Licensing your company vehicle
Every car on South Africa's roads must have a valid license disc, whether owned by a business, fleet operator, or private individual. However, there is a small difference in how paperwork is handled.
Related: How to Renew Your Car License Online in South Africa
Renewing the license for a company vehicle in South Africa requires specific documentation and a slightly different process than renewing a personal car. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know
Where to Renew
You can renew a company vehicle's license at a few locations:
Your relevant registering authority (traffic department): This is the official vehicle licensing and registration location.
Selected post offices: Many post offices offer motor vehicle license renewals.
- Online Platforms: Several services, including some banks and private companies, offer online license renewal with courier delivery. The National Administration Traffic Information System (NaTIS) also has an online platform.
Required Documents for Company Vehicles
When renewing the license for a vehicle registered to a company or organisation, you must have the following documents:
Motor vehicle license renewal notice (MVL2): This document is typically mailed to the company. You must complete an "Application for Licensing of Motor Vehicle" form (ALV) if you didn't receive it.
Business certificate of the organisation or company: This is to verify the company's existence and details.
A letter of proxy: This letter authorises the person handling the renewal to act on behalf of the company.
The ID of the proxy: The person renewing the license must provide their identification.
Appropriate licensing fees: The cost varies by province and is based on the vehicle's tare weight and type.
Late Renewals and Penalties
You have a 21-day grace period after the license disc's expiry date to renew it without penalty. If you fail to renew within this period, you will be penalised. The penalty is calculated at 1/10th of the annual licensing fee for every month the license remains lapsed.
Additional Information
Proof of address: All license renewal applications require proof of postal and residential addresses. A utility bill is a common form of proof. If the utility bill is not in the company's name, an affidavit from the bill holder confirming the address is needed.
Public transport and heavy-load vehicles: If the vehicle is a bus, used for public transport, or a heavy-load vehicle, a roadworthy certificate is required. This certificate is only valid for six months for buses, meaning the license must be renewed biannually.
Change of details: If any company's details have changed, you must complete and submit a "Notification of Change in Particulars" (NCP) form.
Online renewal: The NaTIS platform and other private services can simplify the process, allowing you to renew and pay for the license disc from home and have it couriered to you. You will typically need to register a profile and upload the necessary documents.
