The Department of Taxes has announced that, starting next year, they will issue new license plates to motor vehicle owners. These plates will be valid for a period of five years, covering the years 2025 to 2029. Currently, the plates are being manufactured abroad, and they are expected to arrive in December 2024. The exact date when the plates will start being distributed will be announced later.
The new plates will feature a blue background with white numbers and letters. This particular shade of blue has not been used before and is expected to be seen as fresh and attractive by the Aruba community. The new colors have been approved by the Police Corps for better visibility and traffic control during both day and night.
Additional Details
Here are some other important details about the new license plates:
- The blue color will be reflective to ensure better visibility at night.
- The material used will be a thicker aluminum than in previous designs, making the plates more durable and long-lasting.
- The plates will display their validity period: 2025 – 2029.
- Small license plates will no longer be issued, meaning all vehicle owners will only receive full-size plates. The Department is promoting sustainability by reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
Vehicle Tax Rates and Cost of License Plates
The motor vehicle tax rates for 2025 will remain the same as in previous years.
The cost for the two full-size plates is Afl. 14, and for smaller plates (e.g., for mopeds), the cost is Afl. 10. These amounts are to be paid when settling the motor vehicle tax to receive the new plates. For example:
- Half-year motor vehicle tax: Afl. 150
- Total amount due for the first half of 2025: Afl. 164 (150 + 14).
For mopeds, the annual tax is Afl. 150, so the total amount payable is Afl. 160 (150 + 10). The deadline for payment is January 31, 2025.
Car Insurance Requirements
The Department of Taxes will not issue the new plates if the vehicle’s insurance is not up-to-date. The insurance must be valid at the time the plates are issued. The Department urges all vehicle owners to ensure their insurance is current in a timely manner, rather than waiting until January 2025 to address this. Additionally, owners should ensure they have no outstanding vehicle tax debts to avoid any issues when collecting their new 2025 plates.
