The Canadian province of Ontario first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own licence plates for display until 1911, when the province began to issue plates.[1] Plates are currently issued by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO). The location of plates is specified by the Highway Traffic Act[2] and Regulation 628 under the Act.[3]
The Crown
The symbol of a crown representing the Crown of Canada has appeared on almost all Ontario licence plates since 1937, when it was first used to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Exceptions to this included a series of licence plates issued from 1951 to 1952, due to metal shortages from the Korean War;[4] and a series of farm plates issued in the 1980s and 1990s.
Toronto politician and Orange Order leader Leslie Saunders led protests against a proposal to remove the crown in 1948, a decision the government overturned.[5]
Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "1968" and "ONTARIO" centred at top and bottom respectively
none
123-456 A12-345 123-45A
1969
Embossed white serial with crown separator on blue plate with border line; "1969" and "ONTARIO" centred at top and bottom respectively
none
123-456 A12-345 123-45A
1970
As 1968 base, but with "1970" at top
none
123-456 A12-345 123-45A
1971
As 1969 base, but with "1971" at top
none
123-456 A12-345 123-45A
1972
As 1968 base, but with "1972" at top
none
123-456 A12-345 123-45A
1973 to present
After 1973, Ontario ceased to issue plates annually. Instead, validation was indicated by means of stickers affixed to the top right of the rear plate. All Ontario license plates issued since 1973 remain valid for display.
In 1973, the "Keep it Beautiful" slogan was introduced to Ontario passenger plates. In 1982, the slogan was changed to "Yours to Discover". The adjustment was made to reflect the province's new tourism campaign.[9]
In April 2019, the Government of Ontario announced that the plates would be redesigned. The plates' design includes a superficial laminate layer manufactured by 3M.[10] The plates have a two-tone blue background with white letters and numbers flanking a stylized white trillium, and no longer embossed. The motto was also changed to "A Place to Grow", taking inspiration from Ontario's unofficial anthem "A Place to Stand, a Place to Grow".[11]
Issue of the new plates began in February 2020. The new plates faced criticism from law enforcement agencies, as their new design made them difficult to read in certain lighting conditions. Concerns were also raised that photo radar systems would have difficulty reading them, due to the lighting issues, as well as the smaller sizing of their "Ontario" text. On February 20, 2020, Premier Doug Ford stated that the government planned to recall the initial batch, and was working with 3M on improvements.[12] However, on May 6, 2020, a spokesperson for Ford announced that the blue plates would be discontinued entirely after "thorough testing by law enforcement and other key stakeholders". The previous white plates were reinstated, with their coating also made more durable, although the blue plates continued to be issued through early-June until their supply was exhausted.[13][14]
Image
Dates issued
Design
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1973–78
Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right
"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" centred at bottom
ABC-123
AAA-001 to NKJ-999
Letters G, I and Q not used in this serial format, and U discontinued after the LMU series (1976).[7]
1978–82
As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right
NKK-001 to TMA-999
1982–86
As above, but with no sticker box
"YOURS TO DISCOVER" centred at bottom
TMB-001 to ZZZ-999
Staggered registration introduced 1983, with each plate expiring in the same month as the registrant's birthday.
1986–94
123-ABC
001-AAA to 999-VYH
Letters G, I, Q and U not used in this serial format.[7]
1994–97
Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top
"YOURS TO DISCOVER" screened in blue centred at bottom
123-ABC
001-VYJ to 999-ZZZ
Narrower serial dies introduced in preparation for ABCD-123 format, and O discontinued after the ZZO series (1997).
1997–2020 2020–present
ABCD-123
AAAA-001 to CLZZ-999; CPAA-001 to DBBP-175 (as of December 20, 2023)[15]
Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format.[7] Font had slightly changed from CASA-001 to CATR-999.[16]
2008–20 2020–present
"TANT À DÉCOUVRIR" screened in blue centred at bottom
Alternative issue, introduced in 2008. Certain series were allocated for the french slogan; BCAA, BEAA, BEAD, BEAE, BEAJ, BEAL, BEAM, BEAN, BEAP, BEAS, BSRH, BSRJ, BSRK, BTBE, and BTBF. Exclusive use of 'F' series of serials since April 2019.
2020
White on reflective, two-hue blue with white stylized trillium separator and white crown placed bottom right; "Ontario" screened in white centred at top.[18][19] Plates are made of synthetic material and are not embossed.
The initial batch of these plates issued from February 1, 2020 to March 4, 2020 were recalled due to poor visibility at night when illuminated.[12] This design was later scrapped on May 6, 2020.[20]
"EN PLEIN ESSOR" screened in white centred at bottom[21]
Example of an Ontario Historic plate, affixed to the front of a vehicle.
Historic vehicle license plates were introduced in 1969 as yearly plates. In 1973, plates switched to permanently issued plates validated with stickers.
Vehicles more than 30 years old and substantially unchanged since manufacture may qualify for a "Historic" registration.[24]
Annual fees were much lower ($18 vs $120 for a passenger car until 2022),[25] but historic vehicles may not be used as conventional transportation. They legally may only be driven to and from events and parades where the vehicle is on display, to garages for maintenance, and other similar use cases. Annual renewal stickers are affixed to the rear plate, as with passenger vehicles.
Historic plates are not to be confused with year-of-manufacture plates.[26]
Image
First issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1969
White on blue plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags.
none
12 345
1970
Blue on white plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags.
none
1971
White on blue plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags.
none
1972
Blue on white plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags.
none
1973
Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right
"HISTORIC VEHICLE"
HVA-123
1978
As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right
1982
As above, but with no sticker box
1994
Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top. "HISTORIC" screened vertically on left side.
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top. "HISTORIC" screened vertically on left side.
123-HVA
001-HVA to 999-HVZ
2007
Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top. "HISTORIC" screened vertically on left side.
Unlike passenger cars, plate validation stickers for commercial vehicles are placed on the front plate, instead of the rear. This placement is consistent between trucks with visible rear plates, and tractor units where the rear plate is obscured by a trailer. Ontario vehicles registered in the International Registration Plan receive special commercial plates with "PRP" screened vertically at the left.
All pickup trucks are legally considered commercial vehicles and thus require commercial plates. However, if used strictly as a passenger vehicle ("personal-use vehicle"), a truck may be exempt from some conditions imposed on commercial vehicles, indicated by a white or red "PERSONAL USE ONLY" sticker affixed in the top left corner of the front plate.[27]
1916 to 1962
Commercial license plates were first introduced in 1916.
Image
First issued
Description
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1916
Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1916" at left
C1234
1917
Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1917" at right
C1234
1918
Dark blue serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1918" at left
C1234
1919
Black serial on golden yellow flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1919" at left
C1234
1920
Dark green serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1920" at left
C12345
1921
Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 21" at left
C1-234
1922
Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONT 22" at left
C1-234
1923
Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONT–1923" at bottom
C12-345
1924
Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate; "ONT–1924" at bottom
C12-345
1925
Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 25" at left
C12-345
1926
Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONT 26" at left
C12-345
1927
Embossed black serial on buff plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1927" at bottom
C12-345
1928
Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1928" at bottom
C12-345
1929
Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1929" at bottom
C1-234
1930
Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1930" at bottom
12-345C
Letter C moved to the end
1931
Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1931" at top
12-345C
1932
Embossed black serial on grey plate; "ONTARIO 1932" at top
12-345C
1933
Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1933" at top
12345-C
1934
Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO 1934" at top
12345-C C-12345
1935
Embossed black serial on orange plate; "19 ONTARIO 35" at top
12345-C
1936
Embossed white serial on black plate; "19 ONTARIO 36" at top
12345-C
1937
Embossed white serial on red plate; "ONTARIO 1937" centred at top, with crowns to left and right
12345-C
1938
Embossed orange serial on light blue plate; "19", crown and "38" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom
12345C
1939
Embossed white serial on black plate; "19", crown and "39" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom
12345C
1940
Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1940" at top
12345C
1941
Embossed green serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1941" at top
12345C
1942
Embossed black serial on orange plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1942" at top
12345C
1943-44
Embossed orange serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1943" at top
12345C C12345
Revalidated for 1944 with windshield stickers, due to metal conservation for World War II.
1945
Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1946" at top
1234C C1234
1946
Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1945" at top
12345C C12345
1947
Embossed black serial on silver plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1947" at top
12345C C12345
1948
Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1948" at top
12345C C12345
1949
Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1949" at top
12345C C12345
1950
Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1950" at top
12345C C12345 12345B
1951-52
Embossed blue serial on white plate; "19–ONTARIO–51" at top
12345C C12345 12345B
Revalidated for 1952 with windshield stickers.
1953
Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1953" at top
12345C C12345 12345B
1954
As 1953 base, but with "1955" to right of crown
12345C C12345 12345B
1955
Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1954" at top
12-345A 12-345B 12-345C 12-345D
1956
Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1955" at top
12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1957
Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1957" at top
12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1958
Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1958" at top
12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1959
Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1959" at top
12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1960
Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1960" at top
12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1961
Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1961" at top
12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1962
Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1962" at top
12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D
1963 to 1979
In 1963, Ontario switched to a quarterly system for commercial plates. Plates could be issued on a quarterly basis rather than paying for a full year of registration.
This 1963 Ontario commercial license plate was the first quarterly plate. It expired in March 1964 and until dated March quarterly plates appeared in March 1967 this plate when issued in December 1963 was used as a quarterly commercial plate.
In 1965 all June, September and December quarterly plates were issued in the reverse colors as in 1963 and 1964. In alternate years Ontario quarterly plates reversed their colors each year.
First issue of commercial quarterly plates dated for March.
Each plate would be valid for three months or a quarter of the year. This plate was issued in June 1969 and expired in September 1969.
Quarterly plates had several serial format arrangements. Beginning in March 1968 they switched to the A1-234, 123-4A and A12-345 & 123-45A formats.
Final quarterly plate issued. Ontario switched to plates renewed with stickers in 1980.
1980 to present
In the 1980s, Ontario shifted to plates that were renewed yearly with stickers, ditching the quarterly system.
Image
Dates issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1980–1995
Black on white with embossed crown separator
none
AB1-234
AA1-001 to ZD9-999
Also used for non-passenger personal vehicles (i.e. pick-up trucks and panel vans).
1995–1996
Black on reflective white with screened crown separator
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
AB1-234
ZE1-001 to ZZ9-999
On commercial vehicles, licence plate stickers are affixed in the top right of the front plate, as shown in the photo. The top left corner may be used for other stickers relating to vehicle use or taxation (i.e.: government exemption).
1996–2011
123-4AB
100-1AA to 999-9ZZ
2011–present
AB-12345
AA-10001 to BW-89501 (as of November 10, 2023)[17]
Bus license plates were first issued in 1973. They followed the quarterly system until 1980, switching in favour of a new permanent plate renewed yearly with stickers.[28]
Image
Dates issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
Usage
1980–1994
Black reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black at bottom.
BA1-234
The plate's color is changed to black for this design.
All bus types
1994–2009
Black reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top.
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
BA1-234
BA1-001 to BN9-999
Plates designated for use on municipal and long distance busses. Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format.
2009–present
Black on reflective white with screened crown separator
Plates designated for use on inter-provincial and long distance coach busses. Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format.[citation needed]
School Bus plates
School Bus license plates were first issued in 1975 under a yearly registration. Unlike regular bus license plates, these plates expired in June at the end of the school year. In 1980, these yearly issued plates were phased out for permanent plates revalidated with stickers annually.[28]
Image
Dates issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1980–1994
Black on white; "ONTARIO" on bottom
none
SA1-234
Plates no longer issued yearly. Letters A, B, C, D, E, F, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y and Z are now used in this serial format. However, letters G, I, O, Q and U are not used in this serial format.
1994–present
Black relfective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top
Letters G, I, O, Q and U are not used in this serial format. Switched to reflective plate
Farm plates
Example of a Farm quarterly plate from 1979.
Farm plates were introduced in 1978 using the quarterly system. In 1980, the plates were switched to permanent plates revalidated with stickers.[28]
Vehicles over 3000 kg owned by farmers and used for farm-related purposes, such as working the soil, building maintenance, and the transportation of farm products, may qualify for a farm plate. Farm-plated trucks and towed trailers may also be used by a farmer for personal transportation.
To qualify, a farmer must meet a series of criteria, including membership in farming organisations and a minimum amount of income that derives from farming. Fees for farm plates are substantially lower than for passenger or commercial plates. The Highway Traffic Act also exempts farm vehicles from several requirements imposed on commercial vehicles.[29]
Farm plates are black on white with a black crown separator, in a pattern similar to commercial plates. They have the word "FARM" written vertically on the left of the plate. Validation stickers are the same as for other vehicles, and are affixed to the front plate, as with commercial plates.
Image
First issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1980
Black on white; "ONTARIO" on bottom. "FARM" screened vertically on right side.
none
FA1234
Switched to permanent baseplates, renewed annually with validation stickers.
1982
Black on white; "ONTARIO" on bottom. "FARM" screened vertically on left side.
none
FA1234
"FARM" moved to left side.
1994
Black relfective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top
"YOURS TO DISCOVER" in black screen in bottom
FA1-234
Introduction of reflective plates.
2003
Black relfective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (August 2022)
Example of a Trailer plate, affixed to the rear.
All trailers in Ontario are considered separate vehicles and must have a permit and be plated. New owners of a trailer must register with the MTO within six days of purchase. They are then issued with a permit and a plate. Trailer plates are not renewed annually, but may be replaced if lost, damaged or stolen. Plates are affixed to the rear of the trailer. There is no front plate.[30]
All trailers, whether used by commercial operators or others, use a same model plate. Plates are blue on white with crown separator, in a pattern and colour similar to that of passenger vehicles, with the word "TRAILER" written vertically on the left of the plate. However, they do not follow the same numbering system as other vehicles.
1921 to 1973
Trailer plates were first introduced in 1921. Plates issued from 1921 to 1929 had the letter T at the front. In 1930, the letter T was moved to the end of the number. A quarterly system was introduced for trailers starting in 1963. [28]
Image
Dates issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1934
Embossed black serial ; "ONTARIO" at top with year
none
12345·T
Trailer text vertically on left side
1935
Embossed black serial ; "ONTARIO" at top with year
none
12345·T
Trailer text vertically on left side
1936
Embossed dark yellow serial ; "ONTARIO" at bottom with year
none
12345·T
Trailer text vertically on left side
1937
Embossed white serial ; "ONTARIO" at top with year
none
12345·T
Trailer text vertically on left side
1943
Embossed dark yellow serial ; "ONTARIO" at bottom with year
none
12345·T
1944
Embossed black serial on yellow plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.
none
12345·T
1947
Embossed black serial on white plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.
none
12345·T
1952
Embossed black serial on yellow plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.
none
12345·T
1953
Embossed white serial on blue plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.
none
12345·T
1955
Embossed white serial on blue plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.
none
12·345T
1956
Embossed blue serial on white plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.
none
12345·T
1959
Embossed white serial on black plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.
none
T·12345
1962
Embossed black serial on white plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centered and year at the top right.
none
12345·T
1973 to present
By 1973, the quarterly system was phased out in favour of a semi-permanent plate validated each year with an annual sticker. As of 1980, trailer plates no longer require yearly validation stickers, rather a one time fee. [28]
Image
First issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1973–79
Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right
"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL"
123-45A
10-01Z to 397-61N
Serials issued in reverse
1979–80
As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right
New serial format. Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario.
Snowmobile plates
This section needs expansion with: December 2022. You can help by adding to it. (December 2022)
Unlike all Ontario license plates — which were changed to reflective plates in 1994 — the snowmobile plates remain non-reflective.
Image
Dates issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1970
Green on white; "ONT" screened on top
none
AB123
1972
As above, but yellow on blue
none
AB123
1973
Green on white; "ONT" screened on top
none
AB123
1974
As 1970, 1973 and 1975, but inverted to white on green
none
AB123
1975
Green on white; "ONT" screened on top
none
AB123
1999
Blue on white; "ONTARIO" in the Helvetica Bold font screened on top
none
123456
Dual purpose plates
Dual purpose license plates were first introduced in 1927. They were issued to vehicles that could be used for both personal and commercial purposes. Vehicles such as RV's, station wagons & motor-homes.[28] They were noted by the X prefix. However, these plates were discontinued in 1973 and are no longer issued.
1927 to 1972
Image
First issued
Design
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1927
Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1927" at bottom
none
X1-234
1928
Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1928" at bottom
none
X1-234
1929
Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1929" at bottom
none
X12-345
1930
Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1930" at bottom
none
1234-X
1931
Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1931" at top
none
1234-X
1932
Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1932" at top
none
1-234-X
1933
Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1933" at top
none
1234-X
1934
Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1934" at top
none
X-1234 1234-X
1935
Black serial on orange plate; "19 ONTARIO 35" at top
none
1234-X
1936
White serial on black plate; "19 ONTARIO 36" at bottom
none
1234-X
1937
White serial on red plate; "ONTARIO." and "1937" at top
none
1234-X
1938
Red serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1938" at top
none
123X
1939
White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1939" at top
none
1234X
1940
Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1940" at top
none
1234X
1941
Green serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1941" at top
none
1234X
1942
Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1942" at top
none
1234X
1945
White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1945" at top
none
1234X
1946
White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1946" at top
none
1234X
1947
Black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO." and "1947" at top
none
1234X
1948
White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1948" at top
none
123X
1951
Blue serial on white plate; "19-ONTARIO-51." at top
none
1234X
1953
White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1953" at top
none
12X
1954
Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1954" at top
none
X1234 1234X
1955
White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1955" at top
none
X123-4 1-234X
1956
Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1956" at top
none
X-12345 12345-X
1957
White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1957" at top
none
X-12345 12345-X
1958
Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1958" at top
none
X-12345 12345-X
1959
White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1959" at top
none
X-12345 12345-X
1960
Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1960" at top
none
X-12345 12345-X
1961
White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1961" at top
none
X-12345 12345-X
1962
Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1962" at top
none
X-12345 12345-X
1963
White serial on black plate; "ONTARIO." and "1963" at top
none
X-12345 12345-X
1964
Black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1964" at top
none
X-12345 12345-X
1965
White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." and "1965" at top
none
X-12345 12345-X
1966
Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." and "1966" at top
none
X-12345 12345-X
1967
White serial on blue plate; "19 ONTARIO 67." at top and "18 CONFEDERATION 67" at bottom
none
X12-345 123-45X
1968
Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1968" at top
none
X12-345 123-45X
1969
White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1969" at top
none
X12-345 123-45X
1970
Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1970" at top
none
X12-345 123-45X
1971
White serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1971" at top
none
X12-345 123-45X
1972
Blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO." at bottom and "1972" at top
none
X1-234 12-34X
Diplomatic plates
Example of an older style Diplomatic plate from 1965.
In Ontario, diplomatic plates were first issued in the 1950s. The first red licence plate was issued in 1959. Yearly plates were issued until 1986, when permanent plates renewed with stickers were introduced the following year. The ABC-123 serial format began in 1973.[28]
The current design is a white serial on red plate, using the 123-ABC serial format. "YOURS TO DISCOVER" is screened at the bottom. The red plate colour is exclusive to diplomatic plates.
Any foreign representatives and their accredited family members are required to obtain special red diplomatic licence plates when registering passenger vehicles within 30 days of taking up residence in the province. This rule does not apply to the registration of motorcycles.[32]
These plates are most commonly found in Ottawa and Toronto where embassies and foreign government operations are located.
Issued to envoys without diplomatic recognition.[33]
Dealer and service licence plates
A Dealer plate is affixed only to the rear of a vehicle.
In Ontario, motor vehicle dealers licensed under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act use a single portable plate with the word "DEALER" on the left side and red alpha-numeric characters on a white background. It is for exclusive use by motor vehicle dealers only on motor vehicles owned as part of the dealer's inventory of vehicles for sale. It may also be used for private use vehicles that are owned as part of the dealer's inventory of vehicles for sale.[34]
Service providers, including anyone who repairs, customizes, modifies, manufactures or transports motor vehicles or trailers use yellow and black DLR series plates (Dealer and Service Plate).
A service plate may be used:
on a trailer or motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or motor-assisted bicycle for purposes related to the repair, road testing, customization or modification of the vehicle, if the vehicle is in the possession of the person to whom the service plate is issued, or
for the purpose of transporting the vehicle by a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles, or
for purposes related to the manufacturing or sale of a trailer, or
for the purpose of towing the vehicle by a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles, or
to tow a vehicle to a location where its load will be removed or to an impound facility.
Private use of motor vehicles or trailers with a service plate is not permitted.
Removable service plate. Before 2007 also used by vehicle dealers. See below.
2007
Red stamped identification on a white reflective background. Screened in black: "DEALER" written vertically on the left, crown separator, "ONTARIO" across the top and "Yours to discover".
Removable plate restricted to car dealers. Introduced in 2007 to differentiate dealer's inventory from vehicles being serviced.[35]See below. Issued singly, to be displayed at the rear of the vehicle.
Motorcycle Dealer plates
An example of a current Motorcycle Dealer plate.
Dealer plates for motorcycles have been issued since the 1920s.[28] Very few of these early plates were issued, thus making it a rare plate. The 'M' prefix was featured on all plates before 1973. From 1973 to 1979 they were issued with the 'DL' prefix, with a similar design to regular Motorcycle plates. In 1982, the government began issuing permanent plates with yearly registration stickers.[28] Reflective plates were introduced in 1994.
The current plate design is a white serial on a light blue plate. These plates are the same size as regular motorcycle plates. The serial format used by these plates is AB123, running from AA001 to AF965 (as of February 23, 2020)[17]
Other non-passenger plates
Image
First issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
2004
Printed on security paper with barcode
10 Day Temporary Permit/Permis Provisoire de Dix Jours
A-123456
Temporary use only, placed on dashboard at windshield.
2017
Blue on reflective white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with MFR vertically on left side.
This section needs expansion with: December 2022. You can help by adding to it. (December 2022)
Medical doctor plates were first introduced in 1930, and are denoted by the letters starting with MD. When all the MDA - MDZ serials had been issued in the late 1990's [date missing], new serials using MAA started being issued.
Image
Dates issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1973
Blue on white; "73" on bottom left and sticker box on bottom right
"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL"
MDA-123
1978
As above, but with no "73"
"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL"
MD-123
1982
As above, but with no sticker box
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
MDA-123
1994
Blue reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue on top
Amateur Radio plates were introduced in 1969 as supplemental plates. In 1976, Ontario permitted the call-sign to be on regular passenger plates, eliminating the small supplemental plates.[28]
Image
First issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1969
Yellow on black; "RADIO" on top and "AMATEUR" on bottom
none
VE3ABC
1976
Blue on white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue on top
"KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL"
VE3-ABC
1983
As above, but with no "73"
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
VE3ABC
The format switched back to its original format. Returned in 1986.
1994
Blue reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue on top
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
VE3ABC
Switched to new reflective plate
Blue reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screen in blue on top
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
VA3AB
Switched to new 5-digit format
Special Event Plates
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (August 2022)
Image
Date issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Notes
1984
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
Used in the motorcade of Queen Elizabeth II at provincial events during her Royal Visit of 1984
1984
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
Used during the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ontario during the Papal Visit of 1984
1989
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
Commemorative plates to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the QEW highway. Plates used by police.
1991
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
Given to MTO employees in celebration of the agency's 75th anniversary.
2000
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
Plates for the CCMTA Conference 2000
2002
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
Used in the Queen's motorcade during the 2002 Royal Jubilee Visit to Ontario.
2010
'none'
G20 Summit Special plates used in Toronto
2016
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
Given to MTO employees in celebration of the agency's 100th anniversary.
Vanity licence plates
Along with regular series plates, the province also offers vanity plates for passenger and commercial vehicles. A personalized licence plate message may contain almost any combination of letters and numbers from two to eight characters. The plates can also include one of 60 different graphics,[36] with two to six characters. Available graphics have changed over the years, with some becoming available, while others have been withdrawn or modified. Owners selecting a graphic but no custom message are generally assigned a registration with a 12XY34 pattern, where the XY is a code indicating the design (i.e.: LN and LM = Loon, CF = Canadian Flag, etc.).
The province reserves the right to refuse or withdraw plates for a variety of reasons,[37] including:
Sexual messages
Abusive, obscene language and derogatory slang
Promotion or denunciation of religion and religious figures
Promotion of use of drugs or alcohol
Messages relating to politics, political figures, negative statements on institutions and persons, public personalities, or police badge numbers
Advocating or promoting violence or crime
Any discriminatory statement
Ambiguous or confusing numbers, or which may be mistaken for another existing plate (about 1 in 3 rejections)
Messages which may infringe on copyright and intellectual property
While criteria have existed since the introduction of personalized plates, accusations of excessive zeal led the McGuinty government to set up a review committee in August 2008. The eight-member committee meets weekly to review submissions. In the first half of 2013, it had rejected 3% of requests.[38] Plates have also been withdrawn after issue.[39]
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 brought renewed attention to the work of the Personalized License Plate Review Committee as it rejected personalized plates based on this theme.[40]
The ownership of plates with graphic elements associated with particular groups, such as veterans or firefighters, may be restricted and require proof of eligibility.
Personalized plates with two to five characters are also available for motorcycles.
Ontario personalised plates can have up to eight characters, including letters, numbers and the crown.
The minimum number of characters is two.
Personalized licence plate. Note the use of the crown as a character.
Plate with both a graphic element and a personalised registration. This example bears the logo of the University of Waterloo. The dark areas around the digits are dirt, and not part of the design.
Personalized plate bearing the image of the Franco-Ontarian flag ("FL" code). The marketing legend reads "Tant à découvrir", in French.
Personalized plate bearing the image of the Franco-Ontarian flag. Uncommonly for this pattern, the marketing legend is in English.
Personalized plate (front) attached to a pickup truck. As a pickup truck it should otherwise bear a black on white commercial plate, but the personalized plate is blue on white. Validation and "personal use" tags are affixed to the front plate, as in the case of other pickups.
This personalised rear plate bears a temporary licence plate sticker. Temporary registration allows a "fit" and insured vehicle to be driven for ten days pending completion of the requirements for a regular registration.
The "YOURS TO DISCOVER" slogan can be covered by the below of the dealer's logo at times.
Veteran Plate
Image
First issued
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
2003
Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
1V2345
1V0001 to 7V9900 ( As of August 7th 2022)
Applicants must confirm their eligibility through the Royal Canadian Legion. Numbers are assigned in format if no personalized message selected.
License Plate Graphics
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (August 2022)
Plates with graphics are also available.[41] Graphics first being issued on license plates began in 1996. The variety of graphics includes charities, universities, community organizations and popular Ontario sports teams, such as the Ottawa Senators. All plates offer the French slogan since 2017.[28]
Image
First issued
Type
Category
Description
Slogan
Serial format
Serials issued
Notes
1998
Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation
Arts
Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
12SQ34
01SQ01 to 15SQ65 (As of June 1st 2022)
Breast Cancer Society of Canada
Charity
Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right
Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
12YR34
01YR01 to 21YR66 (As of April 30th 2022)
Some money from the sale of the Yellow Ribbon plates is donated by the province to the Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund to assist Canadian military veterans.[42] The "yellow ribbon" design is indicated by the "YR" code.
Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
12WL34
Discontinued Graphics
Certain graphics have been discontinued and are no longer issued. A plate design is considered discontinued once it is no longer offered at ServiceOntario.
Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
12SD34
01SD01 to 08SD50 (As of April 30th 2022)
1997
2007
King's College
Universities / Colleges
Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
12KC34
1998
2004
University of Guelph
Universities / Colleges
Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
12UG34
1998
2004
York University
Universities / Colleges
Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right
"YOURS TO DISCOVER"
12YU34
Manufacturing
Since 1994, Ontario plates have had a reflective backing. Between 1999 and 2003, the backing was made by Avery. These can be recognized by the slogan written with smaller letters, and the presence of a registration mark below the bottom left bolt hole. Backing has since been made using 3M-brand reflective material.
Ontario licence plates were formerly manufactured by prison inmates at the Millbrook Correctional Centre in Cavan-Millbrook-North Monaghan.[44] Upon Millbrook's closure in 2003,[45] manufacture was moved to the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ontario.[46] Since 1991, all Ontario plates have been manufactured for the MTO by Trilcor Industries, owned by the province's Ministry of the Solicitor General.[47][48] From 2017 to 2018, the plates were manufactured by Waldale Manufacturing of Nova Scotia, because Ontario's prison made plates ran out due to the peeling and bubbling in the preceding "B" series. The plates made by Trilcor Industries returned in 2018, to avoid license plate issues with the Nova Scotia license plates.
Alternative supplier
In 2016, an increase in the rate of defective plates combined with an increase in the number of registered vehicles led to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation becoming unable to keep up with demand for plates. It placed an order for 100,000 units from the Waldale Irwin Holdson Group, the largest licence plate manufacturer in North America.[49] Plates are produced by the Waldale Manufacturing facility in Amherst, Nova Scotia.
Plates from the first batch of 35,000 can be identified due to the use of embossed letters and numbers from Nova Scotia plates, which differ in appearance from Ontarian fonts.[50] The province continues to order supplementary batches of plates from Waldale. Since 2017, the Ontario die set has been in use. These plates are almost identical to those made by Trilcor Industries. The Waldale made plates have squared off edges and smaller bolt holes.[51]
Issues and controversies
Defective plates from 2012
In 2012, reports began to appear of plates deteriorating earlier than otherwise expected. The reflective layers detached themselves from the metal plate, making the plate unreadable. Approximately 1% of licence plates issued have this defect. The defect has appeared in both front and rear plates. Trilcor Industries and the MTO offer a five-year warranty on plates and will replace the defective plates at no cost.[52] Plate replacement for other reasons (theft, damage, wear, etc.) is done at a cost.
Conventional plates can be replaced "over-the-counter" at a licence office, but the complete process for personalized plates takes over six months.[53]
Driving with an illegible plate is an offence punishable by fine, under the Highway Traffic Act.[54]
In 2015, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services hired Canada's National Research Council to identify the root cause of licence plate de-lamination. The NRC's report indicated that the reflective material adhered poorly to the aluminium plates, and that embossing process stressed the materials to the point that the reflective layer would puncture and de-laminate. At that point, water and other contaminants could slip between the layers. Also, road de-icing materials contributed to the de-lamination. The report found that this problem was present in samples from all types of plates, except for motorcycle plates.
The report recommended that Trilcor work with its supplier of laminating layer to resolve the problem, and indicated that a thicker layer of material would likely perform better.[55]
Example of early deterioration of front Ontario Number Plate
Early deterioration on a rear plate. The aluminum base is visible where the reflective layer has fallen off.
Close-up view of early damage to a front licence plate of an Ontario car. The reflective layer can be seen de-laminating and separating from the metal base.
Close-up view of similar damage to the rear plate of the same car, indicating this problem is not confined to the front plates.
For comparison purposes, corrosion on this plate is due to age and wear, rather than a defective substrate.
Illegality of licence plate covers
Many vehicle owners place clear plastic covers over their licence plates to protect their already defective licence plates (2012) from premature deterioration.[56] According to Ontario's Highway Traffic Act Section 13.2, licence plate covers are considered an obstruction and are illegal in the province of Ontario.[57] In the rare event that the officer chooses to issue the citation, the offence carries a minimum fine of $85.[58] On the contrary, drivers operating a motor vehicle with defective (i.e. unreadable) number plates can be charged with the same offence.[57] This has left defective number plate owners with little choice but to obtain replacement plates from the MTO, orders which have taken months (or over six months for customised plates) to process.[56]
Several motorists sought other solutions to prevent their number plates from deterioration, such as placing the front plate on the dashboard instead of affixing it to the front bumper.[59] Others have omitted the front licence plate altogether since it is not uncommon to see out-of-province vehicles on Ontario roadways (many jurisdictions in North America, including neighbouring Quebec and Michigan, do not require front plates). In most cases, vehicle owners who attempted the aforementioned solutions were convicted of the same offence (HTA section 13.2).[59]
Defective plates from 2020
Recalled 2020 plate design that is difficult to read at night.
On 15 February 2020, two weeks after the province began issuing plates with the new design, off-duty Kingston Police Sergeant Steve Koopman posted a photo on Twitter showing a vehicle with the new plate at night, stating that "they're virtually unreadable at night".[60] Government spokesperson Lisa Thompson, the Minister of Government and Consumer Services, stated in a news conference that the new design had undergone a "rigorous testing program", that the government had consulted with "key stakeholders" including law enforcement, and that the plates were not problematic.[60][61] She also criticized the earlier "Liberal plates",[60] referring to a batch of plates issued during a previous government that peeled. Thompson stated that manufacturing and quality control are the responsibility of 3M.[61] The redesigned plates also caused problems for photo radar cameras, which have difficulty reading the name of the jurisdiction. The name is rendered in a smaller font size than earlier plates.[61] The president of the Toronto Police Association stated that the organization had not been consulted on the new design.[60]
The Ford Government had insisted for days that there was not an issue with the plates; however, on February 20, it announced that 3M would make an "enhanced licence plate" to be available in less than three weeks.[62] On February 28, the government announced that the distribution of the defective plates would cease on March 4, that the enhanced plates would be ready by March 16 at "no cost to Ontario taxpayers", those who had already been issued the new plates will receive the enhanced version in the mail, and until the enhanced plates were ready, the government switched back to the previous plate design.[63][64] This design was later scrapped on May 6.[20]
Sticker renewal fee
On February 22, 2022, the Ford Government eliminated licence plate renewal fees and the requirement to have a licence plate sticker for the nearly eight million passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds, effective March 13, 2022.[65]
^Vehicular license plates may be ordered with the slogan in either the English or French-language. The slogan is omitted on green vehicle license plates issued by the province.
References
^Taylor, Eric Robert. "Ontario Archive". PorcelainPlates.net. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
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