Zambia license plate (Z) in 2026 ✅
Current Zambian car license plates use standard European-sized plates in black letters on a white background. The national emblem is displayed on the left side of Zambian license plates. The number plate configuration is three letters and four numbers.
Language: English
International code: Z
In Zambia they drive on the left
First plate was registered on: 1929.
There are 2 1 cars per 1000 inhabitants.
Continent: Africa
Table of contents of Zambia license plates
Current Zambia license plates
Current Zambia license plates use plates with black characters on a white background and a border of the same color, with a European-style size of 520x110 millimeters (mm), usually using the German FE-Schrift typeface.
The configuration consists of three letters followed by four numbers. The first letter is always A, while the next two letters indicate the registration center where the vehicle was registered. On the left side, the ZS-Zambia Standards logo is shown, and below it the national coat of arms is displayed.
Public service vehicle license plates use the same format but with red characters and border.
Other types
Other types of Zambia vehicle registration plates use different background colors depending on the type of vehicle. A red background is used for dealer vehicles. A white background with a horizontal yellow stripe is used for state-owned vehicles, such as postal services or railway services. License plates with a yellow background and different letter combinations starting with two or three letters other than A identify government vehicles, such as the prison service (PS) or police vehicles (ZP).
Diplomatic corps license plates use the format 11CD22, where the first one or two numbers identify the country (1-United Kingdom, 32-Portugal, 33-European Union).
Previous systems
From 1975 to 2000, Zambia car plates used a similar system, with the same letter combination as the current system, but using the British license plate style with a yellow rear background and a white front background, and without displaying either the coat of arms or the ZS symbol.
1964-1975
With the independence of Zambia in 1964, formerly Northern Rhodesia as a British colony, a system similar to the previous one was maintained, but with modified regional codes. EX, ES, EU, K, P and EL identified the central region, where Lusaka is located. The configuration introduced in 1964 consisted of one or two letters followed by up to four numbers in white/grey on a black background, with the letter(s) acting as regional identifiers. When starting with CD, it identified the Diplomatic Corps (1-United Kingdom, 8-France, 41-Commonwealth, 47-Portugal).
Oval code from Zambia
Zambia has used several international distinguishing signs. Until 1938 EA-East Africa, until 1960 NR-Northern Rhodesia, until 1965 RNR-Rhodesia-Northern Rhodesia, and from 1965 to the present Z-Zambia.
☛ Which code identifies cars from Zambia?
The code Z identifies Zambia. The license plates of Zambia may be used with the international registration code Z next to it on the back part of the car.
Example of a car with the international recognition code of Zambia
Below you can find a car with the oval code and international recognition of Zambia which is Z.
Questions and answers about car license plates in Zambia 🥇
Where is the code Z in a license plate from?
The international code Z identifies Zambia, in Africa.
Which country uses the code Z on its license plate?
The country that uses the code Z on its car license plate system is Zambia.. The letter or letters Z always identify Zambia. The international code Z must always be displayed on the rear of the vehicle inZambiaSpain in an oval in black characters on a white background when travelling abroad, except in very rare cases.
When did Zambia have its first ordinary car license plate?
The date of the first car license plate registration officially issued in Zambia was in 1929.
Which side of the road do people drive on in Zambia?
In Zambia, you drive on the left side of the road.
On which continent is Zambia located?
Zambia is located in the continent . You can check how are the license plates of Africa following the link to the general section within matriculasdelmundo. Car license plates in Africa
What are license plates from Zambia called in other English-speaking couuntries?
In English, license plate of Zambia is commonly called a license plate of Zambia in the United States and Canada. In the UK and Australia, it’s often known as a number plate of Zambia. Another term, registration plate of Zambia, is understood globally and is slightly more formal. All these terms refer to the same vehicle identification plate of Zambia, with usage varying by country. Car plate of Zambia can be used in more technical situations.
Is it the same a license plate of Zambia and a registration plate of Zambia?
Yes, both license plate of Zambia and registration plate of Zambia can be used to refer the same vehicle registration unique number of Zambia.
Cite this section about the license plates of Zambia
Matriculasdelmundo. License plates of Zambia. Reviewed and updated information. Matriculasdelmundo.com. Retrieved on 08/01/2026 from https://
License plates from other states and territories that you may be interested in:
Map of the Zambia license plates
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Official Sources on License Plates of Zambia
All the information about the license plates of cars and motorcycles in Zambia and vehicle plates shown here has been extracted from official state archives (such as the BOE and the DGT in Spain), from personal sightings, by contacting automobile clubs from other countries, or through media or files referenced in the text. This information on car and motorcycle plates in Zambia has been collected since 2009, so we hope you find the information you're looking for about Zambia license plates.
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