999XSecondary slogan of "Discover BC Parks"
2016 British Columbia license plate PK595K Purcell Mountains Parks.jpg 2017An image of the Purcell Mountains with the snow-capped peaks as the background with black lettering.Beautiful British ColumbiaPL123C
RR123C
PK000A to PV999X, RP000A to RX999XSecondary slogan of "Discover BC Parks"
British Columbia BC Parks licence plate - Porteau Cove.jpg 2017An image of Porteau Cove overlooking Howe Sound as a background with black lettering.Beautiful British ColumbiaPX123C
RB123C
PW000A to PX999X; RA000A to RJ999XSecondary slogan of "Discover BC Parks"

Military plates

ImageTypeFirst issuedDesignSloganSerial formatSerials issuedNotes
British Columbia Veteran passenger licence plate.jpg Veteran passengerJune 6, 2004Powder blue background with black lettering, the national flag at the upper right, and a partial image of the national war memorial in Ottawa on the left side with a red poppy overlaidVETERAN123VBC000VAA to 299VCK (as of June 30, 2022)Issued to veterans who must be confirmed by one of the Veterans associations recognized by the provincial government. [15]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Veteran truckJune 6, 2004Powder blue background with black lettering, the national flag at the upper right, and a partial image of the national war memorial in Ottawa on the left side with a red poppy overlaidVETERAN1234LV0000LV to 9999LTIssued to veterans who must be confirmed by one of the Veterans associations recognized by the provincial government. [15]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Veteran motorcyclePowder blue background with black lettering, the national flag at the upper right, and a partial image of the national war memorial in Ottawa on the left side with a red poppy overlaidVETERANV12345V00001 to V03832 (as of August 30, 2022)Issued to veterans who must be confirmed by one of the Veterans associations recognized by the provincial government. [15]
Blank License Plate Shape.svg Memorial Cross recipient2016White background with purple writing, the national flag at the upper right, and an image of the memorial cross on the left sideMemorial Cross RecipientMC123RMC1234MC000R to MC999R MC0000 to MC9999As of November 10, 2016, this plate is issued to recipients of the Memorial Cross. [16] They can only be obtained by contacting the Manager of Provincial Vehicle Registration & Licensing at ICBC headquarters. [17]

Decals

From 1970 until May 1, 2022, British Columbia required motorists to place a decal on the rear licence plate as proof of registration.

Initially, all decals expired on February 28 of the following year. When monthly staggered registration commenced in 1979, longer decals were introduced displaying the month of expiration; all such decals initially expired at the end of the month displayed. Daily registration commenced in 1993, with an additional decal introduced displaying the number of the day on which the month decal expired.

The decals were issued by the ICBC until the requirement was removed on May 1, 2022. [18] Some decals may have been unofficially handed out by autoplan agents after May 2022. The following are the colour patterns used in the years from 1980 to 2022:

ImageYearColour
1980 British Columbia licence plate decal.png 1980Black and white
British Columbia Sticker Decal October 1981.jpg 1981Red and black
British Columbia Sticker Decal July 1982.jpg 1982Green and white
British Columbia Sticker Decal July 1983.jpg 1983Black and white
British Columbia Sticker Decal April 1984.jpg 1984Orange and white
British Columbia Sticker Decal February 1985.jpg 1985Blue and white
1986 British Columbia license plate registration decal July expiry.png 1986Red and blue on white (Expo 86 Logo)
British Columbia Sticker Decal February 1987.jpg 1987Red and white
British Columbia Sticker Decal February 1988.jpg 1988Dark blue and white
British Columbia Sticker Decal July 1989.jpg 1989Green on white (thick border)
British Columbia Sticker Decal January 1990.jpg 1990Pink on white
British Columbia Sticker Decal January 1991.jpg 1991Blue on white
British Columbia Sticker Decal December 1992.jpg 1992Black on white
British Columbia Sticker Decal January 1993.jpg 1993Green on white
British Columbia Sticker Decal March 1994.jpg 1994Red on white
1995 British Columbia licence plate decal.png 1995Blue on white
British Columbia Sticker Decal July 1996.jpg 1996Black on white (Jan-Sep)
British Columbia Sticker Decal November 1996.jpg Pink on white (Oct-Dec)
British Columbia Sticker Decal July 1997.jpg 1997Green on white
1998 British Columbia licence plate decal.png 1998Red on white
British Columbia Sticker Decal January 1999.jpg 1999Blue on white (thick or thin border)
2000Black on yellow
British Columbia Sticker Decal September 2001.jpg 2001Black on orange
British Columbia Sticker Decal April 2002.jpg 2002Black on dark green
British Columbia Sticker Decal July 2003.jpg 2003Black on pink
2004 British Columbia licence plate decal.png 2004Black on yellow (no border, long decal)
British Columbia Sticker Decal July 2005.jpg 2005Black on sky blue (no border, short decal)
ICBC Apr 2006 Registration Decal.png 2006Black on red
British Columbia Sticker Decal January 2007.jpg 2007Black on light green
British Columbia Sticker Decal November 2008.jpg 2008White on baby blue
British Columbia Sticker Decal May 2009.jpg 2009Black on dark orange
2010 British Columbia license plate registration decal December expiry.png 2010Black on green
11plateBC.png 2011Black on yellow
ICBC Aug 2012 Registration Decal.png 2012Black on pink
ICBC Feb 2013 Registration Decal.jpg 2013Black on orange
2014 British Columbia licence plate decal.png 2014Black on baby blue (full year shown)
2015 British Columbia licence plate decal.png 2015Black on mustard yellow
2016 British Columbia licence plate decal.png 2016Black on pink
ICBC Feb 2017 Registration Decal.png 2017Black on green
ICBC Feb 2018 Registration Decal.jpg 2018Black on orange
2019 British Columbia licence plate decal.jpg 2019Black on yellow
2020 British Columbia licence plate decal.jpg 2020Black on yellow
2021 British Columbia licence plate decal.jpg 2021Black on pink
2022 British Columbia licence plate decal.jpg 2022Black on green
2023Black on Orange

Somewhat rare but issued until Apr 30 2022 for renewals expiring in 2023

See also

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Indiana</span> Adding vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Indiana first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until July 1, 1913, when the state began to issue plates.

Vehicle registration plates of Canada, also known as licence plates, are issued by provincial or territorial government agencies. Registration plates in Canada are typically attached to motor vehicles or trailers for official identification purposes. Some Canadian registration plates have unique designs, shapes, and slogans related to the issuing jurisdiction. For example, registration plates issued in the Northwest Territories are shaped like a polar bear. In Alberta, registration plates typically display the words "Wild Rose Country."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Nebraska</span> Nebraska vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Nebraska first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1915, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of New Jersey</span> New Jersey vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of New Jersey first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1908, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Maryland</span> Maryland vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Maryland first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1904. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1910, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Missouri</span> Missouri vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Missouri first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1907. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1911, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Colorado</span> Colorado vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Colorado first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1913. As of 2024, plates are issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue through its Division of Motor Vehicles. Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Arizona</span> Arizona vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Arizona first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1912. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1914, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Alaska</span> Alaska vehicle license plates

Alaska first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1921, while still an organized incorporated territory of the United States. It was admitted to the Union as the 49th state in January 1959.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of New Hampshire</span> New Hampshire vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of New Hampshire first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1905. As of 2022, plates are issued by the New Hampshire Department of Safety through its Division of Motor Vehicles. Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.

The U.S. state of Tennessee first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1905. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1915, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Utah</span> Utah vehicle license plates

The U.S. state of Utah first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1909. Registrants provided their own license plates for display until 1915, when the state began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Saskatchewan</span>

The Canadian province of Saskatchewan first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1906. Registrants provided their own licence plates for display until 1912, when the province began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Manitoba</span>

The Canadian province of Manitoba first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display licence plates in 1911. As of 2022, plates are issued by the Manitoba Public Insurance. Front and rear plates are required for most classes of vehicles, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles and trailers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Newfoundland and Labrador</span>

Newfoundland and Labrador first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display licence plates in 1920, while still a British dominion. It became a province of Canada in 1949.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Nova Scotia</span>

The Canadian province of Nova Scotia first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1907. Registrants provided their own licence plates for display until 1918, when the province began to issue plates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vehicle registration plates of Prince Edward Island</span>

The Canadian province of Prince Edward Island first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display licence plates in 1913; only rear licence plates have been required since 1976.

References

  1. "Our History: Licence plates mirror B.C.'s past". Times Colonist . Victoria, BC. April 20, 2014. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
  2. Garrish, Christopher (October 2016). "Reconsidering the Standard Plate Size". Plates. Vol. 62, no. 5. Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
  3. 1 2 Tanner, Eric N. "British Columbia Passenger License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  4. Garrish, Christopher (2013). Tales from the Back Bumper: A Century of BC Licence Plates. Victoria, BC: Heritage House. p. 60. ISBN   978-1-927527-03-0.
  5. Garrish, Christopher. "British Columbia Passenger License Plates 1964-1969". www.bcpl8s.ca. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  6. Garrish, Christopher. "British Columbia Passenger License Plates 2001-2014". www.bcpl8s.ca. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  7. Garrish, Christopher. "British Columbia Commercial Truck License Plates". www.bcpl8s.ca. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  8. Tanner, Eric N. "British Columbia Truck-Commercial License Plates". allaboutlicenseplates.com. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
  9. "ICBC - Ham radio plates". www.icbc.com. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
  10. Garrish, Christopher. "British Columbia Consular License Plates". www.bcpl8s.ca. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Baluja, Tamara (January 18, 2017). "ICBC unveils new B.C. Parks licence plates". CBC News . Retrieved January 24, 2017.
  12. "B.C. government creating more than 1,900 new campsites". CBC News. November 28, 2016. Retrieved January 24, 2017.
  13. "10,000 BC Parks specialty licence plates sold". BC Gov News. Government of British Columbia. March 19, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  14. "BC Parks licence plates". www.icbc.com. Retrieved January 24, 2017.
  15. 1 2 3 Garrish, Christopher. "British Columbia Veteran License Plates". www.bcpl8s.ca. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved March 22, 2017.
  16. Infrastructure, Transportation and. "B.C. launches Memorial Cross licence plates | BC Gov News". news.gov.bc.ca. Retrieved 2017-01-25.
  17. Garrish, Christopher. "British Columbia Memorial Cross Recipient License Plates". www.bcpl8s.ca. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  18. "Insurance decals no longer needed after May 1 as ICBC renewal moves online | Globalnews.ca".