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Identify a number plate you saw
Western Cape number plates prefixes show where a vehicle was first registered, not necessarily where the driver currently lives. The plates are commonly seen all across the province. “This page explains all Western Cape number plate prefixes and links to the towns’ histories.
CA Greater Cape Town The main prefix for Cape Town suburbs; seen on vehicles throughout the metro.
CAA Cape Town is primarily used within central Cape Town suburbs.
CAM Caledon & Kleinmond Villiersdorp, Riviersonderend Covers smaller towns in the Overberg and southern Cape.
CAR Clanwilliam & Lamberts Bay, Citrusdal Graafwater, Assigned to West Coast towns and farming communities.
CAW George Issued for George and nearby Garden Route towns.
CBL Ladismith Covers Ladismith and the surrounding Klein Karoo farms.
CBM Laingsburg Used mainly in the central Karoo town of Laingsburg.
CBR Montagu Assigned to Montagu and the nearby Breede River Valley settlements.
CBS Mossel Bay & Hartenbos Covers coastal Garden Route towns, popular holiday areas.
CBT Murraysburg Issued for the small central Karoo town of Murraysburg.
CBY Piketberg Covers the Piketberg region and surrounding farmlands.
CCA Prince Albert Used in the Klein Karoo town of Prince Albert.
CCC Riversdale & Stillbaai Covers southern Overberg towns along the coast.
CCD Robertson & McGregor Issued for Breede River Valley towns, famous for wine farms.
CCK Swellendam & Barrydale Covers the historic Swellendam district and small Karoo villages.
CCM Tulbagh Assigned to Tulbagh and nearby agricultural communities.
CCO Uniondale Covers Uniondale in the Langkloof region.
CCP Vanrhynsdorp & Klawer Issued for small West Coast towns and farming areas.
CEA Moorreesburg Covers the Swartland town of Moorreesburg and the surrounding farms.
CEG Heidelberg Assigned to the historic Overberg town of Heidelberg.
CEM Hermanus, Gansbaai, Onrus River & Stanford Covers the whale-watching towns along Walker Bay and nearby villages.
CEO Grabouw & Elgin Issued for Elgin Valley towns known for apple orchards.
CER Bonnievale Covers Bonnievale and nearby Breede River farming communities.
CES Albertinia Used in the Little Karoo town of Albertinia.
CEX Porterville Assigned to Porterville and the surrounding Swartland farmlands.
CEY Strand & Gordons Bay Covers coastal Helderberg towns, near Cape Town
CFA Wolseley Issued for Wolseley and neighbouring wine-growing areas.
CFG Vredenburg & St Helena Bay & Saldanha Bay Covers towns along the West Coast bay and harbour region.
CFM Somerset West Assigned to the Helderberg town of Somerset West.
CFP Velddrif (formerly used for Laaiplek) Covers Velddrif and nearby fishing communities along the Berg River.
CFR Kuilsrivier & Brackenfell Used in these northern suburbs of Cape Town.
CF Kraaifontein Covers Kraaifontein and the surrounding residential areas.
CG Oudtshoorn Issued for Oudtshoorn and the surrounding Klein Karoo.
CJPaarl & Franschhoek Registered in the Drakenstein area. Seen throughout the Cape Winelands.
CK Malmesbury & Darling Covers northern Swartland towns and farmlands.
CL Stellenbosch Assigned to the famous wine town and nearby suburbs.
CN Wellington Covers Wellington and adjacent wine-producing areas.
CO Calitzdorp Issued for the Klein Karoo town of Calitzdorp.
CR Hopefield & Langebaan Covers small West Coast towns and coastal areas.
CS Bredasdorp & Napier Cape Agulhas Struisbaai, Arniston Assigned to the southernmost Overberg towns.
CT Ceres Covers Ceres and the surrounding Koue Bokkeveld farms.
CV Vredendal Issued for the West Coast town of Vredendal.
CW Worcester, De Doorns & Touwsrivier Covers Breede River Valley towns in the Boland region.
CX Knysna, Sedgefield & Plettenberg Bay Assigned to Garden Route coastal towns.
CY Bellville, Durbanville & Kraaifontein Issued in Bellville; widely seen in the northern suburbs
CZ Beaufort West covers the central Karoo town of Beaufort West.
Map citation:Arian Frith – adrian@adrianfrith.com
Personalised plates
If you want to apply for a special number plate, you’ll need to complete and return the application form SLN1, along with a copy of your South African identity document. Email your application forms to tal.numberplates@westerncape.gov.za.
Western Cape Plates – Background
Did you ever play that game while driving in the country? The one where the number plate letters are an acronym or a short sentence. Western Cape number plates include CA ( Cape Town)… Cape Ape. CAW ( George) Cold and wet, or CCM (Tulbagh) Cannot create money.
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. The plates display combinations like AB 12 CD GP or CA 123-456
In the Cape, the prefixes were mostly assigned in order of the size of the municipality. Cape Town got CA, as it is the largest city in Cape Province, and Port Elizabeth got CB. Some smaller towns were given three-letter prefixes. The way our cars are licensed changes from time to time. The Western Cape system is poised to change again soon, but on this page, you can find where the cars with these licence plates come from. If you click on the name, the site will take you to the page where there is a short history and information about each place
Western Cape Number Plate FAQs”
1. How do I apply for a new number plate in the Western Cape?
You can apply at your nearest traffic department. ( Find the contact numbers on Colourdots Towns and suburbs pages) Bring your ID, vehicle registration documents, and payment for fees.
2. Can I order personalised number plates?
Yes. Some traffic offices and authorised vendors offer personalised plates. Requirements and fees vary.
If you want to apply for a special number plate, you’ll need to complete and return the application form SLN1, along with a copy of your South African identity document. Email your application forms to tal.numberplates@westerncape.gov.za.
3. How long does it take to get a new number plate?
Typically, 3–10 working days, depending on stock availability and processing at the traffic office.
4. Can I replace a damaged or stolen number plate?
Yes. Visit your local traffic department with your ID and vehicle registration certificate to request a replacement.
5. What documents are needed for number plate registration?
You’ll need: ID or passport, vehicle registration certificate, proof of address, and payment for applicable fees.
6. Where do I go to pay number plate fees?
Fees can usually be paid at the traffic office, some municipal offices, or via authorised online portals.
7. Can I transfer number plates from one vehicle to another?
Yes, if the plates are still valid. Visit the traffic department with the registration documents of both vehicles.
8. Are there restrictions on number plate styles or colours?
Yes. South African plates must follow standard dimensions, font, and colour regulations. Custom designs must be approved.
9. Can I book a number plate appointment online?
Some traffic offices offer online booking. Check the provincial or municipal traffic department website.
10. What should I do if my number plate is lost or stolen?
Report it to the police immediately, then visit your local traffic department to request a replacement plate.
- Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
Learn more about the project HERE
