license plate

American  

noun

1. a plate or tag, usually of metal, bearing evidence of official registration and permission, as for the use of a motor vehicle.

---

license plate British  

noun

1. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): numberplate.  a plate mounted on the front and back of a motor vehicle bearing the registration number

---

Etymology

Origin of license plate

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

The announcement begins the process of developing a Disney-themed tag and securing approval from the Department of Motor Vehicles to add to its special license plate program.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

The app, known as Enhanced Leads Identification and Targeting for Enforcement, or ELITE, lets officers research and track individuals based on criminal history, license plate searches, name, date of birth or locations.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Neighborhood doorbell cameras, Flock license plate readers and hyperlocal social media sites like Nextdoor create a crowdsourced record of all people’s movements in public spaces.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

Surveillance cameras and license plate readers are commonly used by investigators and have rarely been challenged.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

OK, so she was furious and even threatened to call the Las Vegas police and report my friend’s license plate number.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers