The French registration plate system changed during 2009. Prior to this the plates followed a general scheme, which came into force in 1950. The system operated in two formats; either four digits followed by two letters with a suffixed two digit registration code, known as a departement identifier or three numbers followed by three letters, with a suffixed two digit departement identifier. There were, however, some exceptions to this format, for example Corsica, which had a departement identifier of 2A or 2B.

Vehicle owners who relocated to another departement had to re-register their vehicle and there was an annual tax, known as vignette, with fees that varied depending on the departement. Only corporate vehicles are liable for vignette now, which means that there is no longer a reason for a vehicle’s departement to be displayed. 

The general scheme changed in 2009, when a new design of plate, which follow a similar format to that implemented in Italy in 1994, was introduced. This format consists of two letters followed by three numbers suffixed by two letters. There is no longer a departement identifier, although plates do have a sequential number beneath the regional logo. This information is contained within the mandatory blue strip on the right hand side. The plate is assigned to its vehicle for life and does not transfer with a change of owner or when the owner changes locale.

Previously, front and rear plates had different colour combinations, black on white at front and black on yellow to the rear, but now both plates can be black on white.