Ministry of Interior to issue new license plates for newly registered private cars from 1 April 2026

Qatar license plates

The new plates are to be introduced as part of the second phase of the Vehicle Number Plate Replacement Project and will be issued for all newly registered private vehicles from 1 April, 2026.

Unveiled in December 2025, the initiative seeks to consolidate the visual identity of vehicle plates by unifying them according to clearer criteria that will enable modern traffic systems and advanced digital technologies to operate efficiently in supporting this solution: closer integration, visibility and reference for navigation systems powered by satellites, cameras or other high-tech sensors,' said the report.

For stage 2, from 1 statuary April 2026, private vehicles first registered in the vehicle licensing system will be allocated available letters within the numbering sequence — for example Q T R.

The initiative is being carried out in three phases to ensure a smooth transition of motorists on Qatar roads. In phase one, done in December 2025, allocated the letter “Q” to special plate numbers allotted through the Sooum application.

More information on the third phase, which will build on replacing plates via adding letter “Q” for currently registered private cars, will be announced in due course. The exiting plate will still be used for renewal of license or replacement due to damage until then.