Vehicle Number Plate Application in South Africa
South African vehicle number plates are issued through the NATIS system as part of vehicle registration. Standard number plates use the yellow-on-green format with a provincial identifier. Personalised number plates are available through NATIS and via the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). This guide explains both standard and personalised plate applications.
Standard Number Plates
When a vehicle is registered or when ownership is transferred in South Africa, standard number plates are issued by the licensing department as part of the registration process. Plates are assigned sequentially and display a provincial identifier code.
Standard plates use a yellow reflective background with green lettering and numbering. Each province has its own identifier format (e.g., GP for Gauteng, WC for Western Cape, KZN for KwaZulu-Natal).
| Province | Plate Identifier |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | GP |
| Western Cape | WC |
| KwaZulu-Natal | KZN |
| Eastern Cape | EC |
| Limpopo | LP |
| Mpumalanga | MP |
| North West | NW |
| Free State | FS |
| Northern Cape | NC |
Personalised Number Plates
Personalised number plates (also called vanity plates or private number plates) allow vehicle owners to choose a unique alphanumeric combination rather than a sequentially assigned number. Two routes are available in South Africa:
Route 1: Apply directly through NATIS at www.natis.gov.za. The NATIS personalised plate service allows you to select and reserve a combination, subject to availability and approval.
Route 2: Apply through the CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) at www.cipc.co.za. CIPC offers personalised and customised plate registrations linked to company or brand names.
- Personalised plate combinations must not be offensive or misleading
- The combination must comply with format restrictions (letters and numbers only, limited length)
- Personalised plates carry a higher fee than standard plates
- Approval is subject to availability and NATIS discretion
- Once approved, the plate is manufactured and linked to the vehicle registration on eNaTIS
Applying for a Personalised Plate via NATIS
- Visit www.natis.gov.za and navigate to the personalised number plate application section.
- Create or log in to your NATIS account.
- Enter your desired plate combination and check availability.
- If available, complete the online application form.
- Pay the personalised plate fee (varies by combination and province).
- Await approval notification (typically 5 to 15 business days).
- Once approved, take the NATIS approval letter to your nearest licensing department.
- The new plates are manufactured and issued. Have them fitted by an accredited plate manufacturer.
Replacement Number Plates
If your number plates are stolen, damaged, or lost, you must apply for replacement plates at your licensing department. You will need a police case number if the plates were stolen.
Operating a vehicle with damaged, illegible, or missing number plates is a traffic offence.
- Police case number (for stolen plates)
- Original vehicle registration certificate
- South African identity document
- Affidavit explaining the circumstances (for lost plates)
- Payment of replacement plate fee (approximately R200 to R400 for the set)
Using unauthorised, copied, or altered number plates is a serious criminal offence. Always ensure your plates were manufactured and issued through an accredited NATIS-registered manufacturer.
Number Plate Regulations
All plates must comply with SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) specifications. They must be made from reflective material, display the correct lettering size and font, and be securely affixed to the vehicle.
Plates must not be obscured by dirt, accessories, or towbars. Tinted covers over plates are illegal.