License to thrill
In South Africa, your driving license is valid for a period of five years from date of issue. In the good old days, when your license got to four years and ten months, you would have approached your local traffic department for a re-issue, and the license usually took 4 to 6 weeks to issue. You would receive your new license before the current one expired.
Related: How to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license
Unfortunately, it's not so simple anymore - the online eNatis booking system has caused South African motorists to see red. It is a near-impossible mission just to get a slot booked. Currently, only the Eastern Cape and Gauteng are making use of the system, but with little success. Some people actually drive to different provinces because they don't come right via eNatis.
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However, I've also gone through this process myself and eventually managed to get it done so there is some light at the end of the rainbow. You can read my article on this topic called Renewing your driver's license - the whole story.
Once you've managed to get a booking, getting your license re-issued takes time, but is relatively simple and requires you to go to your local licensing department for an eye test, and to pay the re-issue fee. Four to six weeks later, you will receive your new license card and you’re good for the next five years. There are some instances where you can take an eye-test at an optometrist beforehand, but some licensing offices still require an on-site test. Make a phone call to the testing centre to find out exactly what is required of you, and how much money to bring. Getting your new license is a timeous process and you will probably need to take a day off work just to get this done.
1. What to bring (if your card is still valid):
- Your ID book, temporary ID, or passport;
- A copy of your ID;
- Your current driver’s license;
- Four ID photos;
- Money for your renewal fee; (contact your local licensing office to find out the cost - the amount differs from province to province and even DLTCs have different rates);
- Proof of residence.
If your license has expired before you have requested or received a new one, you will have to have a temporary permit issued to bridge the gap, or you will not be legally allowed to drive.
2. If your card has expired, bring the following:
- The same as stipulated in 1, above, but you’ll need two extra ID photos;
- Additional funds for your temporary license, which is issued immediately. (Pricing ranges from R50 - R120 - that's why you need to call the DLTC before you go to ensure you have the correct amount on you.)
3. If your card got stolen or is missing:
- The same as stipulated in 1 and 2;
- An affidavit from the police which states your card was stolen or lost.
For all the other info and a list of licensing offices (and their contact numbers) in every province, you can visit the www.gov.za website here.
We recommend that you download the relevant form here and fill it in before you go.
Good luck!
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