In Brief
A bill aiming to authorize paid personalization of license plates was filed in the Senate in April 2025. This measure would draw on European examples, such as Italy and Belgium, where this service already exists and generates substantial tax revenue. In France, personalization today remains very limited to the territorial identifier. If enacted, motorists could opt for a personalized plate at the vehicle’s first registration, subject to modalities and pricing yet to be defined. The proposal must still pass through all stages of the legislative process before taking effect.
License plates could they become fully customizable? This is a bill that has just been filed in the Senate. France could thus find itself in the same boat as its European neighbors.
Should France Follow the Italian Example?
The license plate is the primary means of identifying a vehicle. In France, the numbers and digits are assigned by an official agency. But it could be that not so far into the future, drivers will be able to personalize their plate. This is at least the aim of the Senate bill.
This proposal was filed in April 2025 and would authorize paid personalization. It would preserve the current system while offering an alternative for those who want it.
France would not be the only country to allow personalization of license plates. In fact, many of France’s neighbors already offer this service. This is the case with Italy. Indeed, the government of Giorgia Meloni decided to introduce plate personalization into the 2027 Finance Law. The price is set at 600 euros for a passenger car and 360 euros for a motorcycle. This is a true fiscal tool since 500 € would go to the agency responsible for designing the plates. The remaining 100 € would go to the Italian Ministry of Transport.
A 1,000-Euro Personalization in Belgium!
It is also possible to personalize license plates if you live in the United Kingdom and even in Belgium. For France, currently, no personalization is possible at the motorist level. The only exception to the rule concerns the territorial identifier. It is possible to modify the department number and the logo on your plate.
But the Senate-backed proposal could add this possibility. The project aims to authorize personalization but only during the first registration of a vehicle. No details have been presented regarding the modalities, the elements that can be personalized, or the price.
If in Italy you would pay 600 euros, know that in Belgium the price is set at 1,000 euros. If the government approves this measure, it would largely be to generate additional revenue to bolster public finances. Before landing in law, this proposal must complete the entire parliamentary journey.
Note that at the time of writing these lines, the project has not yet been debated in a public Senate session. French motorists still have a little time ahead.
Comparative Table
| Country | Personalization Allowed | Car Price | Motorcycle Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | No (bill in progress) | Not defined | Not defined |
| Italy | Yes (coming in 2027) | 600 € | 360 € |
| Belgium | Yes | 1,000 € | Not specified |
| United Kingdom | Yes | Not specified | Not specified |
Key Takeaways
- A Senate bill contemplates paid personalization of license plates in France.
- Currently, only modification of the territorial identifier is permitted in France.
- Italy, Belgium and the United Kingdom already offer this service, with prices in Belgium reaching up to 1,000 euros.
- Personalization would be possible only at the first registration of the vehicle.
- The bill aims to boost tax revenue, but its adoption remains uncertain at this stage.
- The text has not yet been discussed in a public Senate session.
FAQ
Is license plate personalization possible in France?
At present, only the modification of the territorial identifier is permitted. The rest of the plate is not customizable in France.
What price for a personalized plate in Italy?
In Italy, the law provides for a price of 600 euros for a passenger car and 360 euros for a motorcycle.
Why does France want to authorize plate personalization?
The project aims primarily to generate additional revenue for public finances.
Which European countries already offer personalization?
Italy, Belgium and the United Kingdom already permit license plate personalization.
Is license plate personalization law already in effect in France?
No, this is a bill that has not yet been discussed in a public Senate session.
