Apply for a Traffic Register Number

The Traffic Register Number (TRN) is a mandatory identification number required for certain individuals and organizations to conduct road traffic transactions in South Africa, including registering a vehicle or applying for a Learner’s or Driver’s Licence.

The application must be completed in person at a Motor Vehicle Registering Authority (MVRA) or a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).

If you are an organisation that serves as a non-legal person e.g. a partnership, a one-man business, a municipal/provincial/government authority, a church/congregation/welfare organisation, a recreational organisation, an educational organisation, a trust or a statutory body, you must also apply for a traffic register number to register motor vehicles in South Africa.

The organisation must also identify a representative for every branch or separate address of the business/organisation. This person serves as the contact person for administration purposes.

Part A: Application for Foreign Individuals

If you are a foreign national who wishes to buy or register a vehicle, or obtain a driving licence in South Africa, you need a TRN.

1. Where to Apply

Motor Vehicle Registering Authority (MVRA) or Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).

2. Documents Required

You must submit the following documents, usually including originals and certified copies:

Application Form: Completed ANR (Application and Notice in respect of Traffic Register Number) form (available at the registering authority).
Identification: Original Passport (must be valid).
Visa/Permit: Proof of your legal status and residence in South Africa (e.g., valid temporary residence permit, work visa, study visa, or a Home Affairs BI-1707 document for asylum seekers).
Proof of Address: Proof of 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.
Photographs: Two black and white ID photographs (confirm with the RA or DLTC how many photos is required).
Affidavit: A signed affidavit stating the reason for the TRN application (e.g., to register a vehicle).
Supporting Letters: If applicable, an original, recent letter from your employer or educational institution (on letterhead).

3. Process and Timeframe

Submit: Hand in the form and all supporting documents.
Payment: You pay the prescribed application fee (contact the registering authority for the current cost).
Issuance: The application is submitted for processing on eNaTIS. It can take up to six weeks (or sometimes longer, depending on the province) to be fully processed and issued.

Part B: Application for a Body of Persons

If you are registering a vehicle under a trust, partnership, or organization that is not a registered company (which would use a Business Register Number or /BRN), you need a TRN for that entity.

Company Letterhead: An original letter on the organization’s letterhead requesting the TRN and appointing a Proxy or/Representative to act on its behalf for road traffic matters.
Representative ID: Valid identification (ID or/Passport) of the appointed representative.
Business Documents: Founding statement, trust deed, or other registration documents for the organization.
Proof of Address: Proof of the organization’s physical address.
ANR Form: Completed ANR form.