The AL identification plate: where to put it, what it needs, and what you risk without one

The identification plate is one of those requirements that sounds simple — and it is — but that many hosts overlook until an inspection shows up. It's physical, it's mandatory, and its absence can be expensive.

Let's get into it.

What the AL plate is and why it exists

The identification plate is the visible proof that your property is registered as alojamento local. It's not just paperwork made physical: it's what allows anyone — a guest, a neighbour, an inspector — to confirm that the accommodation exists legally.

Portuguese AL legislation requires all establishments to display this plate. There are no exceptions based on property type, size, or number of rooms.

What the plate must show

The law defines the mandatory elements the plate must include. As a general rule, make sure yours shows:

• Your RNAL registration number (the number assigned by the National AL Register)
• The type of accommodation (villa, apartment, guest house, room)
• The maximum authorised guest capacity

Some municipalities may have additional requirements or specific formats — worth checking with your local câmara before you order.

Where to display it

The general rule is that the plate must be visible at the entrance to the accommodation — meaning next to the access door, readable without effort.

In an apartment building, that typically means the door to your unit. In a standalone property, the main entrance. The point is that anyone arriving at the property can identify the registration without having to hunt for it.

Practical note: If your property runs on remote management or self check-in, the plate is still mandatory. There's no exemption because the space doesn't have a physical reception.

Format and materials

Legislation defines an official standard design for the AL plate. It's not a home-printed card or a sticker — there's an official format with specific dimensions, colours, and typography.

You can order the plate from specialist print shops or suppliers that cater to accommodation businesses. Before you order, confirm that the supplier is using the current model, because the official design has been updated since the AL regime was first introduced.

What you risk without it

Not having the plate is a regulatory offence. Fines under the AL regime can be significant — and enforcement has been increasing, particularly in containment zones and municipalities under heavier tourism pressure.

Beyond the fine itself, the absence of a plate can be used to call your overall registration compliance into question — which complicates any renewal process or response to complaints from neighbours or the building's condominium.

It's not worth the risk for something that's fixed with one order and fifteen minutes.

Quick checklist

Before you consider this box ticked, confirm:

• The plate is displayed at the entrance to the accommodation
• The RNAL number is correct and legible
• The accommodation type and maximum capacity are shown
• The format follows the current official model
• The plate is in good condition (not damaged, not obscured)

One last thing

If you don't have a plate yet, or if yours is out of date — for example, after a capacity change or a change of accommodation type — sort it before the next season. It's one of the easiest requirements to meet, and one of the easiest things an inspector will check.