Vehicle registration format in India
Indian vehicle registration numbers follow a recognizable pattern. Understanding each segment separately makes state pages and code lookups much easier to use.
5 min read · 1 February 2026
Format type
4-part
State prefixes
36
Special series
BH, WH, CG
Year introduced
1989
Plate format
Format: XX · · 00 · · AA · · 00 · 00
Standard Format Breakdown
Special Series Variations
Union Territory Codes
The basic structure
A standard registration number contains four parts: state prefix, local office code, series letters, and final number block. Example: MH 01 AA 1234.
The state prefix tells you the family. The office code tells you where within that family. The letters and final number distinguish the individual registration.
Why exceptions matter
The basic format is consistent across India, but the underlying office structure varies. Some states have legacy marks, alternate codes, or special categories like BH.
Telangana uses both TS (current) and TG (legacy). Odisha uses OR and OD interchangeably.
Frequently asked questions
What do the first letters on an Indian number plate mean?
They identify the state or union territory registration family, such as DL for Delhi or MH for Maharashtra.
Does every registration number follow exactly the same logic?
The broad format is similar, but office structures, legacy prefixes, and special categories can change interpretation.