Editor LauraHave you ever wondered what diplomatic numbers look like? Or maybe you have a car or bike with one and want to know how to change it? In this blog post, we will explain the basics of diplomatic plates and show you how to change your number in South Africa. We also provide a few tips on driving with a diplomatic plate, in case you’re wondering. So read on, and learn everything you need to know about diplomatic plates in South Africa!
What are diplomatic number plates?
Most diplomatic number plates are yellow with a white letter or symbol on a light blue background. The letters and symbols are usually those of the country issuing the plate, but sometimes other countries may be represented.
South Africa began issuing diplomatic number plates in 1989. At first, only numbers were issued, but from 1994 plates began to carry letters as well. The latest addition is the “Cape Town Diplomatic Plate”, which was introduced in December 2014.
How do I apply for a diplomatic number plate?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) issues diplomatic number plates to foreign officials, their family members, and their staff. The process of applying for a diplomatic number plate can be complex and requires documentation verifying your appointment as a foreign official. In addition, you must provide proof that you are authorized to use the number plate in question.
To apply for a diplomatic number plate, you must first contact the DFAIT customer service centre. You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, passport number or other identification document that shows that you are a foreign official or family member of a foreign official, as well as your application fee. After submitting your application information, you will receive an acknowledgement letter from the DFAIT customer service centre. This letter will outline the next steps in the application process.
The next step is to submit copies of documentation verifying your appointment as a foreign official or family member of a foreign official. This documentation can include your passport stamps and visas, letters from your government appointing you as a diplomat or consular officer, and any other documents that show that you are authorized to use the diplomatic number plate in question. If applicable, you may also need to submit photographs of yourself and any accompanying documents.
If all of your documentation is complete and accurate, you can then expect to receive an invitation from the DFAIT customer service centre to visit their office in order to complete the final stages of the application process. Once
What do the diplomatic number plates mean?
The diplomatic number plates in South Africa are assigned to foreign diplomats and their families. The plates are blue on a white background, and have the country’s coat of arms in the center. The numbers below the shield correspond to the diplomatic status of the respective country.
There are currently twenty-four diplomatic plates in use, all of which were issued between 2001 and 2003. These include numbers for Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Chile, China, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius*, Mexico*, Morocco*, Namibia*, Netherlands*, New Zealand*, Peru* Portugal** Qatar*** Romania** Senegal*** Singapore*** Slovakia*** South Africa*** Sweden*** Switzerland*** Tanzania**** United Arab Emirates**** Zambia***** Zimbabwe****
Who can use diplomatic number plates?
Diplomatic number plates are issued to individuals who have been given permission by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRC) to use them. The plates are affixed to the front and rear of a vehicle and may only be used by the individual or their spouse, child, parent, or guardian. The use of diplomatic numbers is restricted to official DIRC business.
Members of international organizations may also apply for diplomatic number plates. These organizations must meet certain criteria set out by DIRC, including being recognized by the South African Government as an intergovernmental organization. Once an organization has been granted diplomatic status, it is allowed to use its own unique diplomatic number plate design.
How long will it take to receive my diplomatic number plates?
When you apply for a diplomatic number plate in South Africa, it will likely take around six weeks for the application to be processed. Once the application is complete, you will need to provide proof of identity and residency. You will also need to pay the applicable fees. After paying the fees, you will receive an email notification confirming your application has been received and is being processed. You will then be contacted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAIT) to schedule a fitting appointment where your plates will be delivered.
Are there any fees associated with obtaining a diplomatic number plate?
There are no fees associated with obtaining a diplomatic number plate in South Africa. However, the registration process may take some time to complete due to the high demand for these plates. There are a few restrictions that apply to diplomatic numbers plates in South Africa, including that they cannot be used on vehicles registered in the Republic of South Africa, and they cannot be used on commercial vehicles.
The Diplomatic Number Plates Scheme in South Africa
The Diplomatic Number Plates Scheme in South Africa started on 1 April 1951. The scheme was initially introduced to assist the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the efficient management of its overseas representations. At first, only British diplomatic vehicles were assigned diplomatic numbers. However, the scheme gradually evolved to include other countries and their diplomatic representatives. Currently, there are a total of 76 different plates assigned to diplomatic vehicles in South Africa.
Requirements to Apply for a Diplomatic Number Plate
Diplomatic number plates in South Africa are issued to members of foreign diplomatic corps accredited to the Republic. The issuing agency is the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Applicants must meet certain requirements, including being a citizen of a country with an agreement with South Africa and having held their valid diplomatic passport for at least six months preceding application.
The application process requires submission of a request form, which must be accompanied by documentary evidence that meets all requirements listed below. The document submitted as proof of identity will also be used as the vehicle registration number unless otherwise specified on the request form.
Applicants must provide documentation that meets all of the following criteria:
1) Full name
2) Date of birth
3) Place of birth
4) Passport number
5) Country of citizenship
6) Address where applicant resides
7) Telephone number (country code + area code −/+24 hours)
8) Email address
9) Photographs 1-3 staring straight ahead, head and shoulders only
In addition to meeting the above requirements, applicants must also:
1) Be a citizen of a country with an agreement with South Africa. This can be verified via the country’s embassy or consulate in Pretoria or Johannesburg. If unsure, applicants may wish to contact DFAT for verification purposes.
2) Have held their valid diplomatic passport for at least six months prior
How to Apply for a Diplomatic Number Plate
If you are looking to obtain a diplomatic number plate in South Africa, there are a few steps that you need to take. The first step is to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to ask for their help. DFAT will then send you a form which you need to complete and return. Next, you will need to provide evidence of your diplomatic status. This can be something as simple as an embassy letter or a certificate from the relevant international organisation. Finally, you will need to pay the fee for the plate.
What to Do if Your Application is Denied
If you receive a denial letter from the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA), you will need to:
– Read the denial letter carefully, and be prepared to provide supporting documentation;
– Contact DHA for advice on how to appeal the decision.
1. Read the denial letter carefully.
Be sure to read all of the information included in the denial letter, as it will help you understand why your application was denied. The letter will also detail what information DHA needs from you in order to process your appeal. In some cases, DHA may request additional information or documents from you. Be prepared to provide whatever is requested in order to have your application processed.
2. Contact DHA for advice on how to appeal the decision.
Contacting DHA can be a helpful step if you believe that your application was erroneously rejected. DHA can provide guidance on how to appeal the decision and can answer any questions that you may have about appealing the decision.
Whether you’re an ambassador, a consul general, or any other kind of representative in South Africa, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is decked out in the right international plates. Here are some of the most popular diplomatic number plates available in South Africa: 1. United States of America 2. Canada 3. Mexico 4. Australia 5. New Zealand 6. Sweden 7. Switzerland 8. Austria