Renew Driving Licence
Renewing your South African driving licence card is mandatory every five years (even though the driving licence itself is valid until cancelled). The process requires you to apply in person, as new biometric data (photo and fingerprints) must be captured. You must renew your driving licence card four weeks before its expiry date. If you renew it after the expiry date, you will have to apply for a temporary driving licence at an additional cost while waiting for your driving licence to be issued.
Here is a comprehensive guide to renewing your driving licence card.
Know When to Renew
You should apply for renewal at least four weeks before the expiry date printed on your current licence card to allow time for the new card to be printed.
- If you renew before expiry: You can drive with your expired card and the renewal receipt for a grace period (often 3 months) while the new card is printed.
- If you renew after expiry: You must also apply and pay for a Temporary Driving Licence to drive legally while you wait for the new card.
Book Your Appointment (Recommended)
To save time and avoid long queues, it is strongly recommended that you book your renewal appointment online before visiting the Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).
- Online Portal: Use the NaTIS Online Booking System (https://online.natis.gov.za/#/).
- Process: Select “Book now for Driver’s Licence Card Renewal,” enter your personal details, and schedule a date and time at your preferred DLTC.
- Payment: Some provinces allow you to pay the renewal fee online via the NaTIS portal.
Gather Required Documents
You must take all of the following original documents with you to the DLTC on the day of your appointment:
| Document Required | Details |
| Old Licence Card | Your current driving licence card (expired or unexpired). |
| Identification | Original ID Book/Smart ID Card or a valid South African Passport (and a certified copy). |
| Photographs | Four identical, black-and-white ID photographs. Note: Most modern DLTCs capture your photo digitally, but bring photos in case the system fails, especially if you need a temporary licence. |
| Proof of Address | Original utility bill (or bank statement/lease agreement) showing your name and residential address, not older than 3 months. |
| If the bill is not in your name: You need an affidavit from the account holder and a copy of their ID, attached to the original bill. | |
| Application Form | Completed DL1 Form (Application for renewal of driving licence card). You can often download this from the NaTIS website or complete it at the DLTC. |
Steps at the DLTC
At your appointment, you will complete the following steps:
- Submit Paperwork: Hand over your application and documents.
- Eye Test: You will undergo an eye test at the DLTC. Alternatively, you can have an eye test done by a qualified optometrist and submit their report (not older than three months) to speed up the process.
- Biometrics: Your fingerprints will be taken, and a digital photograph will be captured for the new card.
- Pay Fees: Pay the prescribed renewal fee (varies by municipality, usually around R250.00). If your licence has expired, you will also pay a temporary licence fee (around R85.00 to R100.00).
How long does it take
You will receive a receipt (which serves as proof of renewal) and a Temporary Driving Licence (if needed) on the same day.
Your new credit-card format driving licence card should be ready for collection at the same DLTC in approximately 4 to 6 weeks. You will usually be notified via SMS.
