Understanding how they are formed regional codes The license plates are a basic skill for any driver who travels frequently on the roads of Ukraine. It is not just a way to identify a car, but also an important navigation element that allows you to instantly determine which area the vehicle comes from. In the context of constantly changing legislation and migration processes, knowledge of current codes becomes even more relevant.
The coding system of the areas has undergone changes, and on the roads you can find both old samples with two-letter codes, and new ones introduced in recent years. State migration service and MIA Service Centers strictly monitor the compliance of the issued numbers with the established standards. It is important to be able to distinguish legitimizing signs from fake or erroneous ones, which can save you from unnecessary problems with law enforcement.
In this article we will discuss in detail the principle of distribution of codes, the current table of regions for 2026, and also touch upon the nuances of registration of cars brought from other regions. You will learn why sometimes the car is registered at the place of residence of the owner and what restrictions exist.
Principle of formation and structure of the license plate
Standard license plate of Ukraine consists of several key elements, each of which carries a certain semantic load. The basis is a combination of letters and numbers, followed by a two-digit region code. Area code - these are the two digits that are located on the right side of the number under the flag of Ukraine and the abbreviation UA.
The digital designation allows you to quickly identify the territorial affiliation of the vehicle. For example, code 01 or 02 is traditionally assigned to the capital, while other digits correspond to specific areas. When registering a vehicle in MIA Service Centre A number corresponding to the code of the area where the registration office is located is assigned.
⚠️ Attention: Attempting to change the registration area without actually moving or having a legitimate reason (e.g. temporary registration) may result in the cancellation of the vehicle’s credentials.
It is important to note that the number structure remains uniform across the country, making it easier for automated recognition systems to operate. Violation cameras not only read the number itself, but also check its format, including the correctness of the regional code. Errors in application or code discrepancy with real data in the database can cause the vehicle to stop for verification.
Before buying a car, be sure to check the region code on the numbers with the data in the technical passport - they must match if the car was not removed from the register for distillation.
Current table of codes of regions of Ukraine
For ease of perception and quick search of the necessary information, below is a complete table of compliance of digital codes to the regions of Ukraine. The data is up to date for 2026 and covers all administrative units, including cities with special status.
| Code. | Region (Region/City) | Administrative centre |
|---|---|---|
| 01, 02 | d. Kiev | Kiev |
| 03-09, 71 | Kiev region | Kiev |
| 10-14 | Vinnytsia region | Vinnitsa |
| 15-19 | Zhytomyr region | Zhytomyr |
| 20-24 | Transcarpathian region | uzhgorod |
| 25-29 | Zaporizhia region | Zaporizhia |
The continuation of the code list covers the central, eastern and southern regions of the country. It is worth remembering that the distribution of digits within a single region (for example, from 10 to 14 for the Vinnytsia region) allows you to create millions of unique combinations, which is especially important for densely populated areas.
- v Codes 30-39 are reserved for Ivano-Frankivsk region with the center in the city of the same name.
- Dnipropetrovsk region uses the range of 40-49, which reflects the high density of the car fleet of the region.
- Lviv region, as the cultural capital of the West, is coded with numbers 50-59.
Special attention should be paid to the codes for occupied territories or territories where registration is temporarily suspended or postponed. In such cases MIA of UkraineSeparate orders for temporary coding or use of backup series for displaced persons.
Features of registration of cars not at the place of registration
The legislation of Ukraine allows to register a vehicle not only at the place of permanent residence of the owner, but also at the place of actual residence or location of the legal entity. This is flexible, but requires certain procedures. You can get a number with a code of another region if you provide the relevant documents.
For individuals, the main document confirming the right to register in another region is a certificate of residence or a rental agreement, duly certified. Legal entities register cars at the location of their branch or representative office, which often leads to the appearance on the roads of cars with “non-native” codes for the owner.
⚠️ Attention: When selling a car to a new owner, license plates are usually left on the car, including their regional code. Change of numbers is possible only at the request of the owner or if the signs are lost.
The registration process in another region takes standard time, but additional document verification may be required. Service centres have access to a single database, which allows you to quickly verify the data. If you plan to change your place of residence often, you should think about the advisability of permanent re-registration of cars.
y️ Documents for registration in another region
Temporary numbers and transit series
A separate category is temporary registration plates, which are issued for a certain period of time. They are often used for driving a car, participating in exhibitions or in cases where permanent registration is not possible. These numbers have distinctive features and their own region codes.
Temporary numbers can be issued both on a paper basis and in the form of metal plates. Their validity is limited by the period specified in the accompanying documents. Using an expired temporary number is equivalent to driving without registration and entails penalties.
- Temporary numbers are usually valid for 10 days to 1 year, depending on the purpose of issue.
- To obtain a temporary number, it is not necessary to have a full package of documents for permanent registration, but a basic set is mandatory.
- Movement with expired temporary numbers is prohibited and is recorded by automatic fixation cameras.
Transit numbers also have their own encoding system. They allow the vehicle to be transported across the border or within the country to the place of permanent registration. It is important not to confuse them with ordinary temporary signs, as the rules of their use may differ.
What to do if you lose your temporary number?
In case of loss of a temporary license plate, you must immediately contact the nearest Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with a statement of loss. You will be given a duplicate or a new number, but for this you will have to pay the state duty and the cost of manufacturing a duplicate. Driving without numbers, even with a certificate of loss, is prohibited.
Diplomatic and special series of rooms
On the roads of Ukraine you can find cars with numbers that differ from the standard civilian series. These are diplomatic corps, consular offices, as well as transport of international organizations. Their region codes have been replaced by special prefixes.
Diplomatic numbers begin with a letter. DDThe digits are followed by the figures indicating the country or organization that the car represents. Consular offices use prefix CC. These signs give their owners a certain immunity, but do not exempt from compliance with traffic rules in terms of traffic safety.
In addition, there are special series for government agencies, police and other services. They can have a shortened format or color schemes. An ordinary driver should know that to give way to such cars is necessary only if they perform a service task with special signals on.
Diplomatic numbers (DD) and consular numbers (CC) are not tied to the geographical regions of Ukraine, but encode the affiliation to a foreign state or an international mission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I leave my old room when I move to another area?
Yes, when moving to another area, you have the right to leave the old license plates with the code of the previous region. The law does not require changing the numbers when changing the place of residence, if the signs are in good condition and readable. The number changes are made only at the request of the owner or in case of their loss / damage.
What does the 99 code mean on the number?
Code 99, like other backup codes, can be assigned to specific areas when the main range of numbers is exhausted, or used for special purposes. The exact allocation of reserve codes is determined by the orders of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and may change. The main codes of the areas are currently covered in the table above.
Should I change my insurance when changing the car registration area?
No, the compulsory insurance policy (CSAGO) is valid throughout Ukraine, regardless of the region code on the license plate. However, when changing the place of permanent residence (residence) of the owner, it is recommended to notify the insurance company to update the data, although there is no legal need to replace the policy only because of the region code.
How to check if the car is stolen by the region code?
The region code itself does not indicate theft. To check the car, you need to use official services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or applications, where complete license plate data and VIN code are entered. There are databases available online that show the status of the car, the presence of fines and restrictions.
Can there be a number without the flag of Ukraine?
According to the current legislation, all standard license plates must contain the image of the flag of Ukraine and the country code UA. The absence of these elements (except for special series such as diplomatic or old designs valid until the expiration date) renders the license plate invalid. Driving with such signs is prohibited.