Vehicle registration plates of Ontario
The Canadian province of Ontario first required its residents to register their motor vehicles in 1903. Registrants provided their own licence plates for display until 1911, when the province began to issue plates. Plates are currently issued by the Ministry of Transportation. The location of plates is specified by the Highway Traffic Act and Regulation 628 under the Act.
The Crown
The symbol of a crown representing the Crown of Canada has appeared on almost all Ontario licence plates since 1937, when it was first used to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Exceptions to this included a series of licence plates issued from 1951 to 1952, due to metal shortages from the Korean War; and a series of farm plates issued in the 1980s and 1990s.Toronto politician and Orange Order leader Leslie Saunders led protests against a proposal to remove the crown in 1948, a decision the government overturned.
Passenger baseplates
1911 to 1972
In 1956, Canada, the United States, and Mexico came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for licence plates for vehicles at in height by in width, with standardized mounting holes. The 1954 issue was the first Ontario licence plate that complied with these standards.| Image | Dates issued | Design | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1911 | White serial on blue porcelain plate; vertical "ONT." and "1911" at left and right respectively | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 11500 | ||
| 1912 | Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1912" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 16500 | ||
| 1913 | Black serial on yellow flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1913" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 24000 | ||
| 1914 | Black serial on tan flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1914" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 33000 | ||
| 1915 | Dark blue serial on light green flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1915" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 43000 | ||
| 1916 | Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1916" at left | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 64000 | ||
| 1917 | Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1917" at right | none | 12345 | 1 to approximately 78000 | ||
| 1918 | Dark blue serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1918" at left | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 107000 | ||
| 1919 | Black serial on golden yellow flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1919" at left | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 133000 | ||
| 1920 | Dark green serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1920" at left | none | 123456 | 1 to approximately 162000 | ||
| 1921 | Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 21" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 184–000 | First embossed plate. | |
| 1922 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONT 22" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 216–000 | ||
| 1923 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONT–1923" at bottom | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 260–000 | ||
| 1924 | Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate; "ONT–1924" at bottom | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 313–000 | ||
| 1925 | Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 25" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 309–000 | ||
| 1926 | Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONT 26" at left | none | 123-456 | 1 to approximately 415–000 | ||
| 1927 | Embossed black serial on buff plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1927" at bottom | none | 123·456 | 1 to approximately 437·000 | First use of the full province name. | |
| 1928 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1928" at bottom | none | 123·456 | 1 to approximately 446·000 | ||
| 1929 | Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1929" at bottom | none | 123·456 | 1 to approximately 477·000 | ||
| 1930 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1930" at bottom | none | A-1234 | A-1 to Z-9999 | Letters G, I and Q not used in serials. | |
| 1930 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1930" at bottom | none | AB-123 | AA-1 to approximately PV-999 | Letters G, I and Q not used in serials. | |
| 1931 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1931" at top | none | A·1234 | A·1 to Z·9999 | ||
| 1931 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1931" at top | none | AB·123 | AA·1 to approximately OT·999 | ||
| 1932 | Embossed black serial on grey plate; "ONTARIO 1932" at top | none | A·1234 | A·1 to Z·9999 | ||
| 1932 | Embossed black serial on grey plate; "ONTARIO 1932" at top | none | AB·123 | AA·1 to approximately OB·999 | ||
| 1933 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1933" at top | none | A·1234 | A·1 to Z·9999 | ||
| 1933 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1933" at top | none | AB·123 | AA·1 to approximately MZ·999 | ||
| 1934 | Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO 1934" at top | none | A·1234 | A·1 to Z·9999 | ||
| 1934 | Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO 1934" at top | none | AB·123 | AA·1 to approximately NA·999 | ||
| 1935 | Embossed black serial on orange plate; "19 ONTARIO 35" at top | none | A·1234 | A·1 to Z·9999 | ||
| 1935 | Embossed black serial on orange plate; "19 ONTARIO 35" at top | none | AB·123 | AA·1 to approximately OK·999 | ||
| 1936 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "19 ONTARIO 36" at bottom | none | A·1234 | A·1 to Z·9999 | ||
| 1936 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "19 ONTARIO 36" at bottom | none | AB·123 | AA·1 to approximately PK·999 | ||
| 1937 | Embossed white serial on red plate; "ONTARIO 1937" centred at top, with crowns to left and right | none | 1·A·234 12·A·34 123·A·4 | First base to feature a crown in any form. | ||
| 1938 | Embossed orange serial on light blue plate; "19", crown and "38" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 | Colours commemorate the Loyal True Blue and Orange Home. | ||
| 1939 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "19", crown and "39" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 | |||
| 1940 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1940" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 | |||
| 1941 | Embossed green serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1941" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 | |||
| 1942 | Embossed black serial on orange plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1942" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 | |||
| Embossed orange serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1943" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 | Revalidated for 1944 with windshield stickers, due to metal conservation for World War II. | |||
| 1945 | Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1945" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 | |||
| 1946 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1946" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 | |||
| 1947 | Embossed black serial on silver plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1947" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 | |||
| 1948 | Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1948" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 | |||
| 1949 | Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1949" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 1234A | |||
| 1950 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1950" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 1234A | |||
| 1951–52 | Embossed blue serial on white plate; "19–ONTARIO–51" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 1234A AB123 | Revalidated for 1952 with windshield stickers. | ||
| 1953 | Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1953" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 1234A AB123 | |||
| 1954 | Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1954" at top | none | 1A234 12A34 123A4 A1234 1234A AB123 | |||
| 1955 | As 1953 base, but with "1955" to right of crown | none | 123·456 A12·345 | First 6" x 12" plate. | ||
| 1956 | As 1954 base, but with "1956" to right of crown | none | 123·456 A·12345 | |||
| 1957 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1957" at top | none | 123·456 A·12345 | |||
| 1958 | Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1958" at top | none | 123·456 A·12345 | |||
| 1959 | As 1957 base, but with "1959" to right of crown | none | 123·456 A·12345 | |||
| 1960 | As 1958 base, but with "1960" to right of crown | none | 123·456 A·12345 | |||
| 1961 | As 1957 base, but with "1961" to right of crown | none | 123·456 A·12345 | |||
| 1962 | As 1958 base, but with border line, and with "1962" to right of crown | none | 123·456 A·12345 | |||
| 1963 | As 1957 base, but with border line, and with "1963" to right of crown | none | 123·456 A·12345 | |||
| 1964 | As 1958 base, but with border line, and with "1964" to right of crown | none | 123·456 A·12345 | |||
| 1965 | Embossed white serial on blue plate with border line; "ONTARIO", crown and "1965" at top | none | 123·456 A·12345 12345·A | |||
| 1966 | Embossed blue serial on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO", crown and "1966" at top | none | 123·456 A·12345 12345·A | |||
| 1967 | Embossed white serial with crown separator on blue plate with border line; "19 ONTARIO 67" at top | "18 CONFEDERATION 67" at bottom | 123-456 A12-345 123-45A | Issued as part of the Canadian Centennial celebration. | ||
| 1968 | Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "1968" and "ONTARIO" centred at top and bottom respectively | none | 123-456 A12-345 123-45A | |||
| 1969 | Embossed white serial with crown separator on blue plate with border line; "1969" and "ONTARIO" centred at top and bottom respectively | none | 123-456 A12-345 123-45A | |||
| 1970 | As 1968 base, but with "1970" at top | none | 123-456 A12-345 123-45A | |||
| 1971 | As 1969 base, but with "1971" at top | none | 123-456 A12-345 123-45A | |||
| 1972 | As 1968 base, but with "1972" at top | none | 123-456 A12-345 123-45A |
1973 to present
After 1973, Ontario ceased to issue plates annually. Instead, validation was indicated by means of stickers affixed to the top right of the rear plate. All Ontario license plates issued since 1973 remain valid for display.In 1973, the "Keep it Beautiful" slogan was introduced to Ontario passenger plates. In 1982, the slogan was changed to "Yours to Discover". The adjustment was made to reflect the province's new tourism campaign.
In April 2019, the Government of Ontario announced that the plates would be redesigned. The plates' design includes a superficial laminate layer manufactured by 3M. The plates have a two-tone blue background with white letters and numbers flanking a stylized white trillium, and no longer embossed. The motto was also changed to "A Place to Grow", taking inspiration from Ontario's unofficial anthem "A Place to Stand, a Place to Grow".
Issue of the new plates began in February 2020. The new plates faced criticism from law enforcement agencies, as their new design made them difficult to read in certain lighting conditions. Concerns were also raised that photo radar systems would have difficulty reading them, due to the lighting issues, as well as the smaller sizing of their "Ontario" text. On February 20, 2020, Premier Doug Ford stated that the government planned to recall the initial batch, and was working with 3M on improvements. However, on May 6, 2020, a spokesperson for Ford announced that the blue plates would be discontinued entirely after "thorough testing by law enforcement and other key stakeholders". The previous white plates were reinstated, with their coating also made more durable, although the blue plates continued to be issued through early-June until their supply was exhausted.
| Image | Dates issued | Design | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right | "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" centred at bottom | ABC-123 | AAA-001 to NKJ-999 | Letters G, I and Q not used in this serial format, and U discontinued after the LMU series. | ||
| 1978–82 | As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right | "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" centred at bottom | ABC-123 | NKK-001 to TMA-999 | ||
| 1982–86 | As above, but with no sticker box | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" centred at bottom | ABC-123 | TMB-001 to ZZZ-999 | Staggered registration introduced 1983, with each plate expiring in the same month as the registrant's birthday. | |
| 1986–94 | As above, but with no sticker box | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" centred at bottom | 123-ABC | 001-AAA to 999-VYH | Letters G, I, Q and U not used in this serial format. | |
| 1994–97 | Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" screened in blue centred at bottom | 123-ABC | 001-VYJ to 999-ZZZ | Narrower serial dies introduced in preparation for ABCD-123 format, and O discontinued after the ZZO series. | |
| 1997–2020 2020–present | Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" screened in blue centred at bottom | CLZZ-999; CPAA-001 to DJVP-046 | Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format. Font had slightly changed from CASA-001 to CATR-999. | ||
| 2008–20 2020–present | Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top | "TANT À DÉCOUVRIR" screened in blue centred at bottom | FAAA-001 to FABF-787 | Alternative issue, introduced in 2008. Certain series were allocated for the French slogan; BCAA, BEAA, BEAD, BEAE, BEAJ, BEAL, BEAM, BEAN, BEAP, BEAS, BSRH, BSRJ, BSRK, BTBE, and BTBF. Exclusive use of 'F' series of serials since April 2019. | ||
| 2020 | White on reflective, two-hue blue with white stylized trillium separator and white crown placed bottom right; "Ontario" screened in white centred at top. Plates are made of synthetic material and are not embossed. | "A PLACE TO GROW" screened in white centred at bottom. | ABCD-123 | CMAA-001 to CMMZ-349 | The initial batch of these plates issued from February 1, 2020, to March 4, 2020, were recalled due to poor visibility at night when illuminated. This design was later scrapped on May 6, 2020. | |
| 2020 | White on reflective, two-hue blue with white stylized trillium separator and white crown placed bottom right; "Ontario" screened in white centred at top. Plates are made of synthetic material and are not embossed. | "EN PLEIN ESSOR" screened in white centred at bottom | ABCD-123 | FAAE-000 to FAAM-000 | Alternative issue. |
Historic vehicles
Historic vehicle licence plates were introduced in 1969 as yearly plates. In 1973, plates switched to permanently issued plates validated with stickers.Vehicles more than 30 years old and substantially unchanged since manufacture may qualify for a "Historic" registration.
Annual fees were much lower, but historic vehicles may not be used as conventional transportation. They legally may only be driven to and from events and parades where the vehicle is on display, to garages for maintenance, and other similar use cases. Annual renewal stickers are affixed to the rear plate, as with passenger vehicles.
Historic plates are not to be confused with year-of-manufacture plates.
| Image | First issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1969 | White on blue plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags. | none | 12 345 | |||
| 1970 | Blue on white plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags. | none | 12 345 | |||
| 1971 | White on blue plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags. | none | 12 345 | |||
| 1972 | Blue on white plate; year centred at top, "ONTARIO" centred at bottom. "HISTORIC" "VEHICLE" screened vertically on left and right sides in red tags. | none | 12 345 | |||
| 1973 | Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right | "HISTORIC VEHICLE" | HVA-123 | |||
| 1978 | As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right | "HISTORIC VEHICLE" | HVA-123 | |||
| 1982 | As above, but with no sticker box | "HISTORIC VEHICLE" | HVA-123 | |||
| 1994 | Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top. "HISTORIC" screened vertically on left side. | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | HVA-123 | |||
| Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top. "HISTORIC" screened vertically on left side. | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 123-HVA | 001-HVA to 999-HVZ | |||
| 2007 | Blue on reflective white with screened crown separator; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top. "HISTORIC" screened vertically on left side. | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 1H2345 | 1H0001 to 8H1165 |
Commercial baseplates
Unlike passenger cars, plate validation stickers for commercial vehicles are placed on the front plate, instead of the rear. This placement is consistent between trucks with visible rear plates, and tractor units where the rear plate is obscured by a trailer. Ontario vehicles registered in the International Registration Plan receive special commercial plates with "PRP" screened vertically at the left.All pickup trucks are legally considered commercial vehicles and thus require commercial plates. However, if used strictly as a passenger vehicle, a truck may be exempt from some conditions imposed on commercial vehicles, indicated by a white or red "PERSONAL USE ONLY" sticker affixed in the top left corner of the front plate.
1916 to 1962
Commercial licence plates were first introduced in 1916.| Image | First issued | Description | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1916 | Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1916" at left | C1234 | |||
| 1917 | Black serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1917" at right | C1234 | |||
| 1918 | Dark blue serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1918" at left | C1234 | |||
| 1919 | Black serial on golden yellow flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1919" at left | C1234 | |||
| 1920 | Dark green serial on white flat metal plate; provincial coat of arms and "ONT 1920" at left | C12345 | |||
| 1921 | Embossed orange serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 21" at left | C1-234 | |||
| 1922 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONT 22" at left | C1-234 | |||
| 1923 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONT–1923" at bottom | C12-345 | |||
| 1924 | Embossed black serial on golden yellow plate; "ONT–1924" at bottom | C12-345 | |||
| 1925 | Embossed yellow serial on black plate with border line; "ONT 25" at left | C12-345 | |||
| 1926 | Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONT 26" at left | C12-345 | |||
| 1927 | Embossed black serial on buff plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1927" at bottom | C12-345 | |||
| 1928 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1928" at bottom | C12-345 | |||
| 1929 | Embossed black serial on grey plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1929" at bottom | C1-234 | |||
| 1930 | Embossed black serial on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO 1930" at bottom | 12-345C | Letter C moved to the end | ||
| 1931 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1931" at top | 12-345C | |||
| 1932 | Embossed black serial on grey plate; "ONTARIO 1932" at top | 12-345C | |||
| 1933 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO 1933" at top | 12345-C | |||
| 1934 | Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO 1934" at top | 12345-C C-12345 | |||
| 1935 | Embossed black serial on orange plate; "19 ONTARIO 35" at top | 12345-C | |||
| 1936 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "19 ONTARIO 36" at top | 12345-C | |||
| 1937 | Embossed white serial on red plate; "ONTARIO 1937" centred at top, with crowns to left and right | 12345-C | |||
| 1938 | Embossed orange serial on light blue plate; "19", crown and "38" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom | 12345C | |||
| 1939 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "19", crown and "39" centred at top; "ONTARIO" centred at bottom | 12345C | |||
| 1940 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1940" at top | 12345C | |||
| 1941 | Embossed green serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1941" at top | 12345C | |||
| 1942 | Embossed black serial on orange plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1942" at top | 12345C | |||
| 1943-44 | Embossed orange serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1943" at top | 12345C C12345 | Revalidated for 1944 with windshield stickers, due to metal conservation for World War II. | ||
| 1945 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1946" at top | 1234C C1234 | |||
| 1946 | Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1945" at top | 12345C C12345 | |||
| 1947 | Embossed black serial on silver plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1947" at top | 12345C C12345 | |||
| 1948 | Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1948" at top | 12345C C12345 | |||
| 1949 | Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1949" at top | 12345C C12345 | |||
| 1950 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1950" at top | 12345C C12345 12345B | |||
| 1951-52 | Embossed blue serial on white plate; "19–ONTARIO–51" at top | 12345C C12345 12345B | Revalidated for 1952 with windshield stickers. | ||
| 1953 | Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1953" at top | 12345C C12345 12345B | |||
| 1954 | As 1953 base, but with "1955" to right of crown | 12345C C12345 12345B | |||
| 1955 | Embossed blue serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1954" at top | 12-345A 12-345B 12-345C 12-345D | |||
| 1956 | Embossed white serial on blue plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1955" at top | 12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D | |||
| 1957 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1957" at top | 12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D | |||
| 1958 | Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1958" at top | 12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D | |||
| 1959 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1959" at top | 12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D | |||
| 1960 | Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1960" at top | 12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D | |||
| 1961 | Embossed white serial on black plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1961" at top | 12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D | |||
| 1962 | Embossed black serial on white plate; "ONTARIO", crown and "1962" at top | 12345-A 12345-B 12345-C 12345-D |
1963 to 1979
In 1963, Ontario switched to a quarterly system for commercial plates. Plates could be issued on a quarterly basis rather than paying for a full year of registration.1980 to present
In the 1980s, Ontario shifted to plates that were renewed yearly with stickers, ditching the quarterly system.| Image | Dates issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1980–1995 | Black on white with embossed crown separator | none | AB1-234 | AA1-001 to ZD9-999 | Also used for non-passenger personal vehicles. | |
| 1995–1996 | Black on reflective white with screened crown separator | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | AB1-234 | ZE1-001 to ZZ9-999 | On commercial vehicles, licence plate stickers are affixed in the top right of the front plate, as shown in the photo. The top left corner may be used for other stickers relating to vehicle use or taxation. | |
| 1996–2011 | Black on reflective white with screened crown separator | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 123-4AB | 100-1AA to 999-9ZZ | On commercial vehicles, licence plate stickers are affixed in the top right of the front plate, as shown in the photo. The top left corner may be used for other stickers relating to vehicle use or taxation. | |
| 2011–present | Black on reflective white with screened crown separator | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | On commercial vehicles, licence plate stickers are affixed in the top right of the front plate, as shown in the photo. The top left corner may be used for other stickers relating to vehicle use or taxation. | |||
| 2011–present | Black on reflective white with screened crown separator | "TANT À DÉCOUVRIR" | DA-19023 | On commercial vehicles, licence plate stickers are affixed in the top right of the front plate, as shown in the photo. The top left corner may be used for other stickers relating to vehicle use or taxation. | ||
| 2020 | White on reflective, two-hue blue with white stylized trillium separator and white crown placed bottom right | "OPEN FOR BUSINESS" | BF-10000 | Never released to public due to visibility issues, scrapped. | ||
| 2020 | White on reflective, two-hue blue with white stylized trillium separator and white crown placed bottom right | "OUVERT AUX AFFAIRES" | DB-10000 | - | Never released to public due to visibility issues, scrapped. |
Prorate plates
Used on vehicles registered in the International Registration Plan.| Image | Dates issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1982–1994 | Black on white with embossed crown separator | none | PA1-234 | PA1-001 to PJ7-999 | ||
| 1994–2006 | Black on reflective white with screened crown separator; vertical "PRP" at left | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | PA1-234 | PJ8-001 to PZ9-999 | Switched to new reflective plates. | |
| 2006–2019 | Black on reflective white with screened crown separator; vertical "PRP" at left | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 123-4PA | 100-1PA to 999-9PZ | ||
| 2019–present | Black on reflective white; vertical "PRP" at left | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | PA12345 | PA10001 to PR26520 |
Bus plates
Bus licence plates were first issued in 1973. They followed the quarterly system until 1980, switching in favour of a new permanent plate renewed yearly with stickers.| Image | Dates issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes | Usage |
| 1980–1994 | Black reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black at bottom. | BA1-234 | The plate's colour is changed to black for this design. | All bus types | |||
| 1994–2009 | Black reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top. | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | BA1-234 | BA1-001 to BN9-999 | Plates designated for use on municipal and long distance busses. Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format. | ||
| 2009–present | Black on reflective white with screened crown separator | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 123-4BA | 101-1BF to 482-1BN | Plates designated for use on municipal and long distance busses. Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format. | ||
| 1980–1994 | Black on white with embossed crown separator | none | BP1 234 | BP1 001 to BP1 615 | Plates designated for use on inter-provincial and long-distance coach busses. | ||
| 1994–present | Black on reflective white with screened crown separator | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | BP1 234 | BP2 001 to BP5 349 | Plates designated for use on inter-provincial and long-distance coach busses. Letters G, I, O, Q and U not used in this serial format. |
School bus plates
School bus licence plates were first issued in 1975 under a yearly registration. Unlike regular bus licence plates, these plates expired in June at the end of the school year. In 1980, these yearly issued plates were phased out for permanent plates revalidated with stickers annually.| Image | Dates issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1980–1994 | Black on white; "ONTARIO" on bottom | none | SA1-234 | Plates no longer issued yearly. Letters A, B, C, D, E, F, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y and Z are now used in this serial format. However, letters G, I, O, Q and U are not used in this serial format. | ||
| 1994–present | Black relfective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" in black screen in bottom | SA1-234 | SA1-001 to SJ9-168 | Letters G, I, O, Q and U are not used in this serial format. Switched to reflective plate |
Farm plates
Farm plates were introduced in 1978 using the quarterly system. In 1980, the plates were switched to permanent plates revalidated with stickers.Vehicles over 3000 kg owned by farmers and used for farm-related purposes, such as working the soil, building maintenance, and the transportation of farm products, may qualify for a farm plate. Farm-plated trucks and towed trailers may also be used by a farmer for personal transportation.
To qualify, a farmer must meet a series of criteria, including membership in farming organisations and a minimum amount of income that derives from farming. Fees for farm plates are substantially lower than for passenger or commercial plates. The Highway Traffic Act also exempts farm vehicles from several requirements imposed on commercial vehicles.
Farm plates are black on white with a black crown separator, in a pattern similar to commercial plates. They have the word "FARM" written vertically on the left of the plate. Validation stickers are the same as for other vehicles, and are affixed to the front plate, as with commercial plates.
| Image | First issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1980 | Black on white; "ONTARIO" on bottom. "FARM" screened vertically on right side. | none | FA1234 | Switched to permanent baseplates, renewed annually with validation stickers. | ||
| 1982 | Black on white; "ONTARIO" on bottom. "FARM" screened vertically on left side. | none | FA1234 | "FARM" moved to left side. | ||
| 1994 | Black reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" in black screen in bottom | FA1-234 | Introduction of reflective plates. | ||
| 2003 | Black reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in black on top | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" in black screen in bottom | 123-4FA | 100-1FA to 955-8FY |
Trailer plates
All trailers in Ontario are considered separate vehicles and must have a permit and be plated. New owners of a trailer must register with the MTO within six days of purchase. They are then issued with a permit and a plate. Trailer plates are not renewed annually, but may be replaced if lost, damaged or stolen. Plates are affixed to the rear of the trailer. There is no front plate.All trailers, whether used by commercial operators or others, use a same model plate. Plates are blue on white with crown separator, in a pattern and colour similar to that of passenger vehicles, with the word "TRAILER" written vertically on the left of the plate. However, they do not follow the same numbering system as other vehicles.
1921 to 1973
Trailer plates were first introduced in 1921. Plates issued from 1921 to 1929 had the letter T at the front. In 1930, the letter T was moved to the end of the number. A quarterly system was introduced for trailers starting in 1963.| Image | Dates issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1934 | Embossed black serial ; "ONTARIO" at top with year | none | 12345·T | Trailer text vertically on left side | ||
| 1935 | Embossed black serial ; "ONTARIO" at top with year | none | 12345·T | Trailer text vertically on left side | ||
| 1936 | Embossed dark yellow serial ; "ONTARIO" at bottom with year | none | 12345·T | Trailer text vertically on left side | ||
| 1937 | Embossed white serial ; "ONTARIO" at top with year | none | 12345·T | Trailer text vertically on left side | ||
| 1943 | Embossed dark yellow serial ; "ONTARIO" at bottom with year | none | 12345·T | |||
| 1944 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centred and year at the top right. | none | 12345·T | |||
| 1947 | Embossed black serial on white plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centred and year at the top right. | none | 12345·T | |||
| 1952 | Embossed black serial on yellow plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centred and year at the top right. | none | 12345·T | |||
| 1953 | Embossed white serial on blue plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centred and year at the top right. | none | 12345·T | |||
| 1955 | Embossed white serial on blue plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centred and year at the top right. | none | 12·345T | |||
| 1956 | Embossed blue serial on white plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centred and year at the top right. | none | 12345·T | |||
| 1959 | Embossed white serial on black plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centred and year at the top right. | none | T·12345 | |||
| 1962 | Embossed black serial on white plate ; "ONTARIO" at top left with crown centred and year at the top right. | none | 12345·T |
1973 to present
By 1973, the quarterly system was phased out in favour of a semi-permanent plate validated each year with an annual sticker. As of 1980, trailer plates no longer require yearly validation stickers, rather a one time fee.| Image | First issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1973–79 | Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top; "73" at bottom left and full sticker box at bottom right | "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" | 123-45A | 10-01Z to 397-61N | Serials issued in reverse | |
| 1979–80 | As above, but without "73", and with partial sticker box at bottom right | "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" | 123-45A | 700-97N - 586-49L | Letter M not used. | |
| 1980–84 | Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white reflective plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top and "TRAILER" at bottom. | "TRAILER" | 123-45A | 10-01A - 412-51K | First issue of permanent trailer plates. Reflective plates from Quebec. | |
| 1984–86 | Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white reflective plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top and "TRAILER" at bottom. | "TRAILER" | 123-45A | 604-92K - 999-99M | Introduction of reflective plates from ALCAN. Letter L not used. | |
| 1986 | Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white reflective plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top and "TRAILER" at bottom. | "TRAILER" | 123-45A | A10-001 - A16-827 | ||
| 1986–94 | Embossed blue serial with crown separator on white plate with border line; "ONTARIO" centred at top and "TRAILER" at bottom. | "TRAILER" | A12-345 | A68-592 - M98-192 | Switched back to painted plates due to issues with ALCAN reflective plates. | |
| 1994–2002 | Blue on reflective white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top and vertical trailer text on the left side. | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | A12-345 | N40-861 to Z99-999 | Trailer text moved back to the left side vertically. | |
| 2002–2025 | Blue on reflective white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top and vertical trailer text on the left side. | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | A12-34B | A10-01A to Z99-99Z | ||
| 2025–present | Blue on reflective white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top and vertical trailer text on the left side. | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | AB1-23C | AA0-01A to AD2-54K |
Motorcycle vehicle plates
Motorcycle plates were first issued in 1911. Issued yearly until 1980 when they switched to yearly renewal with validation stickers.Off-road vehicle plates
These licence plates are issued to ATVs and other vehicles for off roading uses.| Image | First issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1984 | Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top | none | 123AB | 001AA to 999ZZ | Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario. | |
| Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top | none | AB123 | AA001 to P???? | Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario. | ||
| 1994 | Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top | none | AB123 | P???? to ZZ999 | Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario. | |
| 2002 | Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top | none | 12AB3 | 11AA1 to 99ZZ9 | Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario. | |
| 2013 | Green on reflective white; "ONT" screened in green on top | none | 1AB23 | 1AA11 to 4J26H | Used occasionally; "ONT" stands for Ontario. |
Snowmobile plates
Unlike all Ontario licence plates — which were changed to reflective plates in 1994 — the snowmobile plates remain non-reflective.| Image | Dates issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1970 | Green on white; "ONT" screened on top | none | AB123 | |||
| 1972 | As above, but yellow on blue | none | AB123 | |||
| 1973 | Green on white; "ONT" screened on top | none | AB123 | |||
| 1974 | As 1970, 1973 and 1975, but inverted to white on green | none | AB123 | |||
| 1975 | Green on white; "ONT" screened on top | none | AB123 | |||
| 1999 | Blue on white; "ONTARIO" in the Helvetica Bold font screened on top | none | 123456 | |||
| 2009 | Blue on white; "ONTARIO" in the Helvetica Bold font screened on top | none | 0AA000 | Serial format switched back to two-letter format after 999999 series. |
Dual purpose plates
Dual purpose license plates were first introduced in 1927. They were issued to vehicles that could be used for both personal and commercial purposes. Vehicles such as RV's, station wagons & motor-homes. They were noted by the X prefix. However, these plates were discontinued in 1973 and are no longer issued.Diplomatic plates
In Ontario, diplomatic plates were first issued in the 1950s. The first red licence plate was issued in 1959. Yearly plates were issued until 1986, when permanent plates renewed with stickers were introduced the following year. The ABC-123 serial format began in 1973.The current design is a white serial on red plate, using the 123-ABC serial format. "YOURS TO DISCOVER" is screened at the bottom. The red plate colour is exclusive to diplomatic plates.
Any foreign representatives and their accredited family members are required to obtain special red diplomatic licence plates when registering passenger vehicles within 30 days of taking up residence in the province. This rule does not apply to the registration of motorcycles.
These plates are most commonly found in Ottawa and Toronto where embassies and foreign government operations are located.
| Image | First issued | Description | Slogan | Type | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1994 | White on reflective red with crown separator. | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | Diplomatic | 123-CDA | 101-CDA to 065-CDX | Ontario plates do not bear indications of the mission. Low numbers assigned to heads of missions. | |
| 1994 | White on reflective red with crown separator. | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | Consulate | 123-CCA | 101-CCA to 609-CCD | ||
| 1994 | White on reflective red with crown separator. | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | Embassy Staff | 123-XTR | 101-XTR to 969-XTW | Reserved for non-diplomat embassy staff. | |
| 1994 | White on reflective red with crown separator. | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | External Organization | 123-XOR | 101-XOR to 205-XOR | Issued to envoys without diplomatic recognition. |
Dealer and service licence plates
In Ontario, motor vehicle dealers licensed under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act use a single portable plate with the word "DEALER" on the left side and red alpha-numeric characters on a white background. It is for exclusive use by motor vehicle dealers only on motor vehicles owned as part of the dealer's inventory of vehicles for sale. It may also be used for private use vehicles that are owned as part of the dealer's inventory of vehicles for sale.Service providers, including anyone who repairs, customizes, modifies, manufactures or transports motor vehicles or trailers use yellow and black DLR series plates.
A service plate may be used:
- on a trailer or motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or motor-assisted bicycle for purposes related to the repair, road testing, customization or modification of the vehicle, if the vehicle is in the possession of the person to whom the service plate is issued, or
- for the purpose of transporting the vehicle by a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles, or
- for purposes related to the manufacturing or sale of a trailer, or
- for the purpose of towing the vehicle by a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles, or
- to tow a vehicle to a location where its load will be removed or to an impound facility.
| Image | First issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1994 | Black on yellow background, with crown separator. | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 123-DAB | 001-DAA to 836-DXL | Removable service plate. Before 2007 also used by vehicle dealers. See below. | |
| 2007 | Red stamped identification on a white reflective background. Screened in black: "DEALER" written vertically on the left, crown separator, "ONTARIO" across the top and "Yours to discover". | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 123-DAB | 011-DLA to 909-DTH | Removable plate restricted to car dealers. Introduced in 2007 to differentiate dealer's inventory from vehicles being serviced. See below. Issued singly, to be displayed at the rear of the vehicle. |
Motorcycle dealer plates
Dealer plates for motorcycles have been issued since the 1920s. Very few of these early plates were issued, thus making it a rare plate. The 'M' prefix was featured on all plates before 1973. From 1973 to 1979 they were issued with the 'DL' prefix, with a similar design to regular motorcycle plates. In 1982, the government began issuing permanent plates with yearly registration stickers. Reflective plates were introduced in 1994.The current plate design is a white serial on a light blue plate. These plates are the same size as regular motorcycle plates. The serial format used by these plates is AB123, running from AA001 to AH486
Other non-passenger plates
Medical doctor plates
Medical doctor plates were first introduced in 1930, and are denoted by the letters starting with MD. When all the MDA - MDZ serials had been issued in the late 1990s, new serials using MAA started being issued.| Image | Dates issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1973 | Blue on white; "73" on bottom left and sticker box on bottom right | "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" | MDA-123 | |||
| 1978 | As above, but with no "73" | "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" | MD-123 | |||
| 1982 | As above, but with no sticker box | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | MDA-123 | |||
| 1994 | Blue reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue on top | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 123-MAA | 001-MAA to 205-MAE |
Amateur radio plates
Amateur Radio plates were introduced in 1969 as supplemental plates. In 1976, Ontario permitted the call-sign to be on regular passenger plates, eliminating the small supplemental plates.| Image | First issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1969 | Yellow on black; "RADIO" on top and "AMATEUR" on bottom | none | VE3ABC | |||
| 1976 | Blue on white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue on top | "KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL" | VE3-ABC | |||
| 1983 | As above, but with no "73" | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | VE3ABC | The format switched back to its original format. Returned in 1986. | ||
| 1994 | Blue reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screened in blue on top | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | VE3ABC | Switched to new reflective plate | ||
| 1994 | Blue reflective on white; "ONTARIO" screen in blue on top | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | VA3AB | For 5-digit amateur radio callsigns |
Special event plates
| Image | Date issued | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Notes |
| 1984 | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | Used in the motorcade of Queen Elizabeth II at provincial events during her Royal Visit of 1984 | |||
| 1984 | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | Used during the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ontario during the Papal Visit of 1984 | |||
| 1989 | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | Commemorative plates to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the QEW highway. Plates used by police. | |||
| 1991 | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | Given to MTO employees in celebration of the agency's 75th anniversary. | |||
| 2000 | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | Plates for the CCMTA Conference 2000 | |||
| 2002 | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | Used in the Queen's motorcade during the 2002 Royal Jubilee Visit to Ontario. | |||
| 2010 | 'none' | G20 Summit Special plates used in Toronto | |||
| 2016 | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | Given to MTO employees in celebration of the agency's 100th anniversary. |
Vanity licence plates
Along with regular series plates, the province also offers vanity plates for passenger and commercial vehicles. A personalized licence plate message may contain almost any combination of letters and numbers from two to eight characters. The plates can also include one of 60 different graphics, with two to six characters. Available graphics have changed over the years, with some becoming available, while others have been withdrawn or modified. Owners selecting a graphic but no custom message are generally assigned a registration with a 12XY34 pattern, where the XY is a code indicating the design.The province reserves the right to refuse or withdraw plates for a variety of reasons, including:
- Sexual messages
- Abusive, obscene language and derogatory slang
- Promotion or denunciation of religion and religious figures
- Promotion of use of drugs or alcohol
- Messages relating to politics, political figures, negative statements on institutions and persons, public personalities, or police badge numbers
- Advocating or promoting violence or crime
- Any discriminatory statement
- Ambiguous or confusing numbers, or which may be mistaken for another existing plate
- Messages which may infringe on copyright and intellectual property
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 brought renewed attention to the work of the Personalized License Plate Review Committee as it rejected personalized plates based on this theme.
The ownership of plates with graphic elements associated with particular groups, such as veterans or firefighters, may be restricted and require proof of eligibility.
Personalized plates with two to five characters are also available for motorcycles.
License plate graphics
Plates with graphics are also available. Graphics first being issued on license plates began in 1996. The variety of graphics includes charities, universities, community organizations and popular Ontario sports teams, such as the Ottawa Senators. All plates offer the French slogan since 2017.| Image | First issued | Type | Category | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1998 | Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation | Arts | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12SQ34 | 1st 2022) | ||
| Breast Cancer Society of Canada | Charity | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12BC34 | ||||
| Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities | Charity | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12JS34 | ||||
| 2007 | Farley Foundation | Charity | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12FF34 | |||
| 2015 | MADD Canada | Charity | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12MD34 | 01MD01 to 03MD88 | ||
| 2009 | St. John Ambulance | Charity | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12SJ34 | |||
| 2007 | 48th Highlanders | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12TH34 | |||
| 2006 | Army Cadet League of Canada | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12AL34 | |||
| 2006 | Association of Canadian Distillers | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12CD34 | 01CD01 to 09CD57 | ||
| 2007 | Canadian Blood Services | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12BL34 | |||
| 1997 | Elmer the Safety Elephant | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12EE34 | |||
| 1998 | Girl Guides of Canada | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12GG34 | 01GG01 to 10GG28 | ||
| 2006 | Governor General's Horse Guards Association | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12HG34 | |||
| Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Canada | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12FM34 | ||||
| 1998 | Grand Lodge of Ontario, Independent Order of Odd Fellows | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12OF34 | |||
| 1998 | Knights of Columbus | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12VJ34 | |||
| 2001 | Lincoln and Welland Regiment Foundation | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12LW34 | |||
| 2006 | Ottawa Valley Adventure Playground | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12AP34 | |||
| 2005 | Queens Own Rifles of Canada | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12QO34 | |||
| 2006 | Queen's York Rangers | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12QR34 | |||
| 1996 | Radio Amateurs of Canada | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12HM34 | |||
| 2005 | Rotary International | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12RI34 | |||
| 2001 | Royal Canadian Legion | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12CL34 | |||
| 2006 | Trillium Gift of Life Network | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12GL34 | Introduced to promote organ donation. | ||
| 2006 | Royal Hamilton Light Infantry | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12CA34 | |||
| 2006 | Royal Regiment of Canada | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12RG34 | 01RG01 to 02RG29 | ||
| 2005 | Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12AD34 | |||
| 1996 | Scouts Canada | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12SC34 | 01SC01 to 11SC61 | ||
| 1996 | Shriners International | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12SR34 | |||
| 2010 | Support Our Troops | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12YR34 | 01YR01 to 21YR66 | Some money from the sale of the Yellow Ribbon plates is donated by the province to the Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund to assist Canadian military veterans. The "yellow ribbon" design is indicated by the "YR" code. | |
| 2006 | Toronto Scottish Regiment | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12TS34 | 01TS01 to 02TS38 | ||
| 2006 | Ducks Unlimited | Environment | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12DU34 | 01DU01 to 14DU05 | ||
| 1998 | Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters | Environment | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12AH34 | |||
| 1998 | Don't Drink and Drive | Government | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12DD34 | |||
| 2010 | Flag of Ontario | Government | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12ON34 | 01ON01 to 03ON53 | ||
| 1996 | Road Safety | Government | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12RS34 | |||
| 1998 | Anishinabek Nation | Heritage / Historical | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12AN34 | 01AN01 to 18AN81 | ||
| 1997 | Canadian Flag | Heritage / Historical | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12CF34 12FC34 | 01CF01 to 99CF99 01FC01 to 11FC60 | ||
| 2005 | Franco-Ontarian Flag | Heritage / Historical | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12FL34 | 01FL01 to 06FL08 | The English slogan plates start at 01FL01 | |
| 2009 | Franco-Ontarian Flag | Heritage / Historical | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "TANT A DECOUVRIR" | 12FL34 | 50FL01 to 64FL14 | The French slogan plates start at 50FL01 | |
| 1996 | Loon | Heritage / Historical | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12LN34 12LM34 | 01LN01 to 99LN99 01LM01 to 61LM13 | ||
| 2006 | Nishnawbe Aski Nation | Heritage / Historical | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12NA34 | 01NA01 to 01NA82 | ||
| 1996 | Trillium | Heritage / Historical | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12TR34 12TL34 | 01TR01 to 99TR99 01TL01 to 40TL37 | ||
| 2013 | United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada | Heritage / Historical | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12UE34 | Last batch of plates were ordered in June 2018. Remaining plates available while supply lasts at ServiceOntario. | ||
| 1996 | Heart | Novelty | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12RH34 | |||
| 1996 | I Heart | Novelty | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12LV34 | |||
| 1998 | Fire Service Society | Professional | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12FD34 12FS34 12FR34 12RF34 | 01FD01 to 99FD99 01FS01 to 99FS99 01FR01 to 99FR99 01RF01 to 10RF60 | ||
| 201X | Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians | Professional | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12ME34 | Plates can be purchased through the OAVT website. | ||
| 2005 | Ontario Paramedic Association | Professional | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12PA34 12EP34 | Changed from PA to EP | ||
| 2008 | Ontario Professional Fire Fighter Association | Professional | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12PF34 | Plates are only available through the OPFFA | ||
| 2011 | Professional Engineers Ontario | Professional | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12PE34 | |||
| 2009 | Equine Canada | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12EC34 | 01EC01 to 07EC41 | ||
| 1996 | Hamilton Tiger-Cats | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12TC34 | 01TC01 to 21TC98 | ||
| 2006 | International Ch’ang-Hon Taekwon-Do Federation | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12TD34 | 01TD01 to 04TD75 | ||
| 1996 | Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12SN34 | 01SN01 to 27SN67 | ||
| 1996 | Ontario Lacrosse Association | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12LX34 | 01LX01 to 14LX35 | ||
| 2014 | Ottawa REDBLACKS | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12RB34 | 01RB01 to 03RB95 | ||
| 1996 | Ottawa Senators | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12SE34 | 01SE01 to 74SE07 | ||
| 1996 | Toronto Argonauts | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12AR34 | 01AR01 to 17AR96 | ||
| 1996 | Toronto Blue Jays | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12JA34 | 01JA01 to 94JA14 | ||
| 1996 | Toronto Maple Leafs | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12ML34 12TO34 12TM34 | 01ML01 to 99ML99 01TO01 to 99TO99 01TM01 to 83TM74 | ||
| 1996 | Toronto Raptors | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12RA34 | 01RA01 to 54RA47 | ||
| 2005 | Lakehead University | Universities / Colleges | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12LU34 | |||
| George Brown College | Universities / Colleges | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12GB34 | ||||
| 1996 | Queen's University | Universities / Colleges | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12QU34 | 01QU01 to 14QU88 | ||
| 1997 | University of Toronto | Universities / Colleges | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12UT34 | |||
| 2001 | University of Waterloo | Universities / Colleges | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12UW34 | Image depicts license plate with both a graphic element and a personalized registration. | ||
| 1996 | Wilfrid Laurier University | Universities / Colleges | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12WL34 |
Discontinued graphics
Certain graphics have been discontinued and are no longer issued. A plate design is considered discontinued once it is no longer offered at ServiceOntario.| Image | First issued | Discontinued | Type | Category | Description | Slogan | Serial format | Serials issued | Notes |
| 1996 | 2002 | Star Trek | Arts / Entertainment | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12ST34 | Discontinued due to licensing issues. | ||
| Cadet Instructor Cadre | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12IV34 | 01IV01 to 03IV30 | ||||
| Canadian Auxiliary Coast Guard | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12CG34 | 01CG01 to 03CG32 | ||||
| 1997 | 2020 | Canadian National Sportsmen's Show | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12NS34 | 01NS01 to 08NS10 | ||
| 2009 | Canadian Snowbird Association | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12CS34 | 01CS01 to 04CS13 | |||
| 2022 | Geocaching | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12GC34 | 01GC01 to 04GC05 | |||
| 1998 | Humane Society | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12HS34 | 01HS01 to 11HS82 | |||
| 2001 | 2018 | Kawartha Lakes | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12KL34 | |||
| 2009 | 2019 | Lions Club | Community Organizations | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12LC34 | 01LC01 to 09LC60 | ||
| 2000 | Millennium | Heritage / Historical | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12MM34 | 01MM01 to 14MM44 | |||
| 2009 | 2012 | Niagara War of 1812 | Heritage / Historical | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12NI34 | |||
| 2005 | 2010 | Ottawa Renegades | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12RR34 | |||
| 2007 | Special Olympics | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12SA34 | ||||
| 1998 | 2005 | Toronto SkyDome | Sports / Recreation | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12SD34 | 01SD01 to 08SD50 | ||
| 1997 | 2007 | King's College | Universities / Colleges | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12KC34 | |||
| 1997 | 2005 | University of Guelph | Universities / Colleges | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12UG34 | 01UG02 to 01UG51 | ||
| 1997 | 2005 | York University | Universities / Colleges | Blue on reflective white with graphic to the left; "ONTARIO" screened in blue centred at top with crown in bottom right | "YOURS TO DISCOVER" | 12YU34 | 04YU25 to 06YU37 |
Manufacturing
Ontario licence plates were formerly manufactured by prison inmates at the Millbrook Correctional Centre in Cavan-Millbrook-North Monaghan. Upon Millbrook's closure in 2003, manufacture was moved to the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay, Ontario. Since 1991, all Ontario plates have been manufactured for the MTO by Trilcor Industries, owned by the province's Ministry of the Solicitor General. From 2017 to 2018, the plates were manufactured by Waldale Manufacturing of Nova Scotia, because Ontario's prison made plates ran out due to the peeling and bubbling in the preceding "B" series. The plates made by Trilcor Industries returned in 2018, to avoid license plate issues with the Nova Scotia license plates.Alternative supplier
In 2016, an increase in the rate of defective plates combined with an increase in the number of registered vehicles led to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation becoming unable to keep up with demand for plates. It placed an order for 100,000 units from the Waldale Irwin Holdson Group, the largest licence plate manufacturer in North America. Plates are produced by the Waldale Manufacturing facility in Amherst, Nova Scotia.Plates from the first batch of 35,000 can be identified due to the use of embossed letters and numbers from Nova Scotia plates, which differ in appearance from Ontarian fonts. The province continues to order supplementary batches of plates from Waldale. Since 2017, the Ontario die set has been in use. These plates are almost identical to those made by Trilcor Industries. The Waldale made plates have squared off edges and smaller bolt holes.
Issues and controversies
Defective plates from 2012
In 2012, reports began to appear of plates deteriorating earlier than otherwise expected. The reflective layers detached themselves from the metal plate, making the plate unreadable. Approximately 1% of licence plates issued have this defect. The defect has appeared in both front and rear plates. Trilcor Industries and the MTO offer a five-year warranty on plates and will replace the defective plates at no cost. Plate replacement for other reasons is done at a cost.Conventional plates can be replaced "over-the-counter" at a licence office, but the complete process for personalized plates takes over six months.
Driving with an illegible plate is an offence punishable by fine, under the Highway Traffic Act.
In 2015, the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services hired Canada's National Research Council to identify the root cause of licence plate de-lamination. The NRC's report indicated that the reflective material adhered poorly to the aluminium plates, and that embossing process stressed the materials to the point that the reflective layer would puncture and de-laminate. At that point, water and other contaminants could slip between the layers. Also, road de-icing materials contributed to the de-lamination. The report found that this problem was present in samples from all types of plates, except for motorcycle plates.
The report recommended that Trilcor work with its supplier of laminating layer to resolve the problem, and indicated that a thicker layer of material would likely perform better.
Illegality of licence plate covers
Many vehicle owners place clear plastic covers over their licence plates to protect their already defective licence plates from premature deterioration. According to Ontario's Highway Traffic Act Section 13.2, licence plate covers are considered an obstruction and are illegal in the province of Ontario. In the rare event that the officer chooses to issue the citation, the offence carries a minimum fine of $85. On the contrary, drivers operating a motor vehicle with defective number plates can be charged with the same offence. This has left defective number plate owners with little choice but to obtain replacement plates from the MTO, orders which have taken months to process.Several motorists sought other solutions to prevent their number plates from deterioration, such as placing the front plate on the dashboard instead of affixing it to the front bumper. Others have omitted the front licence plate altogether since it is not uncommon to see out-of-province vehicles on Ontario roadways. In most cases, vehicle owners who attempted the aforementioned solutions were convicted of the same offence.
Defective plates from 2020
On 15 February 2020, two weeks after the province began issuing plates with the new design, off-duty Kingston Police Sergeant Steve Koopman posted a photo on Twitter showing a vehicle with the new plate at night, stating that "they're virtually unreadable at night". Government spokesperson Lisa Thompson, the Minister of Government and Consumer Services, stated in a news conference that the new design had undergone a "rigorous testing program", that the government had consulted with "key stakeholders" including law enforcement, and that the plates were not problematic. She also criticized the earlier "Liberal plates", referring to a batch of plates issued during a previous government that peeled. Thompson stated that manufacturing and quality control are the responsibility of 3M. The redesigned plates also caused problems for photo radar cameras, which have difficulty reading the name of the jurisdiction. The name is rendered in a smaller font size than earlier plates. The president of the Toronto Police Association stated that the organization had not been consulted on the new design.The Ford Government had insisted for days that there was not an issue with the plates; however, on February 20, it announced that 3M would make an "enhanced licence plate" to be available in less than three weeks. On February 28, the government announced that the distribution of the defective plates would cease on March 4, that the enhanced plates would be ready by March 16 at "no cost to Ontario taxpayers", those who had already been issued the new plates will receive the enhanced version in the mail, and until the enhanced plates were ready, the government switched back to the previous plate design. This design was later scrapped on May 6.