Everything You Need to Know About KZN’s New Number Plates

Starting 1 December 2023, KwaZulu‑Natal switched from its old town-based registration system (e.g., ND, NP, NUR) to a new province-wide format ending in “ZN.” Here’s a breakdown of what this means for motorists — and how Peers Auto Spares can help you update your number plates easily.

🆕 What Changed with KZN Number Plates?

1. New Format – Uniform & More Secure

  • The previous system tied number prefixes to towns (like ND for Durban, NP for Pietermaritzburg)
  • The new format is two letters, two numbers, two letters + "ZN" — for example, BB 12 CD ZN
  • Plates continue to display the provincial Coat of Arms above the “ZN” designation 
  • The maximum plate is 7 characters, aligning with national standards

2. Styling and Anti-Counterfeiting Upgrades

  • Fonts and colours remain similar, with blue-on-white for private vehicles and dealership garage plates, red for government, and black-on-white for taxis
  • New plates feature holograms, watermarks, and other security features to help combat fraud

3. Phased Roll-Out: Who Has to Switch & When

  • Phase 1 (Dec 2023–Feb 2024): all new vehicle registrations, transfers of ownership, and recovered stolen vehicles mandated the new plate 
  • Phase 2 (from Mar 2024): voluntary migration available for all vehicles
  • A full compliance period runs until 30 November 2025 — after that date, old-style plates will no longer be valid
  • You will be fined if you still have old plates after November 2025 .

🚗 Why Are These Changes Being Made?

  • To prevent duplication — many older codes have run out of combinations
  • To align with national standards, matching provinces like Gauteng and Western Cape
  • To improve security, with better anti-counterfeit features

KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the updates will better manage vehicle registrations and reduce crime

⚠️ What KZN Vehicle Owners Need to Do

  • Phase 2 & Voluntary Switch: Available now — you’ll get the new plate and logbook when re-licensing
  • Mandatory by 30 Nov 2025: Renewals after this date automatically require the new format, or you’ll be fined
  • Logbook updates: The switch requires a new logbook, usually processed at the licensing office within a few weeks
  • Cost: Plate sets cost around R300–R402, plus logbook fees (approx. R1,000–R1,500) 

🧭 How Peers Auto Spares Can Help

If you’re updating to the new KZN plate format, our in-store 'Number Plate Guy' offers:

  • High-quality stamped metal number plates, ready to fit the new KZN specs with hologram and ZA markings
  • Installation services or mailed-to-your-door delivery
  • Support with logbook forms, documentation, and up-to-date info on migration deadlines

👉 Order your new KZN number plates here and check out our fitting accessories.

or visit us in-store at 63 Bacus Road, Clairwood, Durban, 4052

💡 Tips Before You Go

  • Bring your vehicle registration papers, ID, and proof of payment when you visit the licensing office.
  • Contact your insurance provider after switching — they need to record your new number
  • Flag any issues early to avoid fines— old plates will be invalid after 30 Nov 2025
  • Ensure that the plate you are purchasing is legal. The font used on number plates must be the standard GE font, designed for the South African number plate industry. Plates with a bold font or smaller font may seem more appealing but can result in fines

✅ Take Action Now

  1. Are you due for a licence renewal? Request the new ZN plate now.
  2. Still using old town-based plates? Switch before the compliance deadline.
  3. Order your new number plate directly from Peers Auto Spares — hassle-free, compliant, and secure.

Get started today to avoid penalties and stay compliant. Order here now.

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