SA Launches New Drive-Thru Car Licence Renewal Service
The City of Cape Town has introduced a vehicle licence renewal drive-thru in Brackenfell, making it easier for motorists to update their licence discs without ever leaving their cars.
This new service is part of the city’s ongoing push to improve efficiency and convenience for residents. It follows the rollout of the metro’s online booking platform, which allows customers to schedule appointments for key services such as vehicle licensing, account payments, and general enquiries.
Location and Operating Hours
The drive-thru facility is located at the corner of Reservoir and Kruispad Roads in Brackenfell. It operates between 11:30 and 19:30 on weekdays and 11:00 to 14:30 on Saturdays. The city has indicated that operating hours may be extended in the future and that additional sites could be launched across Cape Town.
How the Drive-Thru Works
According to Siseko Mbandezi, Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, the facility is completely cashless and dedicated solely to vehicle licence renewals.
“This innovation is designed to simplify life for motorists. You simply drive up, pay by card, receive your new disc, and be on your way. Early trials show that the process can take less than five minutes if all paperwork is in order,” Mbandezi explained.
Motorists who have received their renewal notifications via SMS only need to present the text message at the drive-thru. Mbandezi stressed that no cash would be kept on-site, further improving safety and efficiency.
He added:
“This facility demonstrates our commitment to remain the most trusted and convenient motor vehicle licence renewal agent. We encourage residents to take advantage of the Brackenfell drive-thru and experience the ease of renewing from the comfort of their cars.”
The city confirmed that further service expansions are planned within the next year to make licence renewals even more accessible.
Also read: NATIS Online Driving License Booking Limited to Two Provinces
Changing Landscape of Licence Renewals in South Africa
The launch of Cape Town’s drive-thru comes at a time when third-party online licence renewal services in South Africa have faced significant disruptions.
In recent years, several providers competed aggressively on pricing to attract motorists looking for hassle-free renewals. The South African Post Office once offered one of the cheapest options, R75 for delivery, but scrapped the service in 2024 after only two years, later clarifying that it had only been a pilot project.
Another trusted provider, PayCity, ended its online renewal offering in June 2024, notifying customers via email. PayCity had been one of the longest-running and most affordable services.
As of September 2025, First National Bank (FNB) currently offers the lowest-priced renewal service through its mobile app, charging R141 in total for delivery. Originally a promotional offer, the pricing has been extended multiple times, making it a competitive option for motorists.
Here’s how major providers compare:
| Provider | Availability | Service/Admin Fee | Delivery | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FNB | FNB customers only | R72.00 | R69.00 | R141.00 |
| Natis Online | All vehicle owners | R72.00 | R99.00 | R171.00 |
| Nedbank | Nedbank customers only | R72.00 | R119.00* | R191.00 |
| Capitec (App) | Capitec customers only | R72.00 | R109.00 | R231.00 |
| Renewonline | All vehicle owners | Gauteng: R100.00 / Other provinces: R120.00 | Gauteng: R120.00 / Other provinces: R120.00 | Gauteng: R220.00 / Other provinces: R240.00 |
*Delivery costs vary by location.
While online renewals remain popular, Cape Town’s drive-thru initiative is expected to fill the gap left by discontinued services, offering a fast, secure, and accessible alternative for motorists.
Related article: Driver’s Licence Validity May Be Extended as Demerit System Launches in October
