Custom License Plates in Nunavut
Nunavut, the northernmost territory in Canada, permits vehicle owners to acquire personalized or vanity license plates. These unique plates enable individuals to select specific phrases or a mix of letters and numbers, adhering to the guidelines established by the territory. However, these plates are not permitted for road use and are intended solely for decorative purposes.
Standard Nunavut License Plates
License plates in Nunavut reflect the territory's distinct culture and heritage. Nunavut first issued vehicle plates when it separated from the Northwest Territories in 1999. Initially, it continued to use the iconic polar bear-shaped plates from the Northwest Territories. These plates featured an embossed blue serial number on a white background, with "NUNAVUT" at the bottom and the slogan "Explore Canada's Arctic" at the top.
However, in 2012, Nunavut introduced a new design following a territory-wide contest. The updated plate moved from the polar bear shape to a rectangular format, though it still featured a polar bear. The design incorporated elements representing Nunavut's identity, including an inuksuk, three streams of northern lights (symbolizing the territory’s three regions), and 25 stars representing its municipalities. The plate includes the name "Nunavut" in both English and Inuktitut syllabics, emphasizing the territory's cultural diversity.
This shift was prompted by changes to the Northwest Territories design, which made the iconic bear shape unavailable for Nunavut's use. The updated plates became a symbol of the territory's independence and unique Arctic heritage.
Other types of Nunavut plates include:
- Government vehicles: Red lettering on white
- Dealer plates: White on red
- Construction vehicles and equipment: Black on yellow
- Trailers: White on black
Popularity and Distinctiveness
Nunavut has a small population, and vehicle ownership rates are lower than in southern Canada.
The polar bear graphic and "NUNAVUT" text make the territory's plates visually distinctive. Nunavut's plates help promote tourism and create awareness of the territory, as vehicles may travel outside Nunavut with these plates.