Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driving Licence Card
Replace your card without repeating the driving test
If your South African driving licence card is lost, stolen, destroyed or too damaged to use, you can apply for a replacement at a Driving Licence Testing Centre. You will need to verify your identity, complete the required forms, pass an eye test and have your fingerprints captured.
Report a stolen card to SAPS and obtain an affidavit. For a misplaced card, prepare an affidavit from a Commissioner of Oaths. Take your ID and copy, proof of postal and residential address, required photographs, affidavit and applicable fees to a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). Complete the DL1 and NCP forms, undergo the eye test and fingerprint capture, and request a temporary driving licence while the replacement card is produced.
The replacement process verifies your existing driving entitlement. You normally complete an eye test and biometric checks, but you do not retake the learner’s test or practical driving examination.
What to Do Immediately After Losing Your Driving Licence
The first steps depend on whether the card was misplaced, stolen or physically damaged. Acting early protects your identity and helps you prepare the correct declaration for the DLTC.
Write down when and where you last had it, search carefully and obtain a sworn affidavit from a Commissioner of Oaths.
Report the theft to SAPS and obtain an affidavit describing the circumstances.
Keep every part of the card and take it to the DLTC instead of discarding it.
If your whole wallet was stolen
Protect the other documents and accounts that were inside it. Block bank cards, secure any affected accounts and report missing identity documents through the correct authority. The driving licence replacement process does not automatically cancel or replace other cards.
A saved image may help with your records, but it is not a replacement driving document. Apply for official temporary proof if you need to drive before the new card is ready.
Lost, Stolen and Damaged Cards: What Changes?
| Situation | Extra proof to prepare | What to take to the DLTC |
|---|---|---|
| Misplaced or lost card | An affidavit from a Commissioner of Oaths explaining the loss. | Your full replacement-card document set and any copy or photo of the old card. |
| Stolen card | A SAPS affidavit stating the circumstances of the theft. Keep the police reference where provided. | The affidavit, identification, address proof, photographs and applicable fees. |
| Damaged card | The damaged card itself helps show why a replacement is needed. | Every part of the card, even if the photograph or details are difficult to read. |
| Destroyed card | An affidavit may be required when no usable part of the card remains. | Explain what happened and ask the DLTC which declaration it requires. |
| Expired and lost card | The transaction may need to be handled as an expired-card renewal rather than only a replacement. | Tell the DLTC the card’s expiry date before completing the forms. |
A replacement is not automatically the same as a renewal. If the card was expired or close to expiry, ask whether you should complete the renewal process so you do not pay for a replacement that soon needs another transaction.
Documents Needed to Replace a Driving Licence Card
Prepare the documents before visiting the DLTC. Carry the originals and copies so the official can verify your identity and address without asking you to return.
National guidance refers to four identical black-and-white photographs. Some DLTCs may request fewer photographs, accept colour images or capture the photograph electronically. Call the centre first.
If the utility bill is not in your name
The person named on the bill may need to make an affidavit confirming that you live at the address. Attach the utility account to the affidavit and ask whether a copy of the account holder’s ID is also required.
If you live in an informal settlement
Take a letter from the ward councillor confirming your postal and residential address. The letter should have an official date stamp.
If you use a temporary ID
Ask the DLTC whether it accepts the original temporary identity document and which certified copy is required. Do not assume that an expired temporary ID will be accepted.
How to Replace a Driving Licence Card Step by Step
Obtain the correct affidavit. A stolen card should be reported to SAPS, while a lost or misplaced card may require an affidavit from a Commissioner of Oaths.
Use an old photo, scan or personal record if available. Tell the DLTC if the card was expired or close to expiry.
Confirm whether an appointment is required, current fees, photograph rules, accepted payment methods and any local declaration form.
Gauteng residents should check NaTIS Online for the available driving licence appointment service. A physical visit is still needed for verification and biometrics.
Take your complete document set, affidavit, photographs, address proof and any damaged card.
Fill in the Application for Driving Licence carefully and complete the replacement or duplicate-card section that applies to your situation.
Use the Notification of Change of Address or Particulars form to verify or update the personal information connected to your traffic record.
Some authorities use the DCT Declaration in Respect of Lost Documents form in addition to the affidavit.
Complete the eye test and allow the DLTC to capture your fingerprints and other required information.
Keep the replacement-card receipt and the separate temporary-licence receipt where one is issued.
Verify your name, identity number, licence codes, restrictions and expiry date before leaving.
Follow the DLTC’s collection instructions and take the required identification when the card is ready.
Replacement Forms Explained
| Form | Full name | Purpose | When it may be needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| DL1 | Application for Driving Licence | Starts the replacement driving licence card transaction. | Required for lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged cards. |
| NCP | Notification of Change of Address or Particulars of Person or Organisation | Verifies or updates the details connected to your traffic record. | Required as directed during the replacement process. |
| DCT | Declaration in Respect of Lost Documents | Records the circumstances of a document that can no longer be produced. | Used by some authorities for lost or stolen card applications. |
| Affidavit | Sworn statement about the loss, theft or destruction | Explains why the existing licence card cannot be submitted. | Police affidavit for theft or Commissioner of Oaths declaration for a lost card. |
The date, location and explanation of the loss or theft should be consistent. If you are unsure when the card disappeared, say that honestly instead of inventing an exact time.
Eye Test and Fingerprints for a Replacement Card
You do not repeat the practical driving test, but an eye test and fingerprint capture form part of the replacement process.
Your documents are compared with the traffic record.
Your eyesight and corrective-lens needs are assessed.
Your biometric information is captured for verification.
The approved replacement is sent for production.
Can an optometrist perform the eye test?
Yes, you may use a qualified optometrist and submit the accepted eyesight form at the DLTC. Ask the centre which form it requires and how recently the examination must have been completed.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses
Take them to the eyesight assessment. If corrective lenses are necessary to meet the driving standard, the restriction may be recorded on your replacement licence.
What if your eyesight has changed?
New conditions may be attached to your licence record. If you do not meet the required eyesight standard, the card cannot simply be replaced without resolving the vision requirement.
The DLTC may require a specific eyesight report containing the results needed for the driving licence transaction.
Temporary Driving Licence While You Wait
A temporary driving licence can be issued immediately at an additional cost while your replacement card is being produced. It is normally valid for up to six months or until the replacement card is issued, whichever happens first.
For the full document checklist and rules, see how to obtain temporary driving proof while waiting for your replacement card.
Contact the DLTC before expiry. Ask whether the replacement card is ready and what official step is required if production is delayed.
Replacement Cost and Processing Time
The cost varies by province and testing centre. Ask separately about the replacement-card fee and temporary driving licence fee so you know the complete amount before travelling.
How long does the replacement card take?
Official guidance gives a typical processing period of approximately four to six weeks. Production, verification or delivery delays can make some applications take longer.
Is the temporary licence issued immediately?
It is normally issued during the application visit when all documents, forms, eyesight checks and payments are complete.
Contact your DLTC for the current charges and accepted payment methods. Fees published for one municipality do not automatically apply nationwide.
How to Collect Your Replacement Driving Licence Card
The replacement card is generally collected from the DLTC where the application was completed. Follow the collection instructions printed on your receipt or provided by the centre.
Before travelling to collect it
- Check whether the DLTC has confirmed that the card is ready.
- Take your original identification.
- Carry the application or payment receipt.
- Take the temporary driving licence if requested.
- Confirm collection hours because they may differ from application hours.
Check the new card at the counter
Confirm your names, identity number, photograph, driving licence codes, restrictions and expiry date before leaving. Report an error immediately rather than waiting until you need to use the card.
Some licensing authorities warn that uncollected cards may be destroyed after 120 days. Do not wait for the temporary licence to expire before checking the card’s collection status.
Can someone collect the card for you?
Collection by another person may be allowed in limited circumstances. The person may need their ID, certified copies of both identity documents and an affidavit explaining why you cannot collect the card yourself. Confirm the exact local rules before sending anyone.
What if you find the old card later?
Do not continue using the old card after a replacement has been ordered or issued. Contact the DLTC for disposal instructions. Cut or destroy it securely only after the authority confirms that it is no longer required.
Common Replacement Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Why it causes a delay | Fastest solution |
|---|---|---|
| No affidavit | The reason the original card cannot be submitted is not formally recorded. | Get the correct police or Commissioner of Oaths affidavit before visiting. |
| Wrong number of photographs | Local photo requirements may differ. | Call the DLTC before having photographs taken. |
| Proof of address is rejected | The document may be too old or not connected to the applicant. | Ask which documents and supporting affidavits the centre accepts. |
| Card was already expired | A renewal may be required instead of a simple replacement. | Tell the official the expiry date before completing or paying for the transaction. |
| Optometrist report is unsuitable | The report may be old or missing required measurements. | Use the accepted form or complete the eye test at the DLTC. |
| Personal details do not match | The traffic record cannot be verified against the documents. | Take supporting records and complete the NCP form accurately. |
| No temporary licence requested | You may be left without acceptable driving proof while waiting. | Request temporary proof during the replacement visit if you need to drive. |
| Card is not collected | Uncollected cards may eventually be destroyed. | Check the status and collect it promptly with the required documents. |
Call the DLTC and Ask These Questions
This short checklist can save an unnecessary visit.
Driving Licence Replacement FAQs
What should I do if I lose my driving licence card?
Obtain an affidavit from a Commissioner of Oaths, prepare your identification, proof of address and photographs, and apply for a replacement at a DLTC. Request a temporary licence if you need to drive while waiting.
Must I report a stolen driving licence to SAPS?
Yes. Obtain a police affidavit describing the circumstances of the theft and take it to the DLTC with your replacement application.
Do I need an affidavit for a lost licence?
A misplaced or lost card generally requires a sworn affidavit from a Commissioner of Oaths. Some authorities may also require a DCT lost-document declaration.
Can I replace a damaged driving licence?
Yes. Take the damaged card and your full document set to the DLTC. Do not throw away broken or unreadable parts before the application.
Do I need to repeat the driving test?
No. Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged card does not require another practical driving examination. You will undergo an eye test and biometric verification.
What documents are needed?
You generally need your ID and copy or valid South African passport and copy, proof of postal and residential address, required photographs, the appropriate affidavit and applicable fees.
Which forms must I complete?
You must complete the DL1 Application for Driving Licence and NCP Notification of Change of Address or Particulars forms. A DCT lost-document declaration may also be required.
How much does a replacement card cost?
The fee differs between provinces and licensing authorities. Contact your DLTC for the replacement-card fee, temporary-licence fee and accepted payment method.
How long does the replacement card take?
The usual processing estimate is four to six weeks, although verification and card-production delays can make some applications take longer.
Can I drive while waiting for the new card?
You should apply for a temporary driving licence. It provides official short-term proof while the replacement card is being produced.
Can I apply online?
Gauteng residents should check NaTIS Online for available appointment services. You must still attend the physical DLTC for identity checks, eyesight testing and biometrics.
What if my lost licence was already expired?
Tell the DLTC before applying. You may need an expired-card renewal rather than only a replacement and will normally need temporary driving proof while waiting.
Can I use a photo of my lost licence at a roadblock?
A phone photograph should not be treated as the official licence. Apply for a temporary driving licence and carry the original document when driving.
What if I find the old card after ordering a replacement?
Do not use both cards. Contact the DLTC and ask how to dispose of the old card after confirming that the replacement transaction is complete.
Can another person apply for the replacement?
The applicant normally needs to attend personally because the process includes an eye test, fingerprint capture and identity verification.
Related Driving Licence Services
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