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. The way our cars are licensed changes from time to time. The Western Cape system is poised to change again soon, but below 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
These are the prefix letters for all the Western Cape number plates.
Western Cape Number Plates Letters.
 
CARÂ Clanwilliam & Lamberts Bay
CAWÂ George
CBLÂ Ladismith
CBMÂ Laingsburg
CBRÂ Montagu
CBSÂ Mossel Bay & Hartenbos
CBTÂ Murraysburg
CBYÂ Piketberg
CCAÂ Prince Albert
CCCÂ Riversdale & Stillbaai
CCKÂ Swellendam & Barrydale
CCMÂ Tulbagh
CCOÂ Uniondale
CCPÂ Vanrhynsdorp & Klawer
CEAÂ Moorreesburg
CEGÂ Heidelberg
CEMÂ Hermanus, Gansbaai, Onrus River & Stanford
CEOÂ Grabouw
CERÂ Bonnievale
CESÂ Albertinia
CEXÂ Porterville
CEYÂ Strand & Gordons Bay
CFAÂ Wolseley
CFG Vredenburg & St Helena Bay
CFMÂ Somerset West
CFPÂ Velddrif (formerly used for Laaiplek)
CFRÂ Kuilsrivier & Brackenfell
CF Kraaifontein
CGÂ Oudtshoorn
CJÂ Paarl & Franschhoek
CKÂ Malmesbury & Darling
CLÂ Stellenbosch
CNÂ Wellington
COÂ Calitzdorp
CS Bredasdorp & Napier
CTÂ Ceres
CVÂ Vredendal
CW Worcester, De Doorns & Touwsrivier
CX Knysna, Sedgefield & Plettenberg Bay
CY Bellville, Durbanville & Kraaifontein
CZÂ Beaufort West
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.
FAQs – Number Plates in the Western Cape
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.
