How to Renew Your Driver's Licence in South Africa
South African driver's licences are not issued for life. They must be renewed at regular intervals. Codes 1, 2, and 3 licences are renewed every 5 years, while Codes 10 and 14 must be renewed every 2 years. Renewal can be done at a traffic department or at an Automobile Association (AA) branch.
Renewal Periods by Licence Code
| Licence Code | Vehicle Type | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|
| Code 1 | Motorcycle | Every 5 years |
| Code 2 | Light motor vehicle (up to 3,500 kg) | Every 5 years |
| Code 3 | Heavy motor vehicle (over 3,500 kg) | Every 5 years |
| Code 10 | Heavy motor vehicle | Every 2 years |
| Code 14 | Extra heavy motor vehicle | Every 2 years |
Do not wait until your licence has expired. An expired driver's licence makes your vehicle insurance invalid and you may be fined or prosecuted.
When to Renew
You may apply to renew your driver's licence up to 12 months before the expiry date. It is strongly advisable to renew at least 6 weeks before expiry, as the new card can take 4 to 6 weeks to be produced and delivered.
Driving with an expired licence is a traffic offence under the National Road Traffic Act and can result in a fine, points on your record, or impoundment of your vehicle.
Documents Required for Renewal
- Original South African identity document (smart card ID or green barcoded ID)
- Original current driver's licence card
- Completed DL-1 renewal application form (available at traffic departments or AA branches)
- Two recent ID photographs (35 mm x 45 mm)
- Proof of residential address not older than 3 months
- Payment of the renewal fee (approximately R140 to R250 depending on venue)
Where to Renew
Renewals can be processed at any licensed traffic department or at an AA (Automobile Association) branch. The AA is a convenient option as it often has shorter queues and extended hours.
- Any municipal traffic department licensing office
- AA branches nationwide (find your nearest at www.aa.co.za)
- Selected post offices (for some provinces - confirm availability first)
- eNaTIS online renewal portal at www.enatis.com (card still collected in person)
The eye test is conducted at the renewal office. You do not need to visit a separate optometrist. However, if you wear spectacles or contact lenses, this restriction will be noted on your licence.
The Renewal Process
- Gather all required documents listed above.
- Complete the DL-1 application form (available at the renewal office or downloadable from the NATIS website at www.natis.gov.za).
- Visit your chosen traffic department or AA branch.
- Submit documents, pay the fee, and have your photograph and eye test taken.
- Receive a temporary renewal paper licence valid for driving while the card is produced.
- Collect or receive your new credit card-format licence within 4 to 6 weeks.
Renewing an Expired Licence
If your licence has already expired, you may still renew it at a traffic department. An expired licence is not automatically revoked. However, a driving test may be required if the licence has been expired for an extended period.
Contact your nearest traffic department to confirm the requirements if your licence expired more than 12 months ago.