Where to renew your driver’s license in Cape Town

Renewing your licence every 5 years is just as important as getting it the first time. Here's how you go about renewing yours in Cape Town.

By Ané Albertse

Published: 19 February 2024, 10:29

Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute

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How to sort your driver's licence in the Mother City

Most of us lead such busy lives, that we often neglect to keep an eye out for something as trivial as the expiration date on our bank or credit cards. The most important card in your wallet is, without a doubt, your driver’s license. When that traffic official pulls you over and demands to see it, you are in trouble if it’s past its sell-by date. Driving without a valid licence is illegal and is bound to cost you some money in the form of a fat ol’ traffic fine!

Validity of a South African driver's licence

South African driver’s licences are valid for five years from the date of issue, and even though you’re meant to receive a notification by post that it’s time to renew, this doesn’t always happen. You should renew your licence at least four to six weeks before it expires.

You will find a list of the City of Cape Town’s 18 driving licence testing centres for card renewals, driving licence tests and learner licence tests by clicking HERE.

You can download and complete the Driver's Licence Application form and book an appointment at your nearest Western Cape driving licence testing centre.

Can you do it online?

At the moment, you can only renew your motor vehicle licence via the City of Cape Town website, not your driver's. Click here to be taken to the e-Services portal. Now you can register and apply.

1. What to bring with you (if your card is still valid):

Your ID book, temporary ID or passport;
A copy of your ID;
Your current driver’s licence;
Four ID photos;
R140 for your renewal fee;
Proof of residence.
Your Driver's Licence Application Form (DL1) if you completed one beforehand. This will save you some time in the queues.

2. If your card has expired, you should bring:

The same as stipulated in 1 above, but you’ll need two extra ID photos.
Another R45 for your temporary licence, which is issued immediately.

3. If your card got stolen or went missing...

The same as stipulated in 1 and 2;
An affidavit from the police that states your card was stolen or lost.

For more information, click HERE.

TOP TIP: Take a pen with you, and get there early to avoid the queues! Or download the form HERE and fill it in before you go.

To avoid queuing for hours, we recommend booking a slot to register or renew your motor vehicle licence, but this is only available at selected Cape Town branches. The City of Cape Town are implementing the booking facility at more of their facilities in a phased approach.

ENDS