Aimeliik, formerly part of the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, is currenly one of the islands in the Palau group, located in the western Pacific Ocean. It's estimated that less than 350 motor vehicles are currently in use on Aimeliik, and plates are issued for passenger cars, motorcycles, and various state government vehicles. There's a report that a new Philippines-made embossed aluminum issue is in the works, but for the time being, a fancy graphic plexiglass issue is now seen on the roads around Koror and the neighboring villages. The few various known types are listed below:
Passenger - One to three digits, simple serial number. Although the new issue is reported to possibly be embossed metal, with a blue on white color scheme, the series in use is a dark brown on white plexiglass plate, with green, brown and black graphics depicting palm trees, a ceremonial hut, and a grinning alligator. The plates were first issued in 1984, and a 1984 date "sticker" is actually printed on the plate with the rest of the graphics.
Motorcycle - As is the case with the passenger plates, a new series may be in the works, but motorcycles currently sport dark brown on white smaller sized plexiglass plates, with the same legends as the passenger plate, but with no pictures.
Government - There are white on green, as well as yellow on green issues known, some printed, some hand painted, in various shapes and sizes. Some have numbers like ASG-000 (for Aimeliik State Government), and others have an ASGV prefix with a low serial number, usually single digit.
Temporary - For a short period back in the early 1980's, plates were running short, and a hand painted green on white steel plate was issued to cars and motorcycles. This primitive plate had thick stencilled numbers, led by a zero (like 023), and had AIMELIIK across the top, and REPUBLIC OF BELAU across the bottom. The plates had overly round corners, and were made of heavy steel.
Governor - The Governor of the island has a white on dark green stencilled steel plate, with AIMELIIK across the top, and PALAU across the bottom. There is no serial number, only the word GOVERNOR in large letters. There is also a known Governor issue on plexiglass, in black on cream, thought to be a later issue.
1985, 1986, 1987 validation stickers , made for use on the plexiglass "gator" issue. From the Drew Steitz collection.
1980's vintage Government Vehicle plate number 1 - this yellow on green low numbered government plate is hand painted on flat steel. Originally recovered by Gerry Boone (Ohio) while vacationing in Palau, this scarce plate is now in the Drew Steitz collection.
1984 Aimeliik passenger plate - this brown on white plexiglass issue is one of the type currently in use on the island, but due to be phased out by 1997. From the PL8S photo file.