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Car registration plates in Luxembourg
Before you can drive a car on Luxembourg's roads, or even before you can officially register it, you’ll need to obtain a registration number and a license plate. If the thought of navigating through paperwork, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Unlike many other countries' registration systems, acquiring a registration number and license plates in Luxembourg doesn’t automatically mean your vehicle is registered or approved for the road. This process simply reserves your chosen number for future use, with additional steps required to fully register the vehicle.
How Luxembourg license plates differ from other countries
The design of Luxembourg license plates is simple yet distinctive. Featuring a bright yellow background with black characters, they offer high visibility on the road. The plates typically consist of an alphanumeric combination, usually two letters followed by four digits, though they can sometimes be composed solely of digits.
Additionally, a small blue band on the left side displays the European Union stars and the letter "L" in white, representing Luxembourg. This minimalist and clear design is not only functional but also easily recognisable throughout Europe. However, not all plates are the same; there are special plates with some variations. Let's take a closer look at the different types of license plates in Luxembourg:
Citizen plates
These are standard plates for civilian use, typically composed of two letters and four digits assigned sequentially, although personalised numbers are also available.
Special plates for the Grand Ducal family
These plates consist solely of numbers ranging from 1 to 19.
Deputies’ plates
These have their own series, starting with a "P" followed by a number from 1 to 99 (e.g., P1-P99).
Diplomatic plates
Comprising the letters "CD" followed by two groups of two digits separated by a hyphen. The first group identifies the diplomatic or international official organisation, while the second group forms an ordinal number.
Plates for official purposes
The registration includes the letters "AA," followed by four digits.
Military plates
These are white on black, featuring four digits and the national coat of arms on the left side.
Dealer plates
These consist of digits only and are issued in white on a red plate.
Moving on to the civilian plates, which are the most common ones, they can be of two types, with standard serial numbers or with personalised numbers.
Current series numbers
These plates are affixed to vehicles and remain with them throughout their lifespan. They are composed of two letters and four digits, assigned sequentially.
Personalized numbers
These numbers are retained by their owners unless surrendered and can be composed in one of three ways: five freely chosen digits, two letters followed by four freely chosen digits, or four digits assigned based on availability.
Sometimes, custom license plates cost more than standard ones. How much more it costs depends on how long the plate is, the characters you choose, and how many people want that combination. Even though it costs more, many people chose paying extra to get their specific license plate.
What makes registering car in Luxembourg popular choice
Low fees and taxes
Luxembourg has a good tax structure for vehicles. The road tax in Luxembourg is lower, which could mean lower annual costs for maintaining a vehicle.
Simple process
Luxembourg's vehicle registration process is more efficient and less bureaucratic than in some neighboring countries. This saves time and stress when registering a vehicle.
Good insurance deals
Insurance premiums in Luxembourg are often more cheaper is than in neighboring France, Belgium, or Germany.
Clear regulations
Luxembourg has strict vehicle inspection and emission standards, but they may be more flexible than other countries with more stringent regulations.
Recieving car plates in Luxembourg
Securing Luxembourg car registration plates is only the first step. To complete the registration process, you will need to follow additional steps, which we will briefly review.
Obtain the Luxembourg car registration plates
First, secure a Luxembourg number plate, and second, have the plates manufactured. Let’s go through these steps one by one.
Getting the registration number
You have two options for choosing your Luxembourg number plate: opting for a current series number or selecting a personalised number.
Current series numbers:
Nature
These numbers are associated with the vehicle and remain with it for its entire lifespan.
Composition
Composed of two letters and four digits, assigned sequentially (you'll receive the next available number in the series).
Reservation cost
There is no cost for reserving a current series number.
Personalized registration numbers:
Nature
The owner retains these numbers unless they choose to surrender them.
Composition
There are three options: five freely chosen digits, two letters followed by four freely chosen digits, or four digits assigned based on availability.
Reservation cost
A 200-euro stamp duty is required.
In both cases, the process for obtaining a registration number is the same, with three alternatives available.
- Through the MyGuichet.lu platform.
- Using the MyGuichet.lu mobile app.
- Contacting the Société Nationale de Circulation Automobile (SNCA) via email (nplaques@snca.lu).
The processing time is typically 1 to 2 business days. Once the process is complete, you will receive a letter at your official address informing you of the assigned number.
Getting the license plates
After receiving confirmation of your number plate reservation, the next step is to order the physical Luxembourg car plate from an authorized manufacturer.
The SNCA website provides a list of authorized manufacturers. You simply need to contact one of these manufacturers to have your plates made.
Obtain a Certificate of Conformity (COC)
This document proves that the vehicle meets the European Union’s technical and environmental standards. If the car is new, the dealership will provide it. For used cars, you may need to request it from the manufacturer. This document is required by the SNCA for vehicle registration.
Get your car insured
Before registering the car, you must obtain vehicle civil liability insurance. This is mandatory and covers damages to third parties in case of an accident. The insurance policy must be in effect before you can register the vehicle.
Obtain a 705 sticker (for imported cars)
If the car is imported into Luxembourg from another country, you’ll need to obtain a 705 sticker. This certifies that the vehicle has been legally imported, complies with all customs regulations, and that the applicable VAT has been paid. To complete this step, you must personally visit one of the customs offices of the Customs and Excise Agency.
Pass a technical inspection (for cars from outside the EU)
If the vehicle is from outside the European Union, it must undergo a rigorous technical inspection to ensure it complies with EU safety and emission standards. This inspection is conducted at an authorized technical control center.
Pay the stamp duty
Before finalizing the registration, you must pay the stamp duty, an administrative fee for the vehicle registration process. This payment amounts to 50 euros for a regular registration or 24 euros if reusing a personalized number plate.
Register the car in Luxembourg
Finally, with all the necessary documents in hand (including the COC, insurance, 705 sticker if applicable, and proof of stamp duty payment), you can register the car at the SNCA. You’ll then receive the registration certificate, completing the process.
How to register a car in Luxembourg
While we have described the basic steps for obtaining license plates and touched on the general steps for registering a vehicle, we are aware that there are other details to the registration process. To make sure that all requirements are met, find the professional assistance for complete information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many types of license plates are there in Luxembourg?
In Luxembourg, license plates come in several types: standard citizen plates with two letters and four digits, customizable personalized plates, and special ones for the Grand Ducal family, deputies, and diplomatic use. Military plates feature the national coat of arms, while dealer plates are white on red. The design is consistent to ensure high visibility and uniformity across Europe.
Are there any special plates for government officials or the Grand Ducal family?
Yes, Luxembourg issues special license plates for both government officials and the Grand Ducal family. For the Grand Ducal family, the plates are numeric and range from 1 to 19. Government officials, such as deputies, have plates that begin with the letter "P" followed by numbers from 1 to 99.
Where can I find authorized manufacturers for Luxembourg license plates?
Authorized manufacturers for Luxembourg license plates can be found on the Société Nationale de Circulation Automobile (SNCA) website. They maintain a list of approved manufacturers.
Can I obtain a license plate with personalized numbers in Luxembourg?
Yes, you can obtain a license plate with personalized numbers in Luxembourg. This involves reserving a number through the MyGuichet.lu platform or contacting the SNCA directly. Personalized plates allow for custom combinations of letters and digits, subject to availability and a reservation fee.
How often do Luxembourg license plate designs change?
Luxembourg license plate designs do not change frequently. The design, which includes a bright yellow background with black characters and a blue band displaying the EU stars and the "L" for Luxembourg, has remained consistent to ensure high visibility and uniformity across Europe. Changes, if any, would be infrequent and would typically be announced by the SNCA.
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Source: courtage-expertise-auto.fr, en.wikipedia.org, fr.wikipedia.org, snca.public.lu, snca.public.lu, licenseplatemania.com, guichet.public.lu, guichet.public.lu, snca.public.lu, snca.public.lu, snca.public.lu
We took photos from these sources: Sven D, Unsplash
Authors: Luz
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