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Kazakhstan is ushering in a significant change to its vehicle registration system, with new license plates and regional codes set to be implemented starting January 5, 2026. This update will not only allow vehicle owners to select their preferred letter and number combinations but also introduces a standardized numerical system for regional identification.

Understanding the New Vehicle Plate Format

The updated license plates will feature the Kazakh flag and the "KZ" designation on the left side. The main combination will consist of three digits and three Latin letters. Crucially, the regional code, previously indicated by letters, will now be a two-digit number. For example, a plate might read "123 ABC 02," where "02" signifies the Almaty region.

Updated Regional Codes for Kazakhstan

The transition away from letter-based regional codes is part of a broader effort to modernize the system and align with international standards. The new numerical codes are as follows:

Administrative Reforms and New Regions

The list of regional codes reflects administrative changes made in 2022. On May 4, 2022, a presidential decree established three new regions: Abai, Zhetysu, and Ulytau. These changes, effective from June 8, 2022, led to the allocation of new codes for these areas.

The End of Letter-Based Regional Identifiers

Prior to 2012, vehicle registration in Kazakhstan used letter codes to denote regions, a system that persisted from 1993. For instance, 'A' represented Almaty and 'Z' represented Astana. While these older plates are still occasionally seen and remembered by many drivers, they are being phased out. The shift to numerical codes began in 2012 to comply with UN conventions and expand the available combinations, as the older system was projected to be exhausted by 2050.

Customizing Your License Plate

Starting January 5, 2026, drivers will have the option to choose specific letter and number combinations for their plates, beyond just the high-demand numbers. The service for selecting custom combinations will cost 10 MCI (Monthly Calculation Index), which amounts to 43,250 tenge in 2026. However, this does not apply to the most sought-after numbers and identical letter combinations, which will have separate, higher tariffs.

The cost for a standard license plate remains 2.8 MCI, or 12,110 tenge. A set of two plates will cost the same amount. The pricing for desirable combinations varies significantly, with some combinations of numbers and identical letters costing up to 285 MCI (1,232,625 tenge).

Special License Plates in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan also utilizes special license plates for various government and diplomatic entities. These plates often feature distinct colors, formats, and letter combinations:

Replacing Lost or Damaged Plates

If a license plate is lost or damaged, a replacement can be ordered through the State Corporation "Government for Citizens" either offline or online via the eGov portal. The online process involves authorization, selecting the service for a duplicate plate, filling in required fields, paying the fee, and signing the application with an electronic digital signature. For in-person applications at Public Service Centers (PSCs), a personal identification document, proof of payment, and the old plate (if available) are necessary.

The cost for a duplicate plate is 2.8 MCI for a set of two or 1.4 MCI for a single plate. Processing times are up to 5 working days for Astana and Almaty, and up to 15 working days for other regions and Shymkent.

A Brief History of Kazakh Vehicle Plates

Before 1993, Kazakhstan used the numbering standards of the Soviet Union, characterized by black plates with four digits and white letters. Following independence, a new standard was adopted with white plates and black characters, where the first letter indicated the region. A further reform in 2012 introduced the national flag, the "KZ" code, and the two-digit regional code in a separate window, bringing the system closer to its current iteration.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.