Renewing your driver’s licence in South Africa is a mandatory process every five years. Here’s a detailed guide on how to renew your driver’s licence and get a new licence card.
The Importance of Timely Renewal
Driving with an expired licence can lead to fines and legal issues. To avoid such complications, it’s crucial to renew your licence on time. Given the possible delay between applying for and receiving your new licence, it’s advisable to start the renewal process about a month before your current licence expires.
Renewal Process Overview
Renewing your driver’s licence involves several steps, including paying a renewal fee. Currently, you can renew your licence online. If your licence has already expired, you will also need to obtain a temporary driving licence to ensure you remain legally allowed to drive while waiting for your new licence.
Documents Needed for Driver’s Licence Renewal
When renewing your driver’s licence, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
- Identification Document: Your ID book or card, and a copy.
- Current Driver’s Licence Card: Your old licence or a valid South African passport.
- Photographs: Black-and-white ID photographs (check with your DLTC for the exact number required).
- Proof of Residential Address:
- A utility bill in your name.
- If the bill is not in your name, an affidavit from the bill owner stating you live at the address.
- If living in an informal settlement, a letter with an official date stamp from your ward councillor confirming your address.
- Application Fee: Contact your local licensing office for the exact amount.
- Pen: For completing forms.
The Renewal Process
- Prepare Documents: Ensure you have all the required documents.
- Visit DLTC: Go to your nearest Driver’s Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) with your documents.
- Eye Test: Complete an eye test. You can choose to have this done at the DLTC or by your optometrist. If you opt for your optometrist, ensure the test is done within three months of your application.
- Fill Out Forms and Provide Fingerprints: Follow the instructions from DLTC staff.
Temporary Driver’s Licence
If your current licence has expired, you will need a temporary driver’s licence to legally drive until your new licence card is ready. This will require an additional fee.
Checking the Status of Your New Licence
After completing all necessary steps and paying the fees, there will be a waiting period before your new licence card is ready. The DLTC will inform you via SMS when your new licence card is ready for collection. You can also check the status of your application by sending your SA ID number via SMS to 33214. Note that there is a charge for each status check.
Collecting Your New Driver’s Licence Card
Once you receive the SMS notification, collect your new licence card within 14 days. Collection should be from the same DLTC where you applied.
Key Points to Remember
- Renew Early: Start the renewal process about a month before your licence expires.
- Temporary Licence: Obtain a temporary licence if your current licence has expired.
- Eye Test Validity: An optometrist’s eye test is valid for three months.
- Status Check: Use SMS to check the status of your licence application.
By following these steps and ensuring you have all the necessary documents, you can smoothly renew your driver’s licence and avoid any legal issues associated with driving with an expired licence.