Vehicle registration plates of South Africa (original) (raw)

South Africa vehicle license plates

In South Africa, vehicle registration plates, known as number plates, are issued by the Department of Transport in each of its provinces.[1] Each province has plates with unique designs, colour schemes, and alphanumeric patterns. For instance, the plates display combinations like AB 12 CD GP or CA 123-456, with distinct variations in layout and formatting across different regions of the country.

A 1963 plate from Cape Province

Until 1914, each municipality or local management board issued its own registration numbers, which naturally led to overlaps and confusion. The first national system was inspired by the British one, using white letters on a black background with each province using its own leading letter - major towns received two-letter combos, while smaller towns and municipalities used three-letter combinations.[2]

From 1 February 2000, a process started to replace all number plates in South Africa to an aluminium number plate with an RFID tag containing a unique identification code, including the ability to identify the number plate in a foreign nation. This is termed an Intelligent Number Plate system. The system has been implemented for additional and circumstantial use. The numbering structure on plates will also then change. Concerning the foreign identification system within South Africa, foreigners are granted the permission to verify their number plate to the South African number plate system.

The Department of Transport in South Africa has set aside R25 million for the project during the 2015/2016 fiscal year. The Department of Transport in KwaZulu-Natal has set aside R1.5 million for vehicle registration plates for the province. A secure electronic mark will be used in the encryption of the code. The system can automatically generate the details of driving offences committed by a driver.[3]

As of January 2022, new vehicles are, however, still being fitted with plastic plates and the system has still not been implemented.

New legislation also requires that a new vehicle's number plate be fixed to the body of the vehicle, or an approved number plate holder, with four 4 mm rivets.

Number plates are available in plastic or metal. Plastic is the preferred material used by the majority of the motorists. They are also more common than their metal counterpart and are issued as standard plates by car dealerships, except in Gauteng Province where, from 2013, newly issued plates must be metal.

The most common size is identical to the European number plates' size (113 mm × 520 mm (4.4 in × 20.5 in)) . However, a shorter plate is also common (120 mm × 440 mm (4.7 in × 17.3 in)). Most car dealerships now issue the former. Other shapes such as American and motorbike sizes are also available. Number plates can be made over the counter at registration/licensing stores in shopping centres, although the vehicle registration document may be required.

The standard annual non-personalised licence fee is between R250 and R600, depending on the province in which the vehicle is registered and the weight of the vehicle. A large number of heavy vehicles are registered in Northern and Eastern Cape[4] where the licence fees per vehicle mass are low.[5] The Western Cape has the most expensive annual licence fees,[6] but as with Northern and Eastern Cape, it has few toll roads.[7]

Vehicle owners can buy specific personalised registration numbers from registering authorities. The cost for a single digit registration e.g. CA 1 will be in the region of R6000 while a long number e.g. CA 12345 can be as low as R600.[8]

Province Standard Plates Personalised Plates Example Colouring Graphics
Western Cape Province Cab # xzzzzzz WP CA 123-456 Black on white(Black on yellow still legal) None
KwaZulu-Natal Province BA33AAZN xzzzzz ZN ND 945-514 BB 00 AA ZN Blue on white (Green on white for personalised plates){Black on white for Vehicle transporting people for reward (Taxis and Buses)} Red on white with "KZN" Prefix for Government vehicles Provincial coat of arms
Mpumalanga Province aaa+++ MP xzzzzz MP BBC123 MP Black on white Stylised rising sun
Eastern Cape Province aaa+++ EC xzzzzz EC BBC 123 EC Black on graphic Elephant and aloe
Limpopo Province aaa+++ L xzzzzz L BBC 123 L Black on white baobab tree and provincial coat of arms
Gauteng Province aaa+++ GPaa++aa GP xzzzzzz GP BBC 123 GP BC 12 DF GP Blue on white Provincial coat of arms
Northern Cape Province aaa+++ NC xzzzzz NC BBC 123 NC Green on white Gemsbok and sand dune
Free State Province aaa+++ FS xzzzzz FS Black on graphicGreen on graphic Cheetah
North West Province aaa+++ NW xzzzzz NW BBC 123 NW Black on graphic Maize cob, elephant, sunflower and mine headgear
Diplomatic vehicles +++(D or C or X or S) +++D [Old](D or C or X or S) BBa +++ D [New] None C BBN 371 D Red (for D plates) or Green (for C, X and S plates) on White None
National and provincial government vehicles Gaa+++ G None GBC 123 G Black on yellow None
South African Police Service vehicles Baa+++ B None BCB 123 B Black on white / blue on white (Gauteng) None / Gauteng provincial coat of arms
South African National Defence Force vehicles aaa+++ M None BCB 123 M Black on yellow None

Key:

After 1994, the Western Cape Province and KwaZulu-Natal Province are the only two provinces where the registration can be still linked to specific towns and cities. i.e. the pre-1980 system has largely been retained in these areas, so the first two or three letters at the start of each number plate identify where the vehicle was licensed.

Map of the registration prefixes in the Western Cape

In 1994, the Cape Province was subdivided into three provinces (Western, Eastern and Northern Cape provinces). The Eastern and Northern Cape changed their licensing system so the Cape Province registration prefixes used there, like CB (Port Elizabeth) and CC (Kimberley), were dropped. The homeland states of Ciskei and Transkei became part of the Eastern Cape. The Stellaland district (Vryburg) became part of North West Province. The current Western Cape Province list is essentially an abbreviation of the pre-1980 Cape Province list.

Western Cape Province

Registration Location
CA or CAA Cape Town Afrikaans: Kaapstad, Xhosa: iKapa (CAA was first introduced on 13 April 2019 when Cape Town ran out of CA combinations).[11]
CAM Caledon, Villiersdorp, Riviersonderend, Kleinmond
CAR Clanwilliam, Lambert's Bay, Citrusdal, Graafwater
CAW or CAG George (When the George area ran out of CAW combinations in late 2019, CAG started being issued. CAG used to be the code for Barkly West, Northern Cape which now uses NC).
CBL Ladismith
CBM Laingsburg
CBR Montagu
CBS Mossel Bay & Hartenbos. Afrikaans: Mosselbaai.
CBT Murraysburg
CBY Piketberg
CCA Prince Albert Afrikaans: Prins Albert.
CCC Riversdale & Stilbaai. Afrikaans: Riversdal.
CCD Robertson & McGregor
CCK Swellendam & Barrydale
CCM Tulbagh
CCO Uniondale
CCP Van Rhynsdorp, Klawer. Afrikaans: Vanrhynsdorp.
CEA Moorreesburg
CEG Heidelberg
CEM Hermanus, Gansbaai, Onrus River & Stanford
CEO Grabouw & Elgin
CER Bonnievale
CES Albertinia
CEX Porterville
CEY Strand & Gordon's Bay. Now part of the City of Cape Town.
CF Kuils River, Brackenfell, Kraaifontein (Since about 2000; previously the code for Grahamstown, Eastern Cape). Now part of the City of Cape Town. Afrikaans: Kuilsrivier
CFA Wolseley
CFG Vredenburg, Saldanha & St Helena Bay
CFM Somerset West. Now part of the City of Cape Town.
CFP Velddrif & Laaiplek
CFR Kuils River & Brackenfell (Still seen on older vehicles.) Now part of the City of Cape Town.Afrikaans: Kuilsrivier
CG Oudtshoorn
CJ Paarl
CK Malmesbury & Darling
CL Stellenbosch & Franschhoek
CN Wellington
CO Calitzdorp
CR Hopefield, Langebaan & Langebaan Road
CS Bredasdorp & Napier
CT Ceres
CV Vredendal
CW Worcester, De Doorns & Touws River
CX Knysna, Sedgefield & Plettenberg Bay
CY Bellville, Durbanville, Parow, Goodwood. Now part of the City of Cape Town.
CZ Beaufort West
CCT City of Cape Town vehicles. Previously the code for Willowmore, Eastern Cape.

KwaZulu-Natal as of 1 December 2023 introduced new number plate numbering system. All new vehicles will be using the alphanumeric format (e.g BB 00 AA ZN). The colour of the licence plates is blue over white. The old town specific numbering system is being phased out over 21 months period beginning 1 March 2024. All motorist will be required to change over to the new numbering system by 31 March 2026. From 1 April 2026 motorist that have not changed over will be automatically switched. The new number plates in KwaZulu-Natal will in future use the alphanumeric format. For personalized plates, e.g. ND 1234 will in future be ND 1234 ZN. The old green personalised plates (ZN) will also have to be changed to blue over white plates.

KwaZulu-Natal Province

Registration Location
NA Harding
NB Bergville
NBA Babanango
NC Camperdown, Hammarsdale
NCO Colenso
NCH Chatsworth. Now part of eThekwini.
NCW Kokstad
ND Durban. Now part of eThekwini.
NDE Dundee
NDH Dannhauser
NDW Ndwedwe
NE Estcourt
NES Eshowe
NF Msinga
NGL Glencoe
NH New Hannover
NHL Hlabisa, Mtubatuba, Hluhluwe
NIM Impendle
NIN Ingwavuma
NIP Polela
NIX Ixopo
NJ Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, Verulam, Tongaat. Now part of eThekwini.
NK Richmond
NKA Nkandla
NKK Kranskop
NKR Ladysmith (Klip River District)
NKU Ulundi
NM Maphumulo
NMA Mahlabatini
NMG Magudu
NMR Mooi River
NMZ Umzimkhulu Previously part of the Cape (code CDP) and then of Transkei (XH), as an enclave in Natal. Transferred to KwaZulu-Natal in 2006.
NN Newcastle
NND Nongoma
NO Melmoth Mthonjaneni district, Zululand.
NP Pietermaritzburg Capital of KwaZulu-Natal.
NPG Pongola This town, on the north bank of the Phongolo River, used to be part of the Transvaal panhandle between Eswatini and Natal, with its border on the Phongolo. It used the code TAG (Piet Retief).
NPN Pinetown Now part of eThekwini.
NPP Paulpietersburg
NR Lions River, Howick
NRB Richards Bay
NS Ngotshe
NPS or NSC Port Shepstone, Hibberdene, Margate, Port Edward, Southbroom (Port Shepstone was NPS prior to 30 June 2020, after which it was changed to NSC.)
NT Stanger & Ballito
NTU Nquthu
NU New Germany, Hillcrest, Kloof, Durban, Gillitts, Pinetown,. Now part of eThekwini
NUB Ubombo
NUD Underberg
NUF Empangeni
NUL Umbumbulu
NUM Greytown
NUR Umhlanga, Umdloti, La Lucia . Now part of eThekwini.
NUT Utrecht
NUZ Umlazi. Now part of EThekwini
NV Vryheid
NW Weenen
NX Scottburgh, Umkomaas, Umzinto, formerly Alexandra County.
NZ Mtunzini, Gingindlovu
Provincial and Local Government Location
KDM KwaDukuza Municipality
KZN KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
NCS KwaZulu-Natal Conservative Center
NDM eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
NPC Msunduzi Municipality, Pietermaritzburg

The Free State is the only province in South Africa that places an expiry date on its registration plate. Every five years the owner is required to replace the plate irrespective of condition.[12] This is only enforced in the Free State and if the owner uses the vehicle with "expired" plates in any other province he/she will not be prosecuted. This expiry is independent from the annual licence renewal required by national law. This is the only province in the country that has the same borders today as it did before the Boer War, although it has had three changes of name. It was the Orange Free State (a Boer republic), the Orange River Colony (1902-1910), the Orange Free State Province (Provinsie Oranje Vrystaat, 1910–1994) and is now simply the Free State.

A new numbering system was announced in December 2015, which would be implemented in February 2016.[13]

All vehicles in South Africa, excluding motorcycles, are required to display a number plate on the front and the rear of the vehicle. For vehicles that cannot accommodate a full size plate in front, a plate with smaller dimensions may be fitted with permission from the registering authority.

The validation of a vehicle's registration number is indicated by a licence disc displayed inside the vehicle's windshield and must be visible from the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle's registration number, VIN and engine number as well as the licence expiry date, vehicle weight and number of passengers the vehicle is allowed to carry is indicated on the disc.

In the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, where the registration number is indicative of the town of registration, the registration number will not change when the owner of the vehicle relocates to another town in the same province. It is required of the owner to inform the authorities of a change of address within 21 days. However, if the owner relocates to another province, the owner has to register the vehicle in that province within 21 days. Whenever a vehicle is registered in a new owner's name, the vehicle will receive the registration of the new owner's town. If the vehicle is registered in the same town as the current registration, no change of registration number takes place.

When a vehicle changes ownership it is required that the vehicle be taken for a roadworthy test. The new owner is allowed to use a vehicle for a period of 21 days on the previous owner's registration before the vehicle has to be registered in the new owner's name. If the roadworthy result cannot be obtained within this period, the owner may register the vehicle without being roadworthy, however a licence disc will not be issued and the vehicle may not be used on a public road. A temporary permit must be obtained from the registering authority to drive the vehicle to the testing station or repair shop. The permit is valid for three days.

When a person buys a vehicle from a dealer in another province or town other than the one they live in, a temporary permit valid for three weeks is issued by the registration authorities. A vehicle can only be registered in the town the owner lives in. It is also not possible to renew the licence in any other town than the town the registered owner lives in.

The temporary permit is a cardboard "number plate" to be displayed in either the front or rear window of the vehicle.

When a vehicle's engine is replaced or the VIN and engine number needs to be verified for some legal reason, the vehicle needs to obtain police clearance. Since September 2012, a vehicle can only obtain a clearance if it was marked with a micro dot, or data dot system. This is a process where about 10,000 micro dots with a serial number on is sprayed with a resin onto all components of the vehicle. This serial number is linked to the vehicle's VIN on the national registration database. These dots can be found with an ultraviolet light and when magnified the serial number can be traced. New vehicles are treated in the factory and the dots carry the vehicle's VIN. This is to assist the authorities in identifying a vehicle or any part thereof when VIN and engine numbers are not legible, or have been removed.

Legislation is also on the table to have micro dotting made compulsory for all vehicles changing owners as well as requiring a 2-yearly roadworthy status for vehicles older than 10 years. The downside of this is that it might cause many poorer South Africans not to register vehicles in their name or to let licences lapse and just pay the fine when getting caught.

It is illegal in South Africa to alter or tamper with a vehicle's VIN or the factory stamped number on an engine in any way. Evidence of tampering will lead to the vehicles being confiscated and possibly destroyed.

Before 1994, South Africa had only four provinces: Cape Province, Natal Province, Orange Free State and Transvaal. Each province had its own identifying lettering: Cape – C, Natal – N, Orange Free State – O and Transvaal – T.[14][15][16][17]

White letters on a black background were used across the country, including the military.[16][14] For example: CC 147

Each town had a unique registration prefix followed by a number that was allocated sequentially from 1 (the mayor's vehicle) onward to 999 999. For trade plates (used by car dealers on un-licensed vehicles), the letters and numbers were swapped.

There were no personalised number plates.

Government

Government vehicles used the letters GG (for Government Garage) as a prefix, followed by a sequential number. For example: GG 4321

Military

Military vehicles used the letter U (for Union Defence Force) as a prefix until 1961, when U was replaced by R (for Republic of South Africa), followed by a sequential number. Examples: U 4321 R 54321 On armoured vehicles especially, the numbers were painted in white on the green paint of the bodywork, or in black on desert sand paint.

Police

Police vehicles used the letters SAP as a prefix, followed by a sequential number. For example: SAP 4321

However, many police vehicles were registered locally and carried the registrations used in the four provinces.

Diplomatic corps

Diplomatic vehicles used the letters DC as a prefix, followed by a sequential number. For example: DC 4321

The towns in the Cape Province were originally assigned two-letter prefixes for the principal cities and towns, with smaller centres allocated three-letter codes. CA represented the largest city, Cape Town, CB the second-largest, Port Elizabeth, CC was Kimberley, CD King William's Town, CE East London, CF Grahamstown, CG Oudtshoorn, CH Queenstown, CI Worcester, CJ Paarl, CK Malmesbury and CL Stellenbosch. By the middle of the 20th century it was realised that the letter I was easily confused with the figure 1 and Q with O and 0, while odd codes had been introduced with the small letter o tagged on. So the system was revised, eliminating the o codes, and extra two-letter codes were allocated: CM De Aar, CN Wellington, CO Calitzdorp, CR Hopefield, CS Bredasdorp, CT Ceres, CU Port Nolloth, CV Vredendal, CW Worcester, CX Knysna, CY Bellville and CZ Beaufort West. The full list of Cape Province prefixes (with present-day provinces in brackets) was:[17][16][14]

Cape Province

Registration Location
CA Cape Town, including the magisterial districts of Wynberg and Simon's Town (Western Cape) Afrikaans: Kaapstad.
CAB Aberdeen (Eastern Cape)
CAC Burgersdorp (Eastern Cape) Dutch: Burghersdorp. Magisterial district of Albert.
CAD Alexandria & Paterson (Eastern Cape)
CAE Aliwal North (Eastern Cape) Afrikaans: Aliwal-Noord.
CAF Barkly East (Eastern Cape) Afrikaans: Barkly-Oos.
CAG Barkly West (Northern Cape) Afrikaans: Barkly-Wes.
CAH Port Alfred & Bathurst (Eastern Cape) District of Lower Albany.
CAJ Bedford (Eastern Cape)
CAL Britstown (Northern Cape)
CAM Caledon & Kleinmond (Western Cape)
CAN Calvinia, Brandvlei & Loeriesfontein (Northern Cape)
CAO Carnarvon (Northern Cape)
CAP Cathcart (Eastern Cape)
CAR Clanwilliam & Lambert's Bay (Western Cape)
CAS Colesberg (Northern Cape)
CAT Cradock (Eastern Cape)
CAU Fort Beaufort (Eastern Cape) District of Victoria East.
CAV Fraserburg (Northern Cape)
CAW George (Western Cape)
CAX Lady Frere & Glen Grey district (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XR (Cacadu district).
CAY Upington (Northern Cape) Was part of British Bechuanaland.
CAZ Graaff-Reinet & Nieu-Bethesda (Eastern Cape)
CB Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape) Now part of Nelson Mandela Bay.
CBA Hanover (Northern Cape)
CBB Griquatown (Northern Cape) Afrikaans: Griekwastad. Was part of Griqualand West.
CBC Douglas (Northern Cape) Was part of Griqualand West.
CBD Herschel (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XT.
CBE Hopetown & Strydenburg (Northern Cape)
CBF Humansdorp & Jeffreys Bay (Eastern Cape)
CBG Jansenville (Eastern Cape)
CBH Kenhardt (Northern Cape)
CBJ Komga (Eastern Cape) Dutch: Komgha; now called Qumra.
CBK Kuruman (Northern Cape) Now Kudumane.
CBL Ladismith (Western Cape)
CBM Laingsburg (Western Cape)
CBN Mafeking (North West Province) When it was part of Bophuthatswana, the town's name was spelt Mafikeng; today it is Mahikeng. It used the Molopo district code YBA.
CBO Hofmeyr (Eastern Cape) Magisterial district of Maraisburg (the town's original name).
CBP Middelburg (Eastern Cape)
CBR Montagu (Western Cape)
CBS Mossel Bay & Hartenbos (Western Cape) Afrikaans Mosselbaai.
CBT Murraysburg (Western Cape)
CBU Springbok (Northern Cape) Namaqualand district.
CBV Pearston (Eastern Cape)
CBW Peddie (Eastern Cape) Was part of British Kaffraria; became part of Ciskei and used the code GCF.
CBX Philipstown, with Petrusville & Vanderkloof (Northern Cape)
CBY Piketberg (Western Cape)
CBZ Prieska (Northern Cape)
CC Kimberley (Northern Cape) Was capital of Griqualand West.
CCA Prince Albert (Western Cape) Afrikaans: Prins Albert.
CCB Richmond (Northern Cape)
CCC Riversdale & Stilbaai (Western Cape) Afrikaans: Riversdal.
CCD Robertson & McGregor (Western Cape)
CCE Somerset East (Eastern Cape) Afrikaans: Somerset-Oos.
CCF Steynsburg (Eastern Cape)
CCG Steytlerville (Eastern Cape)
CCH Seymour (Eastern Cape) Became part of Ciskei and used the code GCH (Mpofu district).
CCJ Sutherland (Northern Cape)
CCK Swellendam & Barrydale (Western Cape)
CCL Tarkastad (Eastern Cape)
CCM Tulbagh (Western Cape)
CCN Uitenhage & Despatch (Eastern Cape) Now part of Nelson Mandela Bay.
CCO Uniondale (Western Cape)
CCP Van Rhynsdorp & Klawer (Western Cape) Afrikaans: Vanrhynsdorp.
CCR Victoria West, Loxton & Vosburg (Northern Cape) Afrikaans: Victoria-Wes.
CCS Vryburg & Reivilo (North West Province). This district was, in the 1880s, the short-lived Republic of Stellaland. It then became the capital of the colony of British Bechuanaland, and was annexed to the Cape Colony in 1895.
CCT Willowmore (Eastern Cape)
CCU Dordrecht (Eastern Cape)
CCV Butterworth (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XB (Gcuwa district).
CCY Umtata (Eastern Cape) Now Mthatha. Became capital of Transkei with the code XA.
CCZ Cala (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XAC (Xalanga district).
CCW Kokstad (now KwaZulu-Natal) When Kokstad, capital of Griqualand East, became part of the Natal Province in 1976, the prefix letter was changed to N: NCW)
CCX Matatiele (in dispute between Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal) When Matatiele, part of Griqualand East, became part of the Natal Province in 1976, the prefix letter was changed to N: NCX)
CD King William's Town (Eastern Cape) "King", as it is known, was the capital of the colony of British Kaffraria. It did not become part of Ciskei, but its satellite township Zwelitsha did, using the code GCJ, which also served Dimbaza and Bisho. Now part of Buffalo City.
CDA Elliot (Eastern Cape)
CDB Engcobo (Eastern Cape) Now Ngcobo. Became part of Transkei and used the code XE.
CDC Idutywa (Eastern Cape) Now Dutywa. Became part of Transkei and used the code XN.
CDD Kentani (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei as Centane and used the code XY.
CDE Nqamakwe (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XAA.
CDF Port St Johns (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XF (Mzimvubu).
CDG Elliotdale (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XAD (Xhora).
CDH Mqanduli (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XAE.
CDJ Bizana (Eastern Cape) Now Mbizana. Became part of Transkei and used the code XAF.
CDK Willowvale (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei as Gatyana, code XAG.
CDM Cofimvaba (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei, code XD.
CDN Flagstaff (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei as Siphaqeni, code XAH.
CDL Maclear (Eastern Cape)
CDO Lusikisiki (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XC.
CDP Umzimkulu (KwaZulu-Natal) Now Umzimkhulu. Became part of Transkei and used the code XH. Transferred to KwaZulu-Natal in 2006 and uses the code NMZ.
CDR Tabankulu (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XAB.
CDS Mount Frere (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XK (KwaBhaca district).
CDT Mount Fletcher (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XW.
CDU Libode (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XU.
CDV Qumbu (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XV.
CDW Mount Ayliff (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei as Maxesibeni, code XJ.
CDY Ngqeleni (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XZ.
CDX Middledrift (Eastern Cape) Became part of Ciskei and used the code GCD.
CDZ Venterstad (Eastern Cape)
CE East London & Gonubie (Eastern Cape) Afrikaans: Oos-Londen. East London was never part of British Kaffraria, being annexed directly to the Cape Colony. Mdantsane, a satellite township to East London, became part of Ciskei and used the code GCE. Now part of Buffalo City.
CEA Moorreesburg (Western Cape)
CEB Kirkwood (Eastern Cape)
CEC Garies (Northern Cape)
CED Hankey (Eastern Cape)
CEE Warrenton (Northern Cape) Was part of Griqualand West.
CEF Whittlesea (Eastern Cape) Became part of Ciskei and used the code GCB (Hewu district).
CEG Heidelberg (Western Cape)
CEH Jamestown (Eastern Cape)
CEJ Lady Grey (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei as Cacadu district, code ZR.
CEK Pofadder (Northern Cape)
CEL Noupoort (Northern Cape) Dutch: Naauwpoort.
CEM Hermanus, Gansbaai, Onrus River & Stanford (Western Cape)
CEN Indwe (Eastern Cape)
CEO Grabouw & Elgin (Western Cape)
CEP Sterkstroom (Eastern Cape)
CER Bonnievale (Western Cape)
CES Albertinia (Western Cape)
CET Joubertina (Eastern Cape)
CEU Hartswater & Jan Kempdorp (Northern Cape) Jan Kempdorp was (before 1994) the only town in the country that fell into two provinces: the Cape and the Transvaal. It was treated administratively as being part of the Cape.
CEV Postmasburg & Daniëlskuil (Northern Cape) Was part of British Bechuanaland.
CEW Olifantshoek, Sishen & Kathu (Northern Cape) Was part of British Bechuanaland.
CEX Porterville (Western Cape)
CEY Strand & Gordon's Bay (Western Cape) Now part of Cape Town.
CEZ Williston (Northern Cape)
CF Grahamstown (Eastern Cape) This code is now used for Kuils River. Grahamstown, seat of the Albany district, is now named Makhanda.
CFA Wolseley (Western Cape)
CFB Molteno (Eastern Cape)
CFC Stutterheim (Eastern Cape) Previously part of British Kaffraria. Earlier code CCI.
CFD Alice (Eastern Cape), Victoria East district. Became part of Ciskei and used the code GCA.
CFE Tsolo (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XO.
CFF Tsomo (Eastern Cape) Became part of Transkei and used the code XAC.
CFG Vredenburg, Saldanha & St Helena Bay (Western Cape) Previously CEI.
CFH Kakamas (Northern Cape)
CFJ Adelaide (Eastern Cape)
CFK Keiskammahoek (Eastern Cape) Previously CDo. Became part of Ciskei and used the code GCC.
CFM Somerset West (Western Cape) Afrikaans: Somerset-Wes. Previously CFm. Now part of Cape Town.
CFN Taung (North West) Historically written as Taungs. Previously CCSo. Was part of British Bechuanaland; became part of Bophuthatswana and used the code YBN.
CFO Keimoes (Northern Cape) Was part of British Bechuanaland.
CFP Velddrif (incorporating Laaiplek; this code previously used for Laaiplek) (Western Cape)
CFR Kuils River, Durbanville, Brackenfell & Kraaifontein (Western Cape) Afrikaans: Kuilsrivier. In the 21st century, the code for Kuils River became CF (previously the code for Grahamstown). Now part of Cape Town.
CFS Groblershoop (Northern Cape)
CG Oudtshoorn (Western Cape)
CH Queenstown (Eastern Cape) Now called Komani.
CJ Paarl & Franschhoek (Western Cape)
CK Malmesbury & Darling (Western Cape)
CL Stellenbosch (Western Cape)
CM De Aar (Northern Cape) Previously CALo.
CN Wellington (Western Cape) Previously CJo.
CO Calitzdorp (Western Cape)
CR Hopefield, Langebaan & Langebaan Road (Western Cape)
CS Bredasdorp & Napier (Western Cape) Previously CAK.
CT Ceres (Western Cape) Previously CAQ.
CU Port Nolloth (Northern Cape)
CV Vredendal (Western Cape) Previously part of Van Rhynsdorp district.
CW Worcester, De Doorns & Touws River (Western Cape) Previously CI.
CWB Walvis Bay (now Namibia) Walvis Bay, although legally part of the Cape Province, was long administered as part of South West Africa and used the SWA registration Wb. In the 1970s South West Africa adopted a new system using codes starting with S; Walvis Bay was SV. CWB was used during the short period when the town and its surrounding territory was returned to the Cape in the 1980s. Afrikaans: Walvisbaai. The German name Walfischbucht was never official, as the town was never part of German South West Africa.
CX Knysna, Sedgefield & Plettenberg Bay (Western Cape) Previously CBI.
CY Bellville, Goodwood, Parow, Durbanville & Kraaifontein (Western Cape) Now part of Cape Town.
CZ Beaufort West (Western Cape) Afrikaans: Beaufort-Wes. Previously CAI.
PA Provincial Administration Used on provincial traffic control and road construction vehicles, among others.

Codes obsolete by 1950

Cape Province

Registration Location
CAGo Klipdam (Northern Cape), near Windsorton; now a ghost town. Was part of Griqualand West.
CAK Bredasdorp & Napier (Western Cape) Now CS.
CALo De Aar (Northern Cape) Later CM.
CAQ Ceres (Western Cape) Now CT.
CAUo Adelaide (Eastern Cape) Later CFJ.
CAVo Williston (Northern Cape) Later CEZ.
CAI Beaufort West (Western Cape) Afrikaans: Beaufort-Wes. Now CZ.
CBI Knysna, Sedgefield & Plettenberg Bay (Western Cape) Now CX.
CBQ Molteno (Eastern Cape) Later CFB.
CDI Tsolo (Eastern Cape) Later CFE.
CCI Stutterheim (Eastern Cape) Later CFC.
CCQ Alice (Eastern Cape) Victoria East district. Later CFD.
CCSo Taung (North West) Historically written as Taungs. Later CFN.
CDo Keiskammahoek (Eastern Cape) Later CFK.
CDQ Tsomo (Eastern Cape) Later CFF.
CEI Vredenburg, Saldanha Bay & St Helena Bay (Western Cape) Now CFG.
CFm Somerset West (Western Cape) Afrikaans: Somerset-Wes. Now CFM.
CGo Calitzdorp (Western Cape) Now CO.
CHo Sterkstroom (Eastern Cape) Later CEP.
CI Worcester (Western Cape) Now CW.
CJo Wellington (Western Cape) Now CN.
CKo Hopefield (Western Cape) Now CR.

A 1978 number plate from Transvaal Province.

Transvaal

Registration Location
TA Benoni (Gauteng) Now part of Ekurhuleni.
TAA Barberton (Mpumalanga)
TAB Bethal (Mpumalanga)
TAC Christiana (North West)
TAD Lichtenburg (North West)
TAE Lydenburg (Mpumalanga)
TAF Zeerust (North West)
TAG Piet Retief (Mpumalanga)
TAH Nylstroom (Limpopo) Now Modimolle.
TAI Wolmaransstad (North West) Obsolete code.
TAJ Louis Trichardt (Limpopo)
TAK Wolmaransstad district (North West)
TAL Pietersburg (Limpopo) Now Polokwane.
TAM Wakkerstroom (Mpumalanga)
TAN Potgietersrus (Limpopo) Now Mokopane.
TAO Ottosdal (North West)
TAP Graskop (Mpumalanga)
TAQ Balfour (Mpumalanga)
TAR Messina (Limpopo) Now Musina.
TAS Delmas (Mpumalanga)
TAT Greylingstad (Mpumalanga)
TAU Fochville (Gauteng)
TAV Hercules (Gauteng) Incorporated into Pretoria in 1948.
TAW Bronkhorstspruit (Gauteng)
TAX Swartruggens (North West)
TAY Randfontein (Gauteng)
TAZ Brits (North West)
TB Boksburg (Gauteng) Now part of Ekurhuleni.
TBA Dullstroom (Mpumalanga)
TBB Leeudoringstad (North West)
TBC Tzaneen (Limpopo)
TBD Duiwelskloof (Limpopo) Now Modjadjiskloof.
TBE Delareyville (North West)
TBF Hendrina (Mpumalanga)
TBG Charl Cilliers (Mpumalanga)
TBH Nelspruit (Mpumalanga) Now Mbombela.
TBI Koster (North West)
TBJ Trichardt (Mpumalanga)
TBK Morgenzon (Mpumalanga)
TBL Machadodorp (Mpumalanga) Now eNtokozweni.
TBM Breyten (Mpumalanga)
TBS Sabie (Mpumalanga)
TBZ Thabazimbi (Limpopo)
TC Carolina (Mpumalanga)
TCA Groblersdal (Limpopo)
TCB Belfast (Mpumalanga)
TCC Coligny (North West)
TCD Kempton Park (Gauteng) Afrikaans: Kemptonpark.
TCE Westonaria (Gauteng)
TCO Carletonville (North West)
TCX Makwassie (North West)
TDD Pilgrim's Rest (Mpumalanga)
TDG Nigel (Gauteng)
TDH White River (Mpumalanga) Afrikaans: Witrivier.
TDJ Leslie (Mpumalanga)
TDK Alberton (Gauteng) Now part of Ekurhuleni.
TDL Edenvale (Gauteng) Now part of Johannesburg.
TE Ermelo (Mpumalanga)
TEA Amsterdam (Mpumalanga)
TF Amersfoort (Mpumalanga)
TG Germiston (Gauteng) Now part of Ekurhuleni.
TH Heidelberg (Gauteng)
TJ Johannesburg (Gauteng)
TK Krugersdorp (Gauteng) Now part of Mogale City.
TL Bloemhof (North West)
TLN Lyttelton (Gauteng) In 1967 the town of Lyttelton was named Verwoerdburg (the township of Lyttelton retained its name). The code TLN was retained until the introduction of the province-wide T registration system. Following the 1994 elections the name Verwoerdburg was dropped and the town was named Centurion, after the cricket stadium near the N1, Centurion Park. The stadium now bears a sponsor's name.
TM Middelburg (Mpumalanga)
TN Ventersdorp (North West)
TNS Naboomspruit (Limpopo) Now Mookgophong.
TO Brakpan (Gauteng) Now part of Ekurhuleni.
TON Meyerton (Gauteng) Now part of Midvaal.
TOY Orkney (North West)
TP Pretoria (Gauteng) Now part of Tshwane.
TQ Standerton (Mpumalanga)
TR Schweizer-Reneke (North West)
TRB Rustenburg (North West)
TRG Randburg (Gauteng) Now part of Johannesburg.
TS Springs (Gauteng) Now part of Ekurhuleni.
TSN Sandton (Gauteng) Now part of Johannesburg.
TT Volksrust (Mpumalanga)
TU Roodepoort (Gauteng) Long known as Roodepoort-Maraisburg; now part of Johannesburg.
TV Vereeniging (Gauteng)
TVB Vanderbijl Park (Gauteng) Afrikaans: Vanderbijlpark.
TW Witbank (Mpumalanga)
TWB Warmbaths (Limpopo) Afrikaans: Warmbad. Now Bela Bela.
TX Potchefstroom (North West)
TY Klerksdorp (North West)
TZ Stilfontein (North West)
Province
TPA Transvaal Provincial Administration Used on provincial vehicles.

Circa 1975 to 1994;

A new numbering scheme had to be introduced in the Transvaal, after the Johannesburg series exceeded the number TJ 999-999 . An alphanumeric system was introduced in this province, which allowed more permutations with fewer characters. The reason given for this change was that it was necessary because the system was computerised, which was an argument only valid for a few years. Despite this, a trend towards centralisation of vehicle registries continued, despite its inconvenience to motorists. The series comprised three letters followed by three numbers and the letter T. All number plates used black text on a yellow background, for example: BCD 123 T .

From this point onward, a Transvaal vehicle's origin could no longer be narrowed down to a specific town or city. However the first letter of the registration indicated the date of first registration of a vehicle, as the sequence grew alphabetically. However, because the Transvaal used codes that coincided with those used in other provinces, traffic officers failed to notice the T at the end, and issued fines to Cape motorists whose registrations matched those of T vehicles passing through the Cape. The use of C and N codes ought to have been barred. O was not used, since the new system avoided the use of vowels.

At this time black text on yellow background became mandatory throughout South Africa so the other three provinces also adopted the new black on yellow number plates, but kept their existing numbering systems. Example: CR 7822. At this stage government plates adopted the same system as Transvaal. Example: BCD 123 M.

Towards 1994 this numbering system for the Transvaal was rapidly running out of permutations. However, in 1994 the four provinces were dissolved and nine new provinces were created. All the new provinces apart from the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal adopted the alphanumeric system. Due to public demand at this time, different text colour on white background was also allowed. The different provinces could decide on text colour for their plates. A white background is used in all provinces although some provinces place graphics on this background relevant to their province.

Towards 2012 Gauteng Province (GP) was running out of permutations and had to adopt a new system. This system used two letters, two numbers, two letters and the province indicator GP.

In many cases the districts of the province took their letters from the place names to determine the letters that are used to identify each region. Almost all of the areas remained unchanged since 1994, the Only province in South Africa not changing number plates or areas since 1994. This pattern does not always hold.[15][16][14]

Natal
Registration Location
NA Harding (Alfred County)
NAT Amanzimtoti
NB Bergville
NBA Babanango
NC Camperdown
NCO Colenso
NCW Kokstad (Since 1976)
NCX Matatiele (Since 1976)
ND Durban
NDE Dundee
NDH Dannhauser
NDW Ndwedwe
NE Estcourt
NES Eshowe Zululand.
NF Msinga (Tugela Ferry)
NGL Glencoe
NH New Hanover
NHL Hlabisa Zululand.
NIM Impendle
NIN Ingwavuma Zululand.
NIP Bulwer Now Polela.
NIX Ixopo
NJ Verulam, Inanda & Tongaat
NK Richmond
NKA Nkandla Zululand.
NKK Kranskop
NKR Ladysmith & Klip River
NKU Ulundi Zululand.
NM Maputo Zululand.
NMA Mahlabatini Zululand.
NMG Magudu
NMR Mooi River & Nottingham Road
NN Newcastle
NND Nongoma Zululand.
NO Melmoth (Mtonjaneni district, Zululand)
NP Pietermaritzburg Capital of Natal.
NPN Pinetown & Cowies Hill.
NPP Paulpietersburg Was part of Nieuwe Republiek; annexed to Natal in 1903
NPS Port Shepstone (Lower Umzimkulu)
NR Howick & Lions River
NRB Richards Bay Afrikaans: Richardsbaai. Zululand.
NS Louwsburg Now Ngotshe.
NT Stanger (now KwaDukuza) & Ballito (Lower Tugela)
NTU Nqutu In Zululand. Now Nquthu.
NU Queensburgh, New Germany, Waterfall, Hillcrest & Kloof ("Upper Highway")
NUB Ubombo Zululand.
NUD Underberg (Himeville district)
NUF Empangeni (Lower Umfolozi, Zululand)
NUL Umbumbulu
NUM Greytown & Umvoti
NUR Umhlanga Rocks
NUT Utrecht Previously part of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek; annexed to Natal in 1903.
NUZ Umlazi
NV Vryheid This town was the capital of the Nieuwe Republiek, then became part of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek. It was annexed to Natal in 1903.
NW Weenen
NX Scottburgh & Umzinto (Formerly Alexandra County.)
NZ Mtunzini
Provincial & local government
NPA Natal Provincial Administration
NPB Natal Parks Board
NDC Durban Corporation
NPC Pietermaritzburg Corporation
NBB Natal Bantu Affairs administration boards (BAABs)

The town of Sasolburg, where oil is produced out of coal, received the very appropriate prefix OIL.[15][14]

Orange Free State

Registration Location
OA Bethlehem
OAB Reitz
OAF Kestell
OB Bloemfontein Now part of Mangaung.
OBB Brandfort
OBD Dewetsdorp
OBG Reddersburg
OBT Botshabelo Satellite township of Bloemfontein, adjacent to Thaba Nchu. Now part of Mangaung.
OBW Witsieshoek Phuthaditjhaba, which was the capital of Qwaqwa.
OC Bethulie
OCC Springfontein
OD Boshof
ODB Hertzogville
ODD Dealesville
OE Edenburg
OEB Trompsburg
OF Fauresmith
OFB Jagersfontein
OFD Koffiefontein
OFH Petrusburg
OG Ficksburg
OGB Fouriesburg
OH Frankfort
OHB Villiers
OHS Harrismith
OIC Warden
OIL Sasolburg
OJ Heilbron
OK Hoopstad
OKB Bultfontein
OKC Odendaalsrus
OKD Wesselsbron
OKE Welkom
OL Jacobsdal
OM Kroonstad
OMB Bothaville
OMF Viljoenskroon
OMG Edenville
ON Ladybrand
ONB Hobhouse
OND Clocolan Now Hlohloane.
OO Lindley
OOD Steynsrus
OOE Petrus Steyn
OP Philippolis
OQB Zastron Obsolete code. Later OZ.
OR Senekal
ORD Marquard
ORE Paul Roux
ORX Rouxville
OS Smithfield
OU Vrede
OUB Memel
OV Parys
OVB Vredefort
OVE Koppies
OW Wepener
OX Winburg
OXD Theunissen
OXF Ventersburg
OXG Excelsior & Tweespruit
OXH Hennenman
OXV Virginia
OZ Zastron Previously OQB.
Province
PAO Provincial Administration Used on provincial vehicles.

Homeland Number Plates

[edit]

Under apartheid South Africa, each of the homelands had its own department of vehicle licensing.[17][14]

A 1977 number plate from Ditsobotla, Bophuthatswana homeland.

Government

Most of Bophuthatswana was absorbed into North West Province. Thaba Nchu returned to the Free State Province. The half-district Moretele 2 (east of the N1) became part of Mpumalanga.

Government

Ciskei became part of the Eastern Cape Province.

A 1972 number plate from Malamulele, Gazankulu homeland.

Government

A 1974 number plate from Thabamoopo, Lebowa homeland.

Government

Lebowa became part of Limpopo Province.

The letter W stands for the Witsieshoek district, where Qwaqwa was located. Retained the code OBW from the Orange Free State. It is once more part of the Free State.

Government

KwaNdebele became part of Mpumalanga province.

A 1979 number plate from KwaBhaca, Transkei homeland.

Government

Transkei became part of the Eastern Cape Province, apart from Umzimkhulu, which was transferred to KwaZulu-Natal in 2006.

Government

Venda became part of Limpopo Province.

The colony of Zululand lay to the north of the Tugela River (today Thukela) and was annexed to Natal in 1887. Its tribal territories fell under the Paramount Chief of the amaZulu.

KwaZulu was created to encompass the tribal territories of both Natal and Zululand, and also fell under the Paramount Chief (today the King) of the amaZulu.

In 1994 KwaZulu and Natal were merged as KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Ulundi was the capital of KwaZulu and shared the status of KwaZulu-Natal capital with Pietermaritzburg until 2004.

  1. ^ "South Africa plates information". Matriculasdelmundo.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  2. ^ Schnetler, Fred (1997), A century of cars, Cape Town: Tafelberg, p. 15, ISBN 978-0624036234
  3. ^ "Intelligent Number Plates Postponed in South Africa". 3 June 2010. Archived from the original on 16 May 2013.
  4. ^ Staff Writer. "The cost of personalised number plates in South Africa – BusinessTech". Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  5. ^ "Pricing | Plates SA". www.plates.co.za. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  6. ^ Muller, Willem. "Here's what you can you get on your number plate in SA – for up to R150,000". Businessinsider. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  7. ^ "How Much Does A Number Plate Cost In South Africa". 2022/2023. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  8. ^ "Personalise your motor vehicle number plate | South African Government". www.gov.za. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  9. ^ "Apply for Personalized/Special Number Plates - Gauteng Provincial Government | Visit Us Online". www.gauteng.gov.za. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  10. ^ "New CAA licence numbers | Western Cape Mobility Department". www.westerncape.gov.za. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  11. ^ "CA number plates will soon become CAA". Western Cape Government. 8 April 2019. Archived from the original on 16 May 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
  12. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 9 July 2016.{{[cite web](/wiki/Template:Cite%5Fweb "Template:Cite web")}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  13. ^ North West first with new plates
  14. ^ a b c d e f "ZA - South Africa - Where's That Vehicle Come From?". www.authorandbookinfo.com. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  15. ^ a b c "License Plates of South Africa". www.worldlicenseplates.com. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  16. ^ a b c d Trav (9 May 2021). "List of the 55 different KZN number plates". Northern Natal News. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  17. ^ a b c "Home | Plates SA". www.plates.co.za. Retrieved 20 July 2022.