State (ordinary) plates

Both state and district series plates issued prior to the Brand WA format (blue and white plates) can be remade in any of the below colour combinations; 

• Black on white.
• Black on yellow.
• Brand WA format.

This does not apply to state series number plates issued in the current 'Brand WA' format.

'Brand WA' state series plates can only be remade in the same 'Brand WA' format.

Please refer to Replace lost/stolen number plates for information on how to remake your state series plate.

A person may retain their current state series plates for re-issue on another vehicle by requesting for them to be retained at the time of surrendering.

The plates will be physically retained for 90 days from the date of retention. A fee applies when re-issuing the plates onto another vehicle.

If the plates have not been re-issued within 90 days, they will be destroyed and a remake fee will be payable should you wish to have them re-issued to another vehicle.

An electronic record of retained ownership of the plates will remain until 365 days from the date of retention, unless advised by you that the plates are no longer required or they are issued to a vehicle.

Please note that retained state series plates may only be re-issued onto a vehicle owned by the same person or a member of the owner's immediate family upon completion of an Application for plate remake/transfer (Form E45).

Note:

State series plates will be destroyed unless a person requests for them to be retained at the time of surrendering.

Persons who have number plates retained at a Driver and Vehicle Service Centre or Regional Agent can have the plates transferred to another DVS Centre or Regional Agent at their request. You must telephone the DVS contact centre on 13 11 56 to arrange this.

State series plates may be swapped in the following circumstances:

• Between two vehicles owned by the same person.
• To a vehicle owned by an 'immediate' family member.

You can transfer your state series plates to an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child or sibling). A fee is applicable for this transaction (see Plate fees below).

An application for plate remake/transfer (Form E45) must be completed if the plates are to be transferred to a vehicle licensed in the name of an 'immediate' family member.

See Sell or transfer plates on how to do this.

Screws are not supplied with plates issued by DoT.

Standard plates are made of aluminium and have the following dimensions:

• Motor vehicle plate 372 mm x 134 mm.
• Motorcycle plate 254 mm x 100 mm.
• Auxiliary plate 253 mm x 99 mm.

Optional plates are made of aluminium or acrylic and the sizes of the various plate series can be found by visiting PlatesWA, or on the first page of the Optional Plates Application Form.

If optional plates are ordered and the application approved, the plates will not be released until they can be affixed to a licensed vehicle.

You will need to organise the removal of the old plates and attach the new plates or arrange for them to be fitted by a car dealership or garage.

WA number plates are issued to identify licensed vehicles. If you are responsible for a vehicle, you must ensure that any plate or plates issued are kept rigidly fixed to the vehicle and displayed in line with the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 (WA). WA number plates must not be used for decorative purposes or kept for sentimental reasons. If the plates are no longer in use, they must be returned to the DoT. Failure to do so, may lead to a penalty.

You will need to buy and affix an auxiliary plate if a bike rack or mobility device is attached to your vehicle and obstructs the view of your rear number plate. Refer to auxiliary plates. 

If the existing vehicle number plates have been lost, stolen or damaged then standard replacement processes apply. Refer to Replace lost/stolen or damaged number plates.