Morocco Introduces Significant Changes to Vehicle Registration Plates
The Moroccan Ministry of Transport and Logistics has announced important modifications to the regulations governing the registration of motor vehicles and trailers. These changes, detailed in a recent official decree, allow for the inclusion of Latin letters in the license plate registration numbers within the standard series. This adjustment aims to modernize the vehicle registration process while maintaining the option to continue using the existing license plates until the first transfer of ownership occurs for each vehicle.
Specifically, the decree, numbered 640.26 and dated March 26, 2026, amends a previous regulation established in 2010, which originally governed the registration of motor vehicles and trailers. The new legal text modifies Article 21 of the old decree, stipulating that the second part of the registration number, which represents the registration series, must now consist of one or two Arabic letters in a unified Moroccan script alongside their Latin counterparts. Previously, this section was exclusively composed of Arabic letters.
In addition to the changes mentioned above, the new decree provides for the possibility of submitting a registration certificate request (formerly known as the gray card) or a proof of ownership document by the seller, even in cases where a vehicle is purchased through a Murabaha contract. Moreover, the amendment also extends its scope to light motorbikes and three-wheeled vehicles, thus broadening the types of vehicles covered under the registration regulations.
According to the new legislation, provisions concerning the registration of light motorbikes and three-wheeled vehicles are set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Starting from this date, ownership documents and the corresponding registration plates for light motor vehicles will remain valid until the first transfer of ownership or until a request for a duplicate ownership document is made.
Furthermore, for new motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles acquired in Morocco, applicants will be exempt from providing a copy of the 18 card, which states "sale of new vehicles" for the current year, in the name of the seller who sold the vehicle, up until December 31, 2027. As for existing motor vehicles, the decree allows the continued use of previously issued registration plates until the first transfer of ownership occurs. However, the deadline for using the old registration plates for motor vehicles registered in Morocco and utilized in international traffic is set for December 31, 2026.
As reported by hespress.com.
