Morocco’s new license plates: what changes for your trips home

Morocco is gradually rolling out a new unified license plate model designed for use both inside the country and abroad, a change that matters for anyone driving or bringing a Moroccan-registered car across borders. This reform, set by ministerial order n°640.26 from the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, introduces the Morocco new license plates with improved readability outside the Kingdom.

Morocco new license plates: what to know

The main innovation of these Morocco new license plates is the addition of Latin characters alongside Arabic ones. The overall structure of the registration number remains the same, but the Arabic letter now appears with its Latin equivalent.

Another key change: the country code “MA”, which used to be added separately when driving abroad, is now directly integrated into the plate.

The stated goal is to make Moroccan vehicles easier to identify internationally and align domestic plates with those required for cross-border travel.

For Moroccans living abroad who drive long distances between Europe and Morocco or keep a Moroccan car at home, this means plates will be easier for foreign authorities and automatic systems (toll booths, car parks, speed cameras) to read and recognise.

Deadline and rollout schedule

Specialised workshops, particularly in Casablanca, have already started producing the new plates. Some motorists with new registrations or plate changes are anticipating the upcoming deadline.

The reform sets a cut-off date of 31 December 2026 for full adoption of the unified model. Until then, the switch will happen progressively, as vehicles are newly registered or plates renewed.

For Moroccans abroad, the key takeaway is simple: if you plan to buy, register or re-register a vehicle in Morocco before 2026, or keep a Moroccan-registered car that will circulate in Europe for several years, it is worth checking which plate model is fitted and speaking to a professional if an update becomes necessary.

Prices and available options

Prices vary according to quality and materials. Based on early feedback from workshops:

• standard white plates start at around 150 dirhams;
• some models go up to 170 dirhams;
• higher-quality versions can reach 200 dirhams.

Reflective plates are also available. They bounce back more light and improve number visibility at night—useful for long night drives or frequent motorway use.

Production times are short: a workshop professional mentions around 15 minutes to position characters, add the “MA” marking and finish the plate.

What Moroccans abroad should keep in mind

For Moroccans living outside the country but keeping a car in Morocco or travelling by road with a Moroccan registration, this change to the Morocco new license plates model has several practical consequences:

• better readability for foreign authorities thanks to Latin letters;
• no more need for a separate country sticker when travelling;
• a single standard that should reduce confusion during roadside checks;
• a clear deadline on 31 December 2026 to be fully compliant.

If you are planning a permanent return, buying a car in Morocco, or a long road trip between Europe and the Kingdom, it makes sense to include the cost of a new plate in your overall paperwork budget.

While further clarifications from the relevant authorities may still come, the safest approach is to ask a certified workshop or check the official administration portal for the exact rules that apply to your case.

To go further with your procedures in Morocco, you can also read our Canal212 guide on key steps and paperwork for Moroccans living abroad.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.