How to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license

The only issue is that you'll probably need to take a day off work to go and run this all-important errand (unless you make use of a service that does it on your behalf).

If you follow these tips and are prepared, you can be out of there in time to beat the traffic.

 

Time-saving tips

We advise you to have an eye exam by an optometrist to avoid standing in a long line. Take the results with you when you go to the DLTC.  Another tip is to download the relevant application form(s) and fill them out before you get to the DLTC. The application for the driving licence form (DL1) is available at any driving licence testing centre, or you can download it here. Having your form ready allows you to fall into the queue immediately. (Gauteng residents can apply online.) Make sure you have your own pen on you.

 

Remember! You need an affidavit that states that your card was stolen or lost. Pop into your nearest police station and get this done before going down to the DLTC.

Equally important! Find out the business hours of your specific DLTC ahead of time so you don't waste a day running this errand for nothing (see the list at the bottom of this article) and make a phone call ahead of time. Ask about the costs involved so you have the right amount of cash on you in case the DLTC is offline and doesn't offer debit or credit card facilities. Also, find out exactly how many photos you'll need—in most cases, it's 2-4—but rather be safe than sorry.

 

Take the following with you:

• Your identity document (ID) and a copy of the ID or a valid South African passport and copy.
• Proof of a postal and residential address, such as a utility account. (If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must supply you with an affidavit declaring that you live at that address. The official government website states that 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 (or the amount stipulated by the specific DLTC, but usually it's 2 for your temporary license and 2 for your permanent one).
• The prescribed application fee. (Temporary licenses can cost from R40 to R95, and from R140 to R250 for the actual license card.)
• The affidavit stating that your card was lost or stolen.

 

 

What to do at the DLTC

1. Complete the Application for Driving Licence (DL1) form if you haven't already done so.
2. Complete the notification of change of address or particulars of person or organisation (NCP) form if needed.
3. You will be required to undergo an eye test if you haven't already done so at the optometrist. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, ensure that you have them on (or in). Your fingerprints will be taken too.

Once you've done all that is required of you and paid your fees, you will get your temporary paper license right away, but you'll wait around 4-6 weeks for your license card.

 

 

List of DLTCs in every province and their contact details

 

Not keen on standing in a queue, or just too busy?

We used Google to search for companies that offer in-person license renewals on your behalf, like Q Assit, Q4U, Q No More, and WEQ4U. We haven't used any of them yet, so we can't vouch for their efficiency, but we recommend making a few calls and finding out what they charge before making a commitment. 

 

Recommended next

1. How much does a driver's license cost? 

This article focuses on the cost of learning to drive, getting your learner's license, and, finally, your proper driver's license.

2. How much are car license renewal fees? 

(In case your car's license disc is about to expire.)

3. What to do when your driver's license expires 

Follow a few easy steps to get this sorted.

4. Where to renew your driver's license in Cape Town

Living in Cape Town, are you? Here's where to go.

 

Source: www.gov.za