Applying for special motor vehicle number plates

You can apply for a special number plate provided the unique alpha and/or numeric selection you make is available. Special number plates contain both personalised numbers and discrete numbers on it. Personalised number plates contain the letters WP (Western Province) at the end of the number plate.

How to Apply

If you want to apply for a special number plate, you’ll need to complete and return application form SLN1, along with a copy of your South African identity document.

Business applicants should:

• complete and return application form SLN1,
• provide a copy of their business registration certificate (Issued by Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) or traffic register number certificate (TRN).
• provide a copy of their proxy or representative's South African ID, and
• provide a letter with a business letterhead.

Note: Motorists must verify all personal and address details with any car or driving licence transaction.  These documents can be used as proof.

Where to apply

You can submit your application in one of the following ways:

1. Post your application forms to the licence numbers division at the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works at PO Box 2603, Cape Town, 8000.
2. You can email your application forms to tal.numberplates@westerncape.gov.za.
3. You can also hand-deliver your application to the Departmental walk-in centre between 8am and 3pm.

If your application is approved, you’ll be issued with a letter of approval requesting payment of the applicable fees.

Once the proof of payment is submitted and processed, you’ll be issued with:

• an allocation letter, and
• an order letter for the licence plate manufacturer to enable them to manufacture the number plates.

You’ll need to license your vehicle at your appropriate motor vehicle registering authority. The allocation letter must accompany your application for licensing.

Contact information

If you require any assistance or information regarding special licence number, you can contact the Western Cape Government contact centre:

Tel: 0860 212 414 SMS and Please Call Me: 079 769 1207 Fax: 021 483 7216 Email: service@westerncape.gov.za

The special number plates are made at the appointed service provider:

Street address: Uniplate Group Pty Ltd, No. 10 14th Avenue, Maitland, 7405

You can also contact Egan Idas or Mitch Davids:

Tel: 021 593 5066 Fax: 021 593 4384 Email: personalisedplates@uniplate.co.za

For applicants living outside Cape Town, the appointed service provider will deliver the number plate to the registering authority indicated by the applicant.

Here’s a list of cost prices for alpha or numeric characters and digits and letters that you can add to your special number plate or personalised number plate. 

The registration fee for personalised and 3 to 6 digit discrete numbers is R69.00.

(Discrete numbers are personalised numbers which only the driver of the vehicle can obtain on their number plate if the car or the vehicle is in their name).