Vehicle registration plate code for
Netherlands
NL
European Union·ISO NL
Example plate
NL
XR-123-G
Typical format: AB-123-C. Illustrative only — other variants exist.
The blue EU band
Netherlands is an EU member state. Plates carry the blue band on the left with a circle of 12 yellow stars and the "NL" letters, identifying the country of registration when travelling abroad.
Code
NL
ISO-2
NL
Group
European Union
EU band
Yes
Other countries in European Union
FAQ — Netherlands
What does "NL" mean on a number plate?
"NL" is the international distinguishing sign of Netherlands — it identifies the country where the vehicle is registered. The ISO-2 code for Netherlands is NL.
What does a Netherlands number plate look like?
The typical format is "AB-123-C" — for example "XR-123-G". This is a representative scheme; other variants exist.
Does Netherlands use the blue EU band?
Yes. Netherlands is an EU member state, so plates carry the blue band with 12 yellow stars and the "NL" letters on the left.
Anything special about Netherlands plates?
Yellow plates; the side-code format has changed several times.