Diplomatic numberplates

UK diplomatic issues comprise three digits identifying the foreign embassy, mission or body, then D (for accredited diplomats) or X (for other personnel), followed by a serial of three digits.

United Kingdom Diplomatic Number Plates

Since number plates were first issued, some people wanted to stand out from the crowd. It may seem strange with threats of terrorism and religious disputes that Diplomats, serving in a foreign country would want their number plate to identify not only where they are from but also their rank (in diplomatic terms), but ambassadors and high commissioners still thrive on their 'vanity' plates that is plates that identify their country.

In the last 20 years Britain has joined many other countries in issuing special number plates to diplomats which identify their country and that they have some form of immunity.

Since 1979 Diplomatic number plates in the United Kingdom have been of a standard size and colour, but with three numerals indicating the Embassy or International Organisation, the letter D for Diplomats, or X for accredited non-diplomatic personnel, and a serial number commencing at 101 for diplomats, 400 for non-diplomatic staff of International Organisations, and 700 for Consular staff.

Since 1990 these plates have been officially issued with two modifications:

1) The numerals (but not the letters) are in a thinner distinctive style.
2) The substrate of the plate is security marked with either DVLA repeated in a wavy line or DVL repeated in a straight line across the bottom.

Since April 1984 the third or subsequent vehicle owned by a diplomat has been allocated a special mark and has been subject to normal taxation, the plates use the letters RXS with a serial number (starting at 21) and the appropriate year letter for the age of the vehicle, these plates remain with the vehicle when it is subsequently sold. RXS was previously issued to Paisley, Scotland, but was not reallocated after reorganisation of the licensing system in 1974.

101 D 101

This would be the first plate issued to the Afghanistan Embassy.

900 X 400

This would be the first plate issued to the Commonwealth Secretariat.

A21 RXS

This would be a third or subsequent vehicle owned by a diplomat. See also..

list of uk diplomatic numberplates