Replace Lost Driving Licence
If your driving licence card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can apply for a new one. You will have to apply for a temporary driving licence at an additional cost while waiting for your driving licence card to be issued.
To get a replacement card, you will not be required to take a driving licence examination, but you will undergo eye testing and your fingerprints will be taken. Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged driving licence card in South Africa is treated similarly to a standard renewal, as the process requires re-capturing your photo, fingerprints, and undergoing an eye test.
This process must be completed in person at a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).
Here is a step-by-step guide to replacing your card:
Report Loss/Theft (If Applicable)
If your licence was lost or stolen, you should report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and obtain an affidavit (a sworn statement or police case number). This is a crucial document for your application.
Gather Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents before visiting the DLTC. It’s advisable to have certified copies of your ID.
- Your identity document (ID) and a copy of the ID or a valid South African passport and copy.
- Proof of postal and residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.
- If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your postal and residential address.
- Four identical black and white photographs. You must first confirm with the DLTC how many photos they require before you have photos taken.
Complete Application Forms
At the DLTC, you will need to complete the following forms:
- DL1 Form: The Application for Driving Licence form.
- NCP Form: Notification of Change of Address or Particulars (if your address has changed).
- DCT Form: Declaration in respect of lost documents (for loss/theft)
Eye Test and Biometrics
At the DLTC, you will be required to:
- Undergo an Eye Test: This can be done at the centre or you can present a valid eye test report from a qualified optometrist (not older than three months).
- Capture Biometrics: Your fingerprints and digital photograph will be taken using the live capture system.
Pay the Prescribed Fees
You will need to pay two fees:
| Fee Type | Purpose | Estimated Cost (Varies by Municipality) |
| Card Issue Fee | For the printing of the new permanent Smart Driving Licence Card. | Around R216.00 to R250.00 |
| Temporary Licence Fee | Issued immediately so you can drive legally while you wait for the card. | Around R85.00 to R100.00 (Note: Some municipalities may waive this fee due to card delays.) |
Always contact your local DLTC to confirm the exact fees before visiting, as they vary between municipalities and provinces.
How long does it take
- You will be issued a Temporary Driving Licence immediately, which is valid for six months.
- The new permanent Smart Driving Licence Card is typically ready for collection at the same DLTC within 4 to 6 weeks. You will be notified via SMS when it is ready.
Gauteng Residents Note: If you live in Gauteng, you can often start the replacement process and book your appointment online via the NaTIS online booking system (https://online.natis.gov.za/#/) to reduce queuing time, but the physical appointment is still required for biometrics.