Inklingo

How to Say "license plate" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “license plate” is “matrícula” — use 'matrícula' when referring to the official, physical license plate attached to a vehicle, especially in Spain and some other regions.

English → Spanish

matrícula

nounB1general
Use 'matrícula' when referring to the official, physical license plate attached to a vehicle, especially in Spain and some other regions.

Examples

Anoté la matrícula del coche sospechoso.

I noted the license plate of the suspicious car.

placa

PLAH-kahˈplaka

nounA2general
Use 'placa' as a general and widely understood term for a vehicle's license plate, common in many Latin American countries and also acceptable in Spain.
A rectangular, brightly colored license plate attached to the rear bumper of a simplified car.

Examples

Necesito una placa nueva para mi motocicleta.

I need a new license plate for my motorcycle.

¿Dónde está la placa trasera de tu coche?

Where is your car's back license plate?

El policía me pidió ver mi licencia y la placa del vehículo.

The police officer asked me to see my license and the vehicle's plate.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'placa' ends in 'a,' remember it is a feminine noun, so you use 'la placa' or 'una placa'.

patente

pah-TEN-tehpaˈtente

nounB1general
Use 'patente' when referring to the license plate, but be aware it can also mean 'patent' (for an invention) and is often used in contexts related to vehicle registration fees or taxes, particularly in countries like Argentina.
The rear view of a blue car showing a rectangular identification plate on the bumper.

Examples

El pago de la patente de mi coche vence pronto.

My car's license plate tax payment is due soon.

Tengo que pagar la patente de mi auto antes de fin de mes.

I have to pay my car tax before the end of the month.

El testigo no pudo ver el número de la patente.

The witness couldn't see the license plate number.

Matrícula vs. Placa vs. Patente

The most common confusion is between 'matrícula' and 'placa'. While both mean license plate, 'placa' is generally more common and understood across more Spanish-speaking regions, especially in Latin America. 'Patente' is often used more specifically for the associated tax or registration, though it can also refer to the plate itself.

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