Ministry of Interior Launches Vehicle Number Plate Replacement Project

Doha, December 12 (QNA) – The Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced a major national initiative to replace existing vehicle number plates with newly developed plates featuring a modern design that meets international standards and supports smart traffic technologies.

The project was unveiled at a press conference at the Ministry’s headquarters, coinciding with Qatar National Day celebrations. Colonel Dr. Jabr Hamoud Jabr Al Nuaimi, Assistant Director of the Public Relations Department and official MoI spokesperson, said the initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to advancing traffic management and enhancing smart transportation services.

“This national project aims to strengthen the visual identity of vehicle plates and standardize them according to clear and precise criteria, while utilizing advanced digital technologies to support the traffic system,” Colonel Al Nuaimi added. The plan covers all vehicle plate categories as part of a comprehensive numbering system, ensuring sustainability, flexibility, and accommodating future growth in vehicle numbers.

The rollout will begin with private vehicles, initially adding the letter Q to plate numbers, followed sequentially by T and R. The project will be implemented in multiple phases:

• Phase One: Allocation of the letter Q to vehicles obtaining special plate numbers through the Sooum application from 13 to 16 December 2025.
• Phase Two: Installation of new plates for newly registered private vehicles starting 1 April 2026, with letters assigned according to the approved sequence.
• Phase Three: Replacement of plates for all currently licensed private vehicles by adding the letter Q, with timelines to be announced later. Subsequent phases will cover non-private vehicles, adding two letters to their plates.

Until the new plates are implemented, existing plates will continue to be valid for permit renewals or replacement due to damage. Vehicle owners are encouraged to follow official Ministry channels for updates and instructions regarding the phased implementation.

Colonel Ali Hassan Al Kaabi, Assistant Director of the Licensing Affairs Department at the General Directorate of Traffic Staff, described the project as a “new phase in the development of the vehicle license plate system.” He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond design changes, creating a smart and sustainable numbering system that is clearer and easier to read both on the road and electronically.

The system is designed for better integration with smart traffic systems and licensing databases, supporting Qatar’s digital transformation and advancing smart transportation services. From a road safety perspective, the project provides clearer plates compatible with modern monitoring and enforcement systems, addressing urban growth and the rising number of vehicles.

Colonel Al Kaabi added that the project will be implemented gradually and systematically, relying on electronic services to simplify procedures for vehicle owners. A video was also presented, showcasing the new private vehicle plate design and previewing future non-private plates, while highlighting the Sooum application’s mechanism for obtaining distinctive numbers.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Interior’s broader efforts to modernize services, adopt best international practices, and support the country’s vision for safe, efficient, technologically advanced, and future-ready traffic systems.