Motorcycle Custom Number System to Start October 19! Popular Numbers, Fees, and Application Methods?

The custom number system for motorcycles will start on October 19, 2026. You can choose up to a 4-digit Arabic numeral (sequential designated number). Popular numbers will be subject to a lottery, and details about these numbers, fees, and application timing have been clarified. Therefore, we will provide a detailed explanation of the motorcycle custom number system.

What is the Custom Number System?

The "custom number system" allows you to assign your desired number to your license plate.

For four-wheeled vehicles, the custom number system was introduced for regular cars in 1999 (with a pilot program in some regions in 1998) and for light vehicles in 2005. On the other hand, motorcycles were not included until now.

One of the reasons for this was the limited number of combinations of numbers and letters compared to four-wheeled vehicles. If the custom number system were introduced with the same license plate format as for four-wheeled vehicles, popular numbers could have been exhausted quickly.

Current license plates for small motorcycles and light motorcycles (Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)

Motorcycles Also Possible with License Plate Format Change

However, the format of motorcycle license plates will be changed starting October 2026. The changes are as follows:

[Changes to License Plates for Small Motorcycles (motorcycles over 250cc)]
- Roman letters CDFGJLNPQRVWX will be used to the right of the regional name.
- Numbers 0-9 will be used for the character to the right of the Roman letters.

[Changes to License Plates for Light Motorcycles (motorcycles over 125cc up to 250cc)]
- The classification number will be made 2 digits, using 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 on the left.
- Numbers 0-9 will be used on the right.

These format changes make it possible to increase the number of combinations for up to 4-digit Arabic numerals (sequential designated numbers) compared to before. Along with this, the long-awaited custom number system for motorcycles will also be introduced.

Comparison of old and new license plate formats for small motorcycles and light motorcycles (Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)

Applies to Motorcycles Over 125cc. Mopeds are Excluded.

Under this system, custom numbers can be chosen for small motorcycles (over 250cc) and light motorcycles (over 125cc up to 250cc).

Mopeds (Class 1 and Class 2) of 125cc or less are excluded.

This is because moped license plates are issued by municipalities. In other words, they are outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, so they cannot decide to change them in the first place.

Mopeds (Class 1 and Class 2) of 125cc or less are not eligible for the custom number system.

Selectable Numbers and Application Timing

You can choose up to a 4-digit Arabic numeral called a "sequential designated number." This is the largest displayed number on the license plate.

You can choose up to a 4-digit Arabic numeral (Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)

In the case of motorcycles, you can apply for a custom number at the following times:

1. When undergoing new inspection/registration
2. When changing ownership with a change of jurisdiction or changing address due to relocation
3. When changing the number due to loss, damage, or soiling of the current license plate
4. When changing to a local specialty license plate

1 is for when a new license plate is issued for a new motorcycle or a motorcycle that has been deregistered and returned its license plate.

2 is a case where the jurisdiction of the transport branch office that manages the motorcycle's registration information changes due to a move or change of ownership, requiring a license plate exchange and registration information update.

3 is a procedure to change to a different new number (sequential designated number) in cases such as loss, damage, or soiling of the license plate.

4 is when changing to a new local specialty license plate. In this case, you can also choose a desired number.

In other words, the custom number system is not only available when purchasing a new vehicle but can also be used for motorcycles currently in use if the conditions are met. However, there are no graphic license plates or illuminated license plates for two-wheeled vehicles over 125cc eligible for custom numbers, unlike four-wheeled vehicles.

Popular Numbers are Subject to Lottery

Custom numbers include "General Custom Numbers" that anyone can apply for, and "Lottery Custom Numbers" which are subject to a lottery due to their high popularity.

Lottery custom numbers include numbers set nationwide and lottery custom numbers set for each region.

The nationwide lottery custom numbers are the following 11 combinations:

1, 7, 8, 88, 333, 358, 555, 777, 888, 1111, 8888

Additionally, regional lottery custom numbers include numbers such as the following:

Sapporo: "3, 11, 1122"
Chiba: "3, 1122"
Shinagawa: "3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 18, 33, 55, 77, 111, 1000, 1001, 1010, 1122, 1188, 2525, 8008"

As you can see, the numbers subject to lottery vary by region, so it is advisable to check before applying.

Lottery custom numbers include 11 nationwide combinations as well as regional numbers as shown above (Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)

Furthermore, lottery custom numbers may be changed based on future application status. When actually applying, please check the latest lottery target numbers.

Applications Can Be Made Online or at a Dedicated Counter

Applications can be made online or at the counter of the reservation number center in each region.

For online applications, you can apply through the same "Custom Number/Graphic Number Plate Application Service" website as for four-wheeled vehicles (URL below).

However, for number changes due to damage or soiling of the license plate, online applications are not supported, and procedures must be carried out at the counter of the reservation number center in each region.

Reservation number centers are located at automotive-related organizations in each region that handle license plate issuance, etc. Generally, a counter is established for each jurisdiction of the license plate, and the counter to use is determined by your address.

Also, please note that the reservation number centers used differ for small motorcycles (over 250cc) and light motorcycles (over 125cc up to 250cc), so please check in advance.

Fees Range from 2,500 to 3,000 Yen per Plate

The fee for a custom number is 2,500 to 3,000 yen per plate. The specific amount varies by region, so please check in advance.

Additionally, the number of days from application to issuance of the custom number is 6 business days from the acceptance of the application (confirmation of payment) for general custom numbers.

For example, if the application is accepted (payment confirmed) on Monday, October 19, 2026, issuance will begin on Monday, October 26, 2026.

For lottery custom numbers, a lottery is held weekly. After winning, issuance is possible 6 business days from the acceptance of the application (confirmation of payment).

For example, if you win the lottery on Monday, October 26, 2026, and the application is accepted (payment confirmed) on the same day, issuance will begin on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The above is an overview of the motorcycle custom number system.

With this system, motorcycles, which could not previously choose their desired numbers, will now be able to have their favorite numbers on their license plates.

It can be used not only when purchasing a new vehicle but also for currently owned motorcycles in cases such as name changes, relocation, license plate number changes, or changes to specialty license plates, provided the conditions are met.

As issuance periods, fees, and specific application procedures may vary by region, please check the latest information on the "Custom Number/Graphic Number Plate Application Service" when applying.

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only.