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Swiss Diplomatic Plate Lookup

Identify any Swiss CD, CC, or AT plate instantly. Search by plate code or organisation name — 285 entries, updated in real time.

285 organisations and countries — results update as you type

Download the CD Plates app

CD Plates is a free, lightweight iPhone app for identifying Swiss diplomatic plates quickly. Search by plate code, country, organisation, or plate number, and get faster lookups on the go.

The web lookup is useful for a quick check, but the iOS app offers a better experience for regular use, sightings, and quick searches around Switzerland.

The app supports search by plate number, reverse lookup by country or organisation name, ISO code display, sighting tracking, and a game mode. It is designed for people who want to understand the diplomatic plates they see in Switzerland without needing to manually check long code lists.

CD Plates covers all major international organisations in Geneva and Bern, including the UN, WHO, WTO, ICRC, CERN, and more. It uses the official Swiss diplomatic plate series introduced in 1968.

The app now supports more than 15,000 lookups a day from people trying to identify Swiss diplomatic plates and learn more about the countries and organisations behind them. For more context on how it was built and launched, read the CD Plates app insights.

Download on the App Store →

The app is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not affiliated with the Swiss government, the United Nations, or any international organisation.

What do CD, CC, and AT mean?

CD
Corps Diplomatique
Diplomatic missions, permanent missions, delegations, and international organisation vehicles.
CC
Corps Consulaire
Consular posts and consular officials.
AT
Administrative & Technical
Administrative and technical staff of diplomatic missions in Bern.

How to read a Swiss diplomatic plate

A Swiss diplomatic plate contains four parts: a prefix (CD, CC, or AT), a canton code, a serial number, and a country or organisation code.

CD
Prefix
GE
Canton
001
Serial
01
Code → UN

Low serial numbers (001, 002...) are reserved for ambassadors and heads of organisations. Blue CD plates are used in Geneva for permanent missions and international organisations. Green CD plates are used in Bern for embassies.

Frequently asked questions
What does CD stand for on Swiss plates?
CD stands for Corps Diplomatique. It is the most recognised diplomatic plate prefix in Switzerland, used for diplomatic missions, permanent missions, delegations, and international organisation vehicles.
What is the difference between blue and green CD plates?
Blue CD plates are used in Geneva for permanent missions and international organisations. Green CD plates are used in Bern for embassies.
Can motorbikes have CD plates?
No. Swiss diplomatic plates are only issued for cars. Motorbikes connected to diplomatic missions must be registered with ordinary plates.
Do all mission staff get diplomatic plates?
No. Only staff with the relevant diplomatic status or vehicle category receive CD, CC, or AT plates. Staff without full diplomatic status use ordinary plates.
What do the numbers on the plate mean?
The plate contains a canton code, a serial number, and a country or organisation code. Low serial numbers are reserved for ambassadors or heads of organisations.
Is this tool official?
No. This lookup tool and the CD Plates app are provided for educational and informational purposes only. They are not affiliated with the Swiss government or any international organisation.
How often is the database updated?
The database reflects the official Swiss diplomatic plate series introduced in 1968 and is updated as new assignments are issued.
Can I look up a plate I saw in Geneva?
Yes. Enter the plate code number in the search box above. If you saw CD GE 001 01, search for 01 to identify the organisation.