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Driving Licence Card Renewal: Step-by-Step Guide

Rethabile Nyelele19 September , 2025

2 2 minutes read

Driving Licence Card Renewal: Step-by-Step Guide — Image: Business Tech

Your South African driving licence card is the official proof that you hold a valid driving licence. When the card expires, it does not mean your licence itself has lapsed only the physical card is no longer valid. Renewing your card is a straightforward process that does not require retaking a driving test. The same procedure applies if your card is lost or stolen.

This guide walks you through the steps for applicants inside South Africa, those living abroad, and those who cannot return to the country.

1. Renewal for Applicants Within South Africa

If you are in the Republic of South Africa, you must renew your licence card at a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).

Documents Required

You’ll need to submit the following:

Completed DL1 application form
Original ID document
Certified copy of your ID (for records)
Four ID-size photographs
Prescribed card issuing fee

Collection of the New Card

The new card should be ready within six weeks.
If you apply within two months of the expiry date, the expiry is automatically extended by three months.
If your card is already expired, you must also apply for a temporary driving licence.

Collection by Another Person

If you cannot collect your card in person:

Submit a certified copy of the nominee’s ID.
Provide an affidavit explaining why you cannot collect it yourself, along with the name and ID of the person collecting on your behalf.
The nominee must present their original ID when collecting the card.

If unforeseen circumstances arise after applying, the nominee must submit:

Their ID and a certified copy
A certified copy of your ID
An affidavit from you explaining the circumstances and authorising them to collect the card

2. Renewal for South Africans Abroad

If you reside outside the country, you must still apply in person at a DLTC since new fingerprints, photos, a signature, and an eye test are required.

If you won’t be present at the time of card delivery, you can nominate a person (relative or trusted individual) to collect it for you. The same supporting documents and affidavit procedure (as explained above) will apply.

You may also apply for a temporary licence along with your renewal application.

3. Applicants Abroad Unable to Return to South Africa

If your licence card has expired, been lost, or stolen, and you cannot travel back to South Africa to renew it, you can request a confirmation letter from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

This letter confirms that you hold a valid licence (verified on the eNaTIS system).
It allows you to convert your SA licence into a foreign driving licence in the country where you live.
The letter is not valid as a driving licence inside South Africa and cannot be shown to law enforcement as such.

How to Apply for the Confirmation Letter

Include the following in your application:

Your RSA ID number
Your postal address (where the letter will be sent)

Renewing your South African driving licence card is a vital step to ensure you remain legally compliant on the roads. Whether you’re renewing locally, abroad, or unable to return home, the process is structured to give you options. Always ensure you apply before your card expires to avoid additional delays and the need for temporary licences.