Where and how should I display my civic number?

Where and how should I display my civic number? GNB website

All owners of a residence or business in the province must display their civic address number in a way that is clearly visible from the main roadway leading to the home or business. It is important to always display a valid civic address number, so emergency service providers can find the address quickly in an emergency.

Guidelines for displaying a civic number

  • Your civic number should be easy to see from the road.
  • It should be posted in a high position with year-round visibility.
  • The number should be in a colour that contrasts with the building, mailbox or signpost (e.g. black on white, not gold on beige).
  • Reflective numbers or blue plates are best. (Blue plates are bright blue civic number plates with reflective white numbers.)
  • Use your mailbox only if it is on the same side of the road as your home.
  • The civic number should be big enough to see from the road, preferably in a location that is visible to vehicle traveling in either direction.
  •  If the number is located on a signpost or a building within 15 m (49 ft) from the roadway, it should be at least 65 mm (2.5 in) in height. 
  •  If the number is located on a building 15 metres or farther from the roadway, it should be not less than 100 millimetres (4 inches) in height.
  • If the number is on a signpost, the post should be placed where the driveway meets the road.
  • Never attach a civic number to road signs, telephone or "hydro” poles.
  • Ensure it contains clear numbers, not words or Roman numerals (e.g., 12, not XII or Twelve).

Where do I get blue plates?

Blue plates are available from a number of suppliers in the province. Contact your municipality or the NB 9-1-1 Bureau toll free at 1-888-353-4444, or by email at NB9-1-1@gnb.ca, to find a supplier near you.

Except in cases where the NB 9-1-1 Bureau has initiated an address change, we do not provide or replace blue plates.