Skip to content

Renewing Drivers Licence in South Africa

Take Notice that when your drivers licence card expires it does not mean that your license to drive in South Africa is expired but rather the card which acts as proof of your ability to drive is what has expired.

And so to renew licence you have don’t have to undergo a driving license test anymore. The same applies whether your card is stolen, missing, or is near expiration.

All South Africans with a learners license, drivers licence, temporary driving licence and professional driving permits that expired between 26 March 2020 and 31 December 2020 are allowed an extended validity to 31 August 2021 to renew their licences. Kindly ensure that you renew your drivers license if you fall within this bracket in SA. The extension of license renewals does not apply to those who had their license expiring from 1 January 2021 till now.

Drivers Licence Renewal Requirements

The applicant which refers to the one looking to renew their drivers licence, must meet these requirements and submit the appropriate documents for them. The requirements are as follows:

  • A duly completed form DL1. You can download it here and print it to fill.
  • Identification (ID) document Certified copy of the ID document (for filing purposes)
  • Four photographs (same format as that required for ID documents)
  • Proof of residential address e.g. utility account. However if the bill is not in your name, then the one whose name is on the bill must make an affidavit that declares that you reside at the said address. This means have your landlord sign the affidavit for you. The bill must be attached to the affidavit signed.
  • Should you live at an informal settlement for which you cannot provide a utility bill account, then you need to get the ward councilor to write a letter confirming your residential address stated.
  • Don’t forget to add the renewal fee in Cash.
  • If your drivers licence is expired the send additional cash to pay for a temporal one while you have your license renewed.
  • If your drivers licence was stolen, then send an affidavit from the police confirming that your card has been stolen.
  • Don’t forget to send a pen too as they will probably not have one present.

An Offline Step by Step Help on Renewing Drivers License in South Africa using eNatis

Currently the system is not 100% renew drivers licence online. Some procedures is done online while others done offline.

Follow the steps laid out below in order to start the process to renew drivers licence offline.

STEP 1: Go to the enquires desk or counter depending on your local DLTC and ask about submitting your DL1 form that you filled. The one at the desk will go through it and alert you to any mistakes you’ve made in filling the form. So here is where the pen you brought will be of good use.

STEP 2: After submitting the form, move to join the queue in the waiting room for your eye test to be done. In order to avoid the queue, you can visit an optometrist before hand to have the test done and just bring along the certificate issued the optometrist sowing the results of your test.

STEP 3: If you have assed the eye test, you will have your fingerprint scanned and inputted into the system.

STEP 4: Finally, make all payments that is required of you to the cashier. Remember only cash is accepted here.

Your renewed drivers licence will be available for collection at the DLTC ( Drivers Licence Testing Center) that you submitted your application. It is expected to be available within 4 – 6 weeks. If the application is made about 2 months before the expiration date, the cards expiry date is extended for 3 months until you receive the new card. However should your licence be expired before application, you will be required to make an application for a temporary driving licence should be made.

More Information on Drivers license Details

As a driver it important to ensure that the car you have has been insured. It might not mean much to you but its the best thing you can do to protect your car. Get your car insurance.

What are the different types of car insurance available in South Africa?
There are three main types of insurance available in South Africa namely Comprehensive, Third Party Fire and Theft and Third Party only insurance

Comprehensive Car Insurance

  • Comprehensive insurance generally covers theft, hijacking, damages caused in an accident, fire, explosion and natural disaster
  • Comprehensive insurance generally covers damages incurred to third parties in the event of an accident
  • Comprehensive insurance is the most expensive type of car insurance
  • Comprehensive insurance is a requirement if you are financing the payment on your car
  • Comprehensive insurance is most suitable for new and expensive cars that clock up high mileage

Third Party Fire and Theft (Limited Liability) Car Insurance

  • Third Party Fire and Theft car insurance generally covers damages incurred to third parties and includes vehicle damage, accidental death and injury caused in the event of an accident
  • Third Party Fire and Theft covers losses due to hijacking or theft and may also cover losses caused by fire, lightning or explosion
  • Your car is not insured for damages incurred in the event of an accident
  • Third Party Fire and Theft car insurance is suitable for cars that are almost paid off and clock up average mileage

Third Party Only Car Insurance

  • Third Party only insurance covers damages incurred to third parties in the event of an accident
  • Third Party only insurance does not cover damages to your car, theft, hijacking or natural disasters
  • Third Party only insurance is the cheapest type of car insurance
  • Third Party only insurance is most suitable for old cars that clock up low mileage
  • *Tip: Different car insurance providers offer different car insurance packages. Be sure to check and compare the benefits stipulated in the car insurance policy before signing the agreement.

What Car Insurance Do I Need?

Statistics prove that driving can be dangerous, and drivers should safeguard against these risks by taking out insurance to meet their needs and budget from the 3 main types:

Comprehensive vehicle insurance which although most expensive provides the best cover and protection in event of accident, theft and, damage including flooding and fire.
Third-party fire and theft that, despite being less expensive and not covering car replacement, provides cover for damage caused by fire, theft and, hijacking.
Third-party cover, usually the cheapest in the market, only covers damage to other vehicles in the accident.
Remember that your car insurance won’t cover you for:

Normal wear and tear
Intentional damage
Loss or damage should you leave South Africa’s borders without the appropriate certificate from your insurer or broker showing you have cover outside the country.

What is Comprehensive Car Insurance? Comprehensive Car Insurance Provides cover for just about any form of financial loss related to your vehicle. Provides cover for damage caused to another person and their property if you are responsible for an accident.

What is Third party fire and theft insurance? Third-party fire and theft Car Insurance
Provides cover for damage caused to another person and their property if you are responsible for an accident. Covers you if your car is stolen or damaged in the event of a hijacking, theft or fire.

What is third party only cover? Third-party-only Car Insurance covers the damage caused to another person and their property if you are responsible for an accident. Does not provide cover if your vehicle is damaged or stolen.

Car Insurance for Under 25’sCar Insurance for Under 25s
If you are younger than 25 years of age and you’re looking to purchase Car Insurance you will soon find out that your age plays a big role in how companies assess your risk, and ultimately your premium.

Advertisements