Ukraine has commenced the issuance of new diplomatic license plates characterized by an olive green color. This initiative aims to improve the visibility of diplomatic vehicles and implement modern standards for visual identification.
The structure of the new plates remains straightforward: the first three digits represent the code of the diplomatic institution, followed by an individual vehicle number.
Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that this change signifies more than just a technical update. “Previously, the first diplomatic number was assigned to the aggressor state, Russia. Today, this has been rectified. We are systematically removing Russia from all areas where it still remained. Now, the first number is assigned to diplomats of our key partner. This reflects the current reality without the inertia of the past,” he stated.
Oleksandr Malysh, head of the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, noted that the changes not only pertain to the appearance of the plates but also enhance the accounting and transparency of the procedures involved.
The first new license plates have already been issued to representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in Kyiv.
In recent months, Ukraine has seen several changes related to license plates and vehicle registration. As of April 15, the cost of vehicle towing in Kyiv will increase significantly, with private operators raising the minimum tariff.
Additionally, starting in February 2026, the regional code on license plates will no longer be tied to the owner’s registered address; instead, it will depend solely on the location of the MIA service center.
There are also specific marking rules for vehicles from other countries to facilitate easy recognition of their origin.
Previously, diplomatic license plates featured a white background with red lettering. The coding system, where the first three digits indicated a specific country, had been in place for decades, with code 001 assigned to Russia (initially to the USSR, then to the RF). Following the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian authorities aimed to eliminate any symbolic ties with the aggressor state.
Ukraine has introduced new olive green diplomatic license plates to enhance vehicle recognition and eliminate ties to Russia. The initiative reflects broader changes in vehicle registration and aims for improved transparency in diplomatic vehicle identification.