Vehicle License Plate Change and Renewal Guide

If you want to change your used vehicle's license plate, or if your current plate is worn and illegible, you can renew it. All you need to do is prepare your documents and start the process at an authorized notary.

License plates serve as a kind of identity card for vehicles. Every vehicle is required to have its own unique license plate. This plate is registered on the vehicle's registration certificate and can only be changed under specific procedures and conditions. You can benefit from these services by obtaining up-to-date information about vehicle license plate replacement and renewal requirements. Furthermore, you can enjoy the pleasure of driving a personalized vehicle by taking advantage of Hedef Filo's custom license plate service for vehicle rentals. Our vehicle license plate replacement and renewal guide makes it easy to access all the information you need.

1.Is Changing a Vehicle License Plate Legal?

The answer to the question "Is changing a vehicle license plate legal?" is yes. Changing a vehicle license plate does not pose any legal problems when done according to legal procedures. License plate changes can be made when purchasing a new vehicle or when the license plate is damaged and unusable. Replacing worn-out license plates is also legal. License plates can also be changed due to changes in legal regulations. License plate renewal and replacement procedures are carried out within certain fees. Reasons such as assembly defects and faulty printing can also necessitate license plate renewal.

2. When Should a License Plate Be Changed or Renewed?

Certain conditions must be met for a vehicle license plate to be renewed or changed. These conditions can be listed as follows:

• When a used vehicle is purchased, the owner may wish to change the license plate. While the old legislation required the use of a license plate suitable for the city where the vehicle will be used, this decision is now left to the owner.
• The license plate may be damaged, broken, or fragmented due to an accident. In this case, a license plate renewal is required by law. It should be kept in mind that traffic fines are imposed for license plates that are difficult to read in traffic, and a license plate change should not be neglected.
• If the license plate becomes difficult to read due to reasons such as fading, scratches, or cracks after long-term use, the owner can renew the vehicle license plate.
• If the license plate was installed incorrectly, or if covering substances such as paint have gotten on the license plate, the vehicle license plate needs to be renewed.
• Changes in legal regulations may also make a license plate change mandatory.

3. Where and How to Change and Renew Vehicle License Plates?

According to the decree published in the Official Gazette on January 6, 2017, vehicle license plate changes and renewals can be done through the Turkish Notaries Union. Therefore, the answer to the question of where to get a license plate is through notaries. Vehicle license plate changes must be done by the registered owner. If the vehicle owner cannot come for any reason, their legal representative can manage the process. Regardless of whether it is a license plate renewal or change, you need to start the process through a notary. The steps you need to follow are as follows:

• If you are changing the license plate of a newly purchased vehicle, you need to inform the notary.
• A sales document is prepared, and the process of determining the new license plate begins. The document with the new license plate is prepared by the notary and given to the vehicle owner. The new license plate is also registered on the vehicle registration certificate.
• Afterwards, you go to the license plate printing center with the instructions of the nearest chamber registered with the Turkish Drivers and Automobile Owners Federation. The new license plates are printed there.
• The vehicle owner is responsible for covering the license plate renewal fee and the license plate printing cost.

4. Documents Required for License Plate Renewal

The documents you need to have ready when going to the notary for vehicle license plate renewal and replacement are as follows:

• New registration holder's identity card
• Old vehicle documents and license plate
• Document proving that the vehicle inspection has been carried out
• Mandatory traffic insurance policy
• Vehicle sales document obtained from the notary

5. In Which Cases Cannot a License Plate Change Be Made?

Vehicle license plate renewal and plate change permits are applied according to certain rules. Accordingly, the situations that will prevent you from changing your license plate are as follows:

• Having outstanding Motor Vehicle Tax (MTV) debt
• Not having a valid and up-to-date vehicle inspection certificate
• Not having mandatory traffic insurance
• The application to the notary is made by someone other than the registered owner or legal representative

6. How Much Do License Plate Change and Renewal Cost?

According to the current price list for 2025, the cost of changing the license plate through a notary vehicle transfer, including notary fees and taxes, is 2,129 TL. The license plate printing fee is 279 TL for a single plate and 558 TL for two plates.

7. What to Consider When Changing License Plates?

When changing license plates, you must ensure that you have completed all official procedures as specified. The legal period for changing license plates is 30 days following the vehicle purchase or sale. You must apply to a notary for a license plate change within 30 days.

Vehicle license plates are registered on the vehicle registration certificate and are considered official documents. Therefore, you must ensure the accuracy of all information and documents you provide during license plate renewal and replacement procedures. You should not proceed with the license plate change process without meeting conditions such as having no outstanding vehicle tax debt and having a valid traffic insurance policy.

8. Can I Get a Personalized License Plate When Renting a Vehicle?

The availability of a personalized license plate when renting a vehicle varies depending on the service offered by the rental company. Hedef Filo offers personalized license plate services for rental vehicles based on customer requests. Whether you are using annual vehicle rental, commercial vehicle rental, or electric vehicle rental services, simply submit your request for a personalized license plate. The cost of personalized license plates varies depending on the details of the service provided. For the most accurate information, it is necessary to contact a Hedef Filo authorized customer representative.