Zimbabwe Number Plates

Province codes, prices, replacement and custom plates

Province Codes

Zimbabwe number plates use a letter-number system where the first letters indicate the province of registration:

Code RangeProvince
AAA - AAZHarare
ABA - ABZBulawayo
ACA - ACZManicaland
ADA - ADZMashonaland Central
AEA - AEZMashonaland East
AFA - AFZMashonaland West
AGA - AGZMasvingo
AHA - AHZMatabeleland North
AJA - AJZMatabeleland South
AKA - AKZMidlands
Special plates: Government vehicles use specific prefixes. Diplomatic plates start with "CD" or "CC". Temporary plates are red.

How to Get Number Plates

Number plates are issued automatically when you register a vehicle or during change of ownership. They are issued at the CVR or ZINARA offices.

Replacement Number Plates

If your number plates are lost, stolen or damaged:

Report to Police

Report the loss/damage at your nearest police station and get a police report.

Visit CVR or ZINARA

Bring the police report, your vehicle registration book and your national ID.

Pay the Fee

Pay for replacement plates. Both plates (front and rear) must match.

Collect New Plates

Collect and fit the new plates. The new plates will have the same registration number.

Custom/Personalised Number Plates

Zimbabwe offers personalised number plates with custom text. These cost significantly more than standard plates. Apply at CVR in Harare. Availability depends on whether your requested combination is already taken.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Zimbabwe number plate codes mean?
The first three letters indicate the province of registration. For example: AAA-AAZ is Harare, ABA-ABZ is Bulawayo, ACA-ACZ is Manicaland, ADA-ADZ is Mashonaland Central, and so on.
How do I get replacement number plates?
Report the loss/damage at a police station, get a police report, then visit CVR or ZINARA with the police report, your vehicle registration book, and national ID.
Can I keep my number plates when I sell my car?
No. Number plates are registered to the vehicle, not the owner. They stay with the vehicle during transfer of ownership.

Need Vehicle Documents?

Get transfer forms, sale agreements and vehicle documentation.

Visit ZimDocs.co.zw