Customers will be notified by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) that any number plates that are currently stored or retained at City West Perth service centre are now available for collection.
About state series plates
State series number plates have character configurations set by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI)’s Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).
This series is the most common number plate issued to motor vehicles, trailers and motorcycles.
The plates are issued for general use and are manufactured on demand in large quantities in an ascending alpha/numeric series.
You can’t order or choose specific state series number plates. If you want to request a specific number plate, you can order from a range of optional plates.
Plate fees apply and costs vary.
Applications can be made via PlatesWA or at a DTMI service centre or regional agent.
All plate orders are subject to approval. DTMI's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has the authority to refuse any plate application.
Remake of state series plates
State and district series number plates issued before the introduction of the 'Brand WA' format (blue and white plates) can be remade in any of these colour combinations:
- black on white
- black on yellow
- 'Brand WA' format.
State series plates already issued in the 'Brand WA' format can only be remade in the same format.
Please refer to Replace lost/stolen number plates for information on how to remake your state series plate.
Fees
| Fee description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ordinary number plate issue fee (first issue only) | $32.00 |
| Reissue a retained ordinary number plate | $19.40 |
| Remake an ordinary number plate | $52.10 |
Retaining state series plates
State series plates can be retained for re-issue on another vehicle if requested at the time of surrendering.
The plates will be held for 90 days from the date of retention. A fee applies when re-issuing them to another vehicle.
If the plates haven’t been re-issued within 90 days, they will be destroyed. A remake fee will then apply if you wish to have them re-issued to another vehicle.
An electronic record of ownership will remain active for 365 days from the date of retention, unless the plates are no longer required or they are issued to a vehicle.
Retained state series plates can only be reissued to a vehicle owned by the same person or an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child or sibling). This requires completion of the Application for plate remake/transfer (Form E45) - PDF.
State series plates will be destroyed unless retention is requested at the time of surrendering.
Confiscated or seized plates
If your plates were confiscated by a police officer, they’ll tell you where the plates will be taken. If you’ve not been advised, you will need to contact the WA Police directly.
If your plates were seized by the Sheriff due to outstanding debts, they will be held at the Central Law Courts, 501 Hay St Perth, until the debt has been paid.
If the number plates aren’t collected within 28 days of paying the debt, the Sheriff will return the number plates to the City West Perth Service Centre where you’ll have a further 90 days to have the plates reissued.
Moving retained plates from one DTMI service centre to another
If you have number plates retained at a DTMI service centre or regional agent you can have the plates transferred to another DTMI service centre or regional agent at your request. Call 13 11 56 to arrange this.
Transferring or swapping state series plates
State series plates may be swapped:
- between 2 vehicles owned by the same person
- to a vehicle owned by an 'immediate' family member.
The Application for plate remake/transfer (Form E45) - PDF must be completed if the plates are to be transferred to a vehicle licensed in the name of an 'immediate' family member. Fees are applicable (see Plate fees).
Refer to Sell or transfer plates.
Fitting plates to your vehicle
Screws aren’t supplied with plates issued by DTMI.
Standard plates are made of aluminium and have different dimensions.
- Motor vehicle plate 372 mm x 134 mm.
- Motorcycle plate:
- Full-size plate 254 mm x 100 mm.
- Small plate 190 mm x 100 mm.
- Auxiliary plate 253 mm x 99 mm.
Once you’ve ordered optional plates and your application has been approved, the plates will be sent to your nominated collection site. Plates will not be handed over unless they can be attached to a licensed vehicle at the time of collection. If this isn’t possible, they will be retained at a DTMI service centre or regional agent until the vehicle is ready.
Why number plates matter
WA number plates are used to identify licensed vehicles. If you’re responsible for a vehicle, it’s your responsibility that the plates are properly attached and clearly visible, following the rules in the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014.
WA number plates mustn’t be used for decorative purposes or kept for sentimental reasons. If your plates are no longer in use, they must be returned to DTMI. If you don’t return them, you could be fined.
Using a bike rack or mobility device?
YIf your vehicle has a bike rack or wheelchair carrier that blocks the view of your rear number plate, you’ll need to buy and attach an auxiliary plate. Refer to Auxiliary plates.
Lost, stolen or damaged plates?
If your vehicle's number plates are lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need to follow the standard replacement procedure. Refer to Replace lost/stolen or damaged number plates.