The scooter identification label: what it looks like, who makes it and where it goes

What is the scooter label and is it compulsory?

When you register your scooter, the DGT (Spain's traffic authority) gives you a registration certificate as a PDF with a number like M 0000 AAA. The identification label is the sticker that carries that number and goes on the scooter: what many people call the scooter's number plate or sticker.

It is compulsory. To be ridden, the scooter must be registered with the DGT, carry the identification label and have third-party liability insurance (Law 5/2025). The DGT doesn't send it: once you have the certificate, you order the label separately.

What does the label look like according to the rules?

Royal Decree 52/2026 describes it in Annex XX. These are its features:

• It is a reflective sticker.
• It shows the registration number in black on a white background.
• Underneath, in a blue strip, it shows the certification number.
• It has security marks.
• It is not made of aluminium and doesn't carry the EU flag. What is made of aluminium is the manufacturer's black plate, which is something else.

The registration number always has the same format: an M, four digits and three letters, with no vowels, Ñ or Q. It runs from M 0001 BBB to M 9999 ZZZ. The model's certification number is the laboratory's letter followed by four digits, for example B1134.

Don't confuse it with the manufacturer's plate

Certified scooters come from the factory with a black plate showing the serial number and the certificate number. That plate doesn't replace the label: the scooter must carry both, and both must be visible.

Who can make the label?

Only authorised number plate manufacturers. The DGT doesn't make it, and neither do ITV inspection stations or workshops.

At NT Cars we are an authorised plate manufacturer: we make the identification plate with your registration number and send it to your home for €15 + €4.95 shipping (order it here).

That's why it's the first thing to ask before you buy one: a label made by someone who isn't authorised doesn't meet the rules, however closely it resembles the one in Annex XX.

Which stickers aren't valid?

Royal Decree 52/2026 prohibits putting on labels that don't meet the rules. So these aren't valid:

• Ones printed at home, even if you copy the design: they don't have the security marks and aren't made by an authorised plate manufacturer.
• Aluminium plates or plates with the EU flag: that's not what the label looks like.
• Ones not made by an authorised plate manufacturer, even if they look like the one in the rules.
• Ones with a number that doesn't match the one on your registration certificate.

Online shops sell labels for €9.95 to €24.99. The price doesn't tell you whether a label is valid: always ask who makes it.

How much does the label cost and where do you order it?

You can order the identification plate (placa identificativa: the identification label the DGT requires, which many people call the scooter's number plate or sticker) from us, for €15 + €4.95 shipping, or from another authorised plate manufacturer. These are the options:

Without a registration number the label can't be made, so if your scooter isn't registered yet, you need to register it first. There are more details about buying it in where to get the scooter label.

Where does the scooter label go?

It depends on whether your scooter is certified. If you don't know, look for the manufacturer's black plate with the certificate number or follow the steps in how to check whether your scooter is approved.

How to stick it on, step by step

1. Check that the number on the label is the same as the one on your registration certificate.
2. Find the right spot: the rear label holder, under the light, if your scooter is certified; somewhere visible if it isn't.
3. Clean and dry the surface thoroughly.
4. Stick the label on, pressing from the centre towards the edges so that no bubbles are left.
5. Check that it's easy to read and that nothing covers it.

What if my scooter doesn't have a label holder?

If it isn't certified, you don't need to buy a holder: just stick the label somewhere visible. If it is certified and you can't find the label holder, look at the back, under the light, and check the manufacturer's manual before sticking it anywhere else.

What do I do if the label gets damaged or I lose it?

Order another one. You must carry it and it has to be visible, so if it peels off, tears or can no longer be read, replace it. The registration number stays the same, so to order it from us all you need is the DGT registration PDF.

If you sell your scooter or buy a used one, bear in mind that the registration number doesn't change when the owner changes. We explain it in second-hand scooter: change of owner step by step.

Frequently asked questions about the scooter label

Does the DGT send the label to your home?

No. The DGT gives you the registration certificate as a PDF with your M number, but it doesn't send the label. Only authorised number plate manufacturers can make it, so you have to order it separately.

Can I print the scooter label at home?

No. It has to be a reflective sticker with security marks made by an authorised number plate manufacturer, and it is prohibited to put on labels that don't meet the rules.

Is the label the same as the scooter's black plate?

No. The black plate is made of aluminium, is fitted at the factory on certified scooters and shows the serial number and the certificate number. The label is a reflective sticker with your registration number. A certified scooter must carry both.

How much does the scooter plate cost?

With us, the identification plate costs €15 + €4.95 shipping and arrives in 3-7 working days. Elsewhere, the OCU puts it at about €20, and online shops sell them for €9.95 to €24.99.

What is the fine for not carrying the label?

Official sources don't give a specific figure for not carrying it. But without registration and a label, the scooter cannot be ridden legally or insured, and the DGT fines riding without insurance at €250 to €800 (€202 to €610 for not having a policy in place). The scooter can also be immobilised.

Where do I put the label if my scooter doesn't have a label holder?

If it isn't certified, somewhere visible. If it is certified, it goes in the rear label holder, under the light: check that area and the manual before sticking it anywhere else. If there is a label holder, never stick it on the stem, the mudguard or the deck.