In a post published on X on 4 July 2025, the Ministry provided a step-by-step breakdown of the process, stating:
“Need to transfer vehicle ownership? Here’s everything you need to know! Fees, requirements and steps simplified.”
— Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development
The official notice outlines that the cost of changing vehicle ownership varies depending on whether the plates are being retained or replaced.
What You Need To Know
For those opting to get new number plates, the cost is USD $515 (approx. R9,400). If the current plates are being retained, the fee is just USD $15 (approx. R270).
The Ministry listed the following requirements:
VTS Clearance
Payment of applicable fees
Completed CVR 4 form, stamped by VTS
Original registration book
Updated insurance reflecting the new ownership
When changing plates, previously registered plates must be surrendered. If plates are lost, a valid police report must be presented.
“NB: All documents must be valid and complete for processing.”
— Ministry of Transport, 4 July 2025
Email communication should be sent to:
☐ ddcvr1@gmail.com
☐ ddcvr2@gmail.com
☐ registrarcvr@gmail.com
☐ communications@motidgov.zw
Public Reaction Explodes Online
Despite the clarification, the announcement was met with a wave of criticism.
X user @MaranduRobert commented:
“Mmmm $500 for a number plate. Makaoma vanhu imi shuwa.”
(“You people are tough indeed.”)
Another user, @MapudziTro31354, remarked:
“Saka number plate yoita $515 manje. Imwe nyika inoda restart button.”
(“So a number plate is now $515. Some countries need a restart button.”)
Many Zimbabweans questioned the logic behind such steep fees in a country battling economic hardship.
“$515 for new plates???????? Zimbabweans are very good people,”
— wrote @ZamaNyathi14.
Several citizens also questioned the use of Gmail addresses for official communication.
“Why is a whole government using gmail?”
— asked @ssyyddoo.
One user, @Raszen, said:
“Five hundred and fifteen United States Dollars in a nation where a teacher does not earn that. A gmail email address in a government department.”
Others pointed out that a similar service in South Africa costs just R250 (approx. USD $14).
“Zimra $300+ new plates $515. This is nonsense. In South Africa only R250 gets you new plates.”
— tweeted @ZamaNyathi14.
Delays, Frustration, And Unanswered Questions
User @comfortny complained:
“I have not been able to change ownership of my car for more than 2 months now!”
Other users asked for transparency on breakdown of the $515 fee, capital gains tax, and special excise duty, which remain unclear in the Ministry’s post.
User @Madzimbamuto3 demanded:
“Can you breakdown your costs and why you came up with $515.”
Another user asked:
“Tiudze kuti VTS clearance imarii”
(“Tell us how much VTS clearance costs”)
Despite the public backlash, the Ministry has not yet responded to the specific concerns around fee structure transparency, delays, and email profes
Post published in: Featured
Some of the cars due for change of ownership cost less than $500
All government services fees are exorbitant from passport ,in south Africa passport cost 30 USA change of ownership 20usa
Then we wonder what specifical in getting those services in Zimbabwe as it is our right
This money is meant to feed certain individuals with no benefit to the country.
lets be rationale,Zim gvt is not for people,its for personal gains
Our government is milking money from the people …how it used we can’t see it ….
Thats nonsense we as Zimbabweans why must we entertain such rubbish .Dont change the ownership until they get back to there senses .Or is it a scam because l saw Gmail being used on government account. Why USD but forcing ZiG to the mass .Government Money Making Scheme .Zvigananda .Nyika yacho ngaivharwe aah Ndanyara .Chokwadi vakaona havana chavakafa
Pakaipa mmm kana plate ichidhura please jump to the plastic one like zvakangoitwa kumaLicence and ID pleasa
This is truly absurd, I don’t see why zimbabweans vote people into parliament who doesn’t represent them and do not even stand with them, no consultations, why that much? Where does the money even go to?
Ava maZvigananda taneta navo. Asi even tika complainer, vanodada nepfuti. Nyika iri kudyiwa nemhuri yava EDgananda takatarusa. They don’t care because for them, everything is delivered by the gun.
USD515 to fix an aluminium plate 15cm x 26cm sampled with a few alfa numeric symbols on a yellow painted background. Aya ndo matuzv** ehurumende chaiwo.