Everything You Need to Know About Zimbabwe’s Plastic Driver’s Licence

What is the new driver’s licence disc launched by the Zimbabwean government?

The government has launched a new standard plastic driver’s licence disc that replaces the previous metal licences. The new licence is scannable and compliant with international standards set by SADC, COMESA, and the East African Community.

What are the advantages of the new plastic licences?

They can be printed instantly.
They have security features that make them difficult to forge.
They are scannable, allowing quick authenticity checks and identification of any legal issues.
They eliminate the need for temporary licences and clear the backlog of drivers without licences.
The licences use cutting-edge digital technologies, providing convenience for licence holders and law enforcement officials.
The licences have a validity of five years, ensuring updated credentials and enhancing document authenticity.
They consolidate the Defensive Driver’s Licence and the Professional Driver’s Permit information on a single card.
They create an updated electronic database of drivers, including professional drivers.

Is the new licence valid in other countries?

Yes, the new licence is valid in 25 countries within the SADC, COMESA, and EAC regions without conversion. This includes Zimbabwe. It eliminates the need for separate licences when driving in these countries.

Where can I obtain the new driver’s licence?

The new driver’s licence can be obtained through VID offices, and the collection can be made from your nearest Post Office. The acquisition process has been decentralized.

When does the new licence come into effect?

The new licence was launched on June 19, 2023, and is now in effect.

Will there be a re-test required after five years?

No, a re-test is not required. Once you have a licence, your photo and biometrics will be updated every five years. However, a vision test will be conducted during the renewal process.

Will the old metal licence discs be phased out?

While the metal discs remain valid for now, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development will announce the phase-out date in the future. The new plastic licences are being introduced as a replacement.

Do I need a separate licence for towing a trailer?

For holders of the old licences, there is no need for a separate licence to tow a trailer at the moment. The ministry is developing the capacity to accommodate this aspect in test yards, but it is not a requirement currently.

Is the new driver’s licence secure?

Yes, the new driver’s licence has numerous security features that enhance its credibility. It significantly deters counterfeiting and helps eliminate the presence of unlicensed drivers

What is a QR Code on the licence?

A QR Code is a machine-readable code that will be used to verify the credentials of a licence holder. It provides a quick way to access and authenticate the information on the licence.

How and where can I collect my new licence once it’s ready?

On the licence application, you must indicate your preferred Zimpost Agency near you for collection. Once the licence is ready for collection, you will receive a text message notification. Please ensure that you provide the correct mobile number on the application.

76 Comments

  1. Clifford Chirauga June 19, 2023 at 7:33 pm - Reply

    Ko vamwe tenge tisati tacollector edu esimbi tinoita sei???

    • Garikai Dzoma June 21, 2023 at 9:51 am - Reply

      Please contact your nearest VID for more information

      • Pedro October 2, 2023 at 12:30 am - Reply

        I’m in the UK and I have a class 2 drivers licence and I wanted to convert but the application process didn’t go through successfully. They said they need a class 4 drivers license and a certificate of competency in that class so can I exchange the class 2 licence and get a class 4 instead?

        • Garikai Dzoma November 2, 2023 at 4:59 am - Reply

          Please get in touch with the Zimbabwean Embassy in the UK so they can assist you with procedures.

        • Rutendo December 15, 2023 at 3:20 pm - Reply

          class 2 avasi kupa cause of reputation ye corruption…. the least they can give is class 4. unfortunately ????

      • AYANDA December 19, 2023 at 2:15 pm - Reply

        l have obtained a blue copy licence mid October TJ’s year how soon can I get my licence disc and what is the procedure?

        • Garikai Dzoma January 22, 2024 at 4:31 pm - Reply

          For enquiries like these you need to get in touch with your nearest VID depot.

    • Tinashe Matombe August 24, 2024 at 7:59 pm - Reply

      how can I do to know about my license is released I apply it was on January until now I don’t any see any sms

      • Garikai Dzoma August 26, 2024 at 5:42 am - Reply

        Please visit VID to get the most accurate information about your case.

        • Collen Maziveyi December 22, 2024 at 9:49 pm - Reply

          I obtained my class 2 metal driver’s license in 2014 so I want to change it now to a new plastic one will I get the same class 2 on a new one and if so what are the procedures

  2. Clinton chimemena June 30, 2023 at 6:47 am - Reply

    When can l start checking for my driver’s license or they are not yet out

    • Garikai Dzoma July 2, 2023 at 9:13 am - Reply

      You need to visit your nearest VID depot for more information.

      • Tindo November 17, 2023 at 10:07 am - Reply

        Hi i am in Bulawayo and i have a metal disc. Do i have to travel all the way to Harare just for Biometrics and application of the new license??

        • Garikai Dzoma January 22, 2024 at 4:33 pm - Reply

          No you should be able to do this at your nearest Depot.

  3. PRAISEGOD CHIADZWA July 13, 2023 at 10:55 am - Reply

    how to apply a new licence do we have to visit vid offices as well as the payment

    • Garikai Dzoma July 14, 2023 at 5:19 pm - Reply

      If you have a blue copy you just need to book so they can process biometrics for the new one. If you haven’t yet applied for a licence you just go through the usual process.

  4. Shadreck Fani Museni August 7, 2023 at 9:02 pm - Reply

    How abt 2019 discs, are they not yet out or akatobuda kare but not ready for collections

    • Garikai Dzoma August 8, 2023 at 4:23 am - Reply

      For more and accurate information on this please visit VID.

  5. Kudzaishe Mabika August 9, 2023 at 1:00 pm - Reply

    ko kana uchida sadc licences uine old licence unoita retest hre kna yangove automatically

    • Garikai Dzoma August 14, 2023 at 7:53 am - Reply

      The new licence is automatically a SADC licence.

  6. phiri nkosana August 18, 2023 at 9:41 am - Reply

    i am currently based in SA. i am in possession of the certificate instead of the card. Can the embassy help me?

    • Garikai Dzoma August 31, 2023 at 9:22 am - Reply

      Yes. They can assist you.

    • Kwanele March 27, 2024 at 4:33 pm - Reply

      good day, I’m currently in SA and I m in possession of a blue copy that I got 2020, do they need money for me to get the disc

      • Garikai Dzoma March 29, 2024 at 3:11 pm - Reply

        Please get in touch with the Embassy

  7. Naison August 31, 2023 at 12:31 am - Reply

    ko kune vatora ma licence this month first week of August akutobuda hre ma licence acho

    • Garikai Dzoma August 31, 2023 at 9:22 am - Reply

      It seems so yes.

    • Godwell Goda September 17, 2023 at 9:27 pm - Reply

      As for me i acquired a driver’s license in 2019 march but i have a blue copy, which category am i in?

  8. Mitchell Mutshiya September 10, 2023 at 12:32 pm - Reply

    I’m in Uk with a disc licence can I apply for a plastic licence whilst here ?

    • Garikai Dzoma September 27, 2023 at 5:54 am - Reply

      Yes.

      • Tinotenda lovemore Maringehosi November 18, 2023 at 3:58 pm - Reply

        Ko license ya 2019 muna August ingadai yabuda ere or

        • Garikai Dzoma January 22, 2024 at 4:32 pm - Reply

          For enquiries like these you need to get in touch with your nearest VID depot.

  9. Tracey September 11, 2023 at 3:10 pm - Reply

    can I convert my old licence to this new one from embassy in uk?

    • Garikai Dzoma September 27, 2023 at 5:54 am - Reply

      Am not sure about this but please visit them and see if they can assist.

      • Shepherd Mushambi October 12, 2023 at 6:19 pm - Reply

        Ini ndakarasa license disc and rane 5 years so ndoita retest or I can just apply for plastic one using the blue copy

        • Garikai Dzoma November 2, 2023 at 4:57 am - Reply

          Not sure please contact your nearest VID department for more accurate and up to date information

          • Wellington January 5, 2024 at 9:32 am

            I am in SA, can I use the new licence here, if so, does it require me to have a South African traffic register?

          • Garikai Dzoma January 22, 2024 at 4:34 pm

            For enquiries like these you need to get in touch with your nearest consulate office.

    • Obvious December 14, 2023 at 1:09 pm - Reply

      I have 9yr old class 2

      license how much to change

      • Garikai Dzoma January 22, 2024 at 4:31 pm - Reply

        For enquiries like these you need to get in touch with your nearest VID depot.

  10. Taurai September 12, 2023 at 6:44 am - Reply

    KO ndakarasa old licence ndinopihwa lates new lincense hre uye zvotora ngava yakadii plus panodihwa chii ?.

    • Garikai Dzoma September 27, 2023 at 5:53 am - Reply

      Yes. You need to visit your nearest VID depot.

      • Edwin March 21, 2024 at 6:41 pm - Reply

        Ndeipi ini ndine Yerata ndoda new yacho ndodii I’m a crossboader driver, ndine class 2

        • Garikai Dzoma March 29, 2024 at 3:11 pm - Reply

          Get in touch with VID

  11. Godwell Goda September 17, 2023 at 9:28 pm - Reply

    As for me i acquired a driver’s license in 2019 march but i have a blue copy, which category am i in?

    • Garikai Dzoma September 27, 2023 at 5:53 am - Reply

      It’s an old licence with the old classes. Please see the table above to see which category you are in based on the class you acquired. You can also visit your nearest VID depot to get the most accurate information.

  12. Dunbar September 25, 2023 at 12:07 pm - Reply

    i have a south african license can it be converted to a Zimbabwean license or i will need to test for the Zim license

    • Shepherd Mushambi December 8, 2023 at 10:15 am - Reply

      Does licence number changes if I do retest

  13. Dunbar Machingauta September 25, 2023 at 12:22 pm - Reply

    i have a south african license can it be converted to a Zimbabwean license or i will need to test for the Zim license

    • Garikai Dzoma September 27, 2023 at 5:52 am - Reply

      Is this the new South African licence? If so, please note that all licences issued in the SADC region have now been unified. There will be no need to do any retests as the licence is valid and recognised all across SADC. You can verify this by visiting your nearest VID depot.

  14. Milton September 29, 2023 at 9:23 pm - Reply

    Ko ma old disc rinenge rakusashanda here kana kuti unongono piva new racho

    • Garikai Dzoma November 2, 2023 at 5:00 am - Reply

      Old licences are still working and will continue to be valid. Please get in touch with the nearest VID department for the most up to date information.

  15. Helen Mayer October 5, 2023 at 6:12 am - Reply

    As an employer, how can I check that a Zimbabwean drivers licence is current and valid? The prospective employee has submitted an older driving permit?

    • Garikai Dzoma November 2, 2023 at 4:59 am - Reply

      Get in touch with either the Zimbabwean Embassy or the nearest VID department with the details they can probably check for you.

    • Bruno April 22, 2024 at 10:54 pm - Reply

      But ko sei tichibvunzwa retest iwo mutemo munyowani ukutaura kut there will be no retest panew license

  16. Bladwell October 10, 2023 at 10:14 pm - Reply

    What are the procedures needed to change the metal license to the new one

    • Garikai Dzoma November 2, 2023 at 4:57 am - Reply

      Please contact your nearest VID department for more accurate and up to date information

      • Ezra Carol Gatsi December 30, 2023 at 1:29 pm - Reply

        Hi mkoma Garikai, ndarasa line raifanira kupinda msg yecollection relicence apa ndrikuda ndingatumawo munhu kunonditarisirawo here using receipts. And also I need to know kut malicense akatorwa early January angange abudawo here. Pliz help… Handisi kurara nestress yekuraswa kweline. Kana zviita ndokumbirawo mundipatewo paemail please mkoma

        • Garikai Dzoma January 22, 2024 at 4:17 pm - Reply

          Please get in touch with your nearest VID depot for assistance.

  17. Shepherd Mushambi October 12, 2023 at 6:30 pm - Reply

    Ko license number inochinja here pakuchinja from metal to plastic

    • Garikai Dzoma November 2, 2023 at 4:57 am - Reply

      Not sure please contact your nearest VID department for more accurate and up to date information.

  18. Joseph October 24, 2023 at 5:02 pm - Reply

    is there an online application process to convert from the metal disk to the plastic one?

  19. Obert Dube December 2, 2023 at 8:29 am - Reply

    ko kune vakatora September this year akabuda here malicences avo

    • Garikai Dzoma January 22, 2024 at 4:33 pm - Reply

      For enquiries like these you need to get in touch with your nearest VID depot.

  20. Lactricia December 4, 2023 at 5:09 am - Reply

    sm l able to changw zim plastic disc to uk lisence

    • Garikai Dzoma January 22, 2024 at 4:32 pm - Reply

      For enquiries like these you need to get in touch with your nearest consulate office.

  21. Sydney Sanhanga February 4, 2024 at 4:22 am - Reply

    Ndine blue copy ndokwanisa here kuapplyer for plastic disk whilst in uk

    • Garikai Dzoma February 4, 2024 at 10:22 am - Reply

      Please talk to the embassy in the UK for more information.

  22. George February 6, 2024 at 1:53 pm - Reply

    Do I need to apply for AA when I have the new plastic license

    • Garikai Dzoma February 14, 2024 at 9:46 am - Reply

      You don’t although AA offers good value for money.

  23. Rissa February 7, 2024 at 3:07 pm - Reply

    are licenses from last year December out yet,l haven’t received a msg

  24. Ntandokayise February 13, 2024 at 10:51 am - Reply

    Hi l have a blue copy for March 2023 I didn’t receive sms. Can you please help l want to know how far is the process.

    • Garikai Dzoma February 14, 2024 at 9:46 am - Reply

      Please visit your nearest VID depot to get the clarification and help you are seeking.

  25. Pat April 24, 2024 at 11:06 am - Reply

    hi there,if i may ask,what about kana ndadzoka kunogara muzimbabwe whilst i was using South african’s license kana rasvika paku expire to get a Zim card should i re-tested/?

    • Garikai Dzoma April 26, 2024 at 8:08 am - Reply

      Handina chokwadi nazvo. Munogona kuenda paViD iri pedyo nemi muzvinzwire.

Leave A Comment