American Samoa License Plate Colors & Designs

American Samoa vehicle registration plate colors and special designations can be confusing if you're not familiar with the territory's system. The plates use distinct colors and symbols to identify vehicle types, from standard passenger cars to government and disabled vehicles. As of 2026, the current designs follow a clear pattern that helps drivers and law enforcement quickly recognize a vehicle's status.

The standard passenger plate features a white background with green text, while special designations like disabled or government plates use unique color schemes. Knowing these differences ensures you stay compliant and avoid misunderstandings on the road.

Government plates are red with white text. Dealer plates are yellow with black text.

How American Samoa Vehicle Plates Work

American Samoa issues its own vehicle registration plates through the Motor Vehicle Division of the Department of Justice. Unlike U.S. states, the territory has its own design standards and color codes. Plates are required for all registered vehicles, including passenger cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.

The current design, introduced in 2019, features the territory’s emblem, including a volcano and palm fronds. Plates are typically issued in pairs (front and rear) and must be displayed clearly.

Standard Passenger Plates: Design and Colors

Standard passenger plates in American Samoa have a white background with green alphanumeric characters. The design includes the territory’s name at the top and a graphic of a volcano and palm fronds on the left side. The characters are typically black or dark green for high contrast.

These plates are issued to private vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The color scheme is consistent across most passenger vehicles, making them easily recognizable.

Special Designation Plates and Their Meanings

American Samoa offers several special designation plates, each with a unique color scheme to indicate the vehicle’s status. These include:

• Disabled plates: Blue background with white text, marked with the International Symbol of Access.
• Government plates: Red background with white text, used for official territorial vehicles.
• Dealer plates: Yellow background with black text, issued to licensed vehicle dealers for test drives and temporary use.

These plates help law enforcement and the public quickly identify the purpose of a vehicle. Misuse of special designation plates can result in fines or legal penalties.

Government and Official Vehicle Plates

Government plates in American Samoa are distinct, with a red background and white text. These plates are reserved for vehicles owned or operated by territorial agencies, including police, fire, and public works departments. The design often includes the seal of American Samoa or other official insignia.

These plates are not available to the public and are strictly regulated. Using a government plate on a non-official vehicle is illegal and can lead to severe penalties, including impoundment.

Dealer and Temporary Plates

Dealer plates in American Samoa use a yellow background with black text. These are issued to licensed vehicle dealers for test drives and temporary movement of unregistered vehicles. They typically include the word "DEALER" or "TEMPORARY" to distinguish them from standard plates.

These plates are not for personal use and must be returned if the dealer license expires or is revoked. Misuse can result in fines or suspension of the dealer’s operating privileges.

Side-by-Side Plate Color Comparison Table

This table helps you quickly match a plate’s color to its designation. The colors are standardized, so any deviation may indicate an older or non-standard plate.

How to Identify a Plate’s Type at a Glance

Start with the background color. White means standard passenger, blue means disabled, red means government, and yellow means dealer. The text color and any symbols or labels confirm the type.

If you see a plate that doesn’t match these patterns, it might be from a previous design era or a special case. Always verify with the American Samoa Motor Vehicle Division if unsure.

Common Mistakes When Reading American Samoa Plates

Many people assume all U.S. territory plates follow the same rules as mainland states. American Samoa’s system is unique, with its own color codes and symbols. Another mistake is ignoring the expiration decal, which must be current regardless of the plate’s design.

Also, don’t confuse dealer plates with standard plates. Dealer plates are for business use only and should not be on personal vehicles.

Where to Get or Replace Your Plates

Plates are issued by the American Samoa Motor Vehicle Division in Fagatogo. You’ll need proof of ownership, valid insurance, and payment of registration fees. Replacements for lost or damaged plates require a formal request and may involve a fee.

For the most current information, visit the official government site or the Motor Vehicle Division office in person. Online services are limited, so plan for an in-person visit if you need new plates quickly.

Legal Rules You Need to Know

All vehicles in American Samoa must display valid registration plates. Front and rear plates are required unless the vehicle is exempt by law. Plates must be securely fastened and clearly visible at all times.

Using expired, altered, or improperly assigned plates is illegal. Penalties include fines, vehicle impoundment, or suspension of registration privileges.

FAQs About American Samoa Vehicle Plates