The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has reminded vehicle owners to migrate to the province’s new licence numbering system by 30 November 2025, warning that failure to comply could lead to fines.
Under the new format, all vehicle registration numbers in KwaZulu-Natal will end with the “ZN” suffix, replacing the previous town-specific codes such as ND, NRB, and NPS.
The change aims to bring the province in line with the national system and to address the problem of certain towns running out of available registration numbers.
Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said that while thousands of motorists have already switched to the new system, more than 800,000 vehicles are still outstanding. The department has urged motorists not to wait until the last minute to avoid potential delays and penalties.
The migration process began in phases. From 1 December 2023, new vehicle registrations, ownership changes, and re-licensing of recovered stolen vehicles were automatically processed under the new system.
A voluntary migration period for existing vehicles started on 1 March 2024, giving motorists two years to make the transition. After the November 2025 deadline, all remaining vehicles will be automatically converted when licences are renewed.
The new number plate format for standard private vehicles consists of two letters, two digits, and another two letters, followed by the provincial Coat of Arms and the “ZN” suffix — for example, BB 12 CD ZN.
Vehicle owners must ensure that their number plates and licence discs match, as a mismatch will render the vehicle illegal.
Motorists are responsible for the cost of obtaining new plates, which are priced at just over R400 per standard set.
According to the department, the new numbering system is also designed with improved security features to help combat vehicle-related crimes, such as cloning and fraudulent registrations.
The Transport Department has urged residents to make the switch early and avoid the last-minute rush as the cut-off date approaches.
