A valid vehicle licence is required by law in some countries to be displayed on any registered motor vehicle if it is to be used or kept on a public road.
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In some countries, like Norway, the owner will annually get a sticker to place on the registration plate, if the vehicle is permitted for driving. In Australia, a windscreen sticker is required. In the United States and Canada, an annual or biennial sticker is usually applied to the licence plate, with a few exceptions. For example, the District of Columbia and a few U.S. states use windscreen stickers, and some U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions issue permanent fleet licence plates. Also, some U.S. states, such as Virginia, require that a motorist obtain a vehicle licence from the city, county, or town government in addition to registering the vehicle with the appropriate agency of the state government.
In the UK, the vehicle licence, which is more commonly known as a tax disc, comes in the form of a paper disc three inches in diameter to be displayed on the vehicle, and is evidence that the necessary vehicle excise duty has been paid for the specific vehicle. It should be placed on the left side of the windscreen if it is a four wheeled vehicle, but if it is a two wheeled vehicle then it should be placed in a holder fixed onto the bodywork.
The vehicle excise duty was introduced in 1889, and since 1920 it must be evidenced by the display of a tax disc.
In Ireland, a tax disc must also be displayed, which is of the same format as that in the UK. However, in addition, a square insurance 'disc' must also be displayed to show that the vehicle has the legally required third party insurance. Vehicles over 4 years old require a similar format 'disc' from the National Car Test service to show roadworthiness.
In Sri Lanka, a revenue licence must be displayed on the vehicle, and is evidence that the necessary vehicle excise duty has been paid for the specific vehicle. It is normally placed on the left side of the windscreen if it is a four wheeled vehicle. A revenue licence is issued for a period of one year and must be renewed annually, during which an emissions test must be performed.