Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Driving Licence Card

Why You Need to Get a Replacement

Legal Requirement: Driving without a valid licence card is a serious offence in South Africa.
Proof of Identity: Your driving licence often serves as a form of official identification.
Temporary Solution: You can apply for a temporary driving licence at the same time to ensure you can continue to drive legally while you wait for your new card to be issued.

The entire process must be completed in person at a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).

If your licence card was stolen, you should report it to the nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station and get a case number.
Whether it was lost or stolen, you must obtain an affidavit from a police station or a Commissioner of Oaths. This document is a legal declaration stating the circumstances of the loss or theft and is a mandatory part of your application.

Identity Document (ID): Bring your original South African ID or a valid South African passport. You’ll also need a certified copy of it.
Proof of Address: A utility bill (not older than three months) is the standard requirement. If the bill is not in your name, the owner must provide a signed affidavit and a copy of their ID, along with the utility bill. For informal settlements, a dated and officially stamped letter from a ward councillor is required.
Affidavit: The original affidavit from the police or a Commissioner of Oaths.
Photographs: Bring four identical black-and-white photographs that meet the official specifications. It’s wise to take these at a professional photo studio to ensure they are accepted.
Prescribed Fee: Have the application fee ready in cash. It’s essential to call your local DLTC beforehand to confirm the current fee.

Requirement	Details
Identity Document	Original South African ID or passport, plus a certified copy
Proof of Address	Utility bill (≤3 months old), or affidavit with owner’s ID and bill, or ward councillor letter for informal settlements
Affidavit	Original from police or Commissioner of Oaths (for lost/stolen)
Photographs	Four identical black-and-white photos (per DLTC specs)
Fee	Cash payment (confirm amount with local DLTC)

At the DLTC, you will complete the Application for a Driving Licence (DL1) form.
You will undergo an eye test at the centre. Alternatively, you can have your eyes tested by a qualified optometrist and submit the official form with your application.
Your fingerprints will be taken at the DLTC as part of the verification process.

You will pay two separate fees: one for the replacement of the permanent driving licence card and a separate fee for the temporary driving licence.
The temporary driving licence is issued to you on the same day.

New Card: Your new permanent driving licence card will be ready for collection within four to six weeks.
Temporary Licence: The temporary licence is issued immediately.
Cost: The cost for a permanent replacement card and a temporary licence varies by municipality. As of 2025, the combined fee is generally around R300.

Online Booking: For Gauteng residents, you can use the eNatis online portal to book an appointment, which can significantly reduce your waiting time at the DLTC: https://online.natis.gov.za/.
Check Availability: Always call your specific DLTC to confirm their operating hours and any potential system downtimes.
Collect On Time: Your new card must be collected within 120 days (approximately four months) of the application date. After this period, the card may be destroyed, and you will have to re-apply and pay all fees again.