Apply for a new or replacement driver’s licence South Africa

Apply for a new or replacement driver’s licence, South Africa;- Find out how to get a new or replacement driver’s licence following the instructions below.

Apply for a new or replacement driver’s licence

Contents hide
1 Apply for a new or replacement driver’s licence
1.1 Day of appointment
1.2 PLEASE NOTE
1.3 PLEASE NOTE
1.4 Replace a lost or stolen driver’s licence card
1.5 Temporary driving licence
1.6 Convert a foreign licence
1.6.1 Requirements:
1.7 DIPLOMATIC PERMIT
1.7.1 How to apply
1.8 Documents you’ll need to bring with you:
2 Contacts
2.1 Traffic Services

Apply for a driver’s licence

To apply for a driver’s licence you need to already be in possession of a valid learner’s licence for the code for which you are applying, as well as have access to your own roadworthy vehicle for the test.

Download and complete the Driver’s Licence Application form and book an appointment at your nearest driving licence testing centre; these are at central locations throughout the city.

To make the appointment, please bring:

  • acceptable identification (official ID book/card or a valid RSA passport, Traffic Register Certificate or valid foreign ID and a valid visa/permit);
  • a valid learner’s licence;
  • two recent identical ID photographs;
  • the appointment fee, which is R135 for light vehicles and motorcycles and R200 for heavy vehicles; and
  • proof of address (e.g. a utility bill not older than 3 months).

For a complete list of documents accepted as identification/proof of address, visit the Western Cape Government website or download the Verification Documents Guideline.

Day of appointment

On the day of the appointment, please bring:

  • Acceptable identification
  • An appointment receipt
  • A roadworthy vehicle
  • A valid learners licence
  • R140 to issue your licence when you pass

A driver’s licence is valid for five years, after which you will have to renew it. Download and complete the Driver’s Licence Application Form (DL1), and submit the form and supporting documents at any driving licence testing centre.

PLEASE NOTE

If you do not collect your card within 120 days, the card will be destroyed.

Additional documents to bring:

  • Acceptable identification (official ID book/ card or valid RSA passport, Traffic Register Certificate or valid foreign ID and a valid visa/permit)
  • Current driver’s licence
  • One recent ID photograph (two recent identical photographs, if your licence has already expired)
  • R140 for the issuing of the licence (R185 if your licence has already expired)
  • Proof of address

PLEASE NOTE

If you are overseas at the time that your driving licence expires, you can only renew it when you return to the country. At present, there are no penalties for late renewal.

Replace a lost or stolen driver’s licence card

You will need to complete a Declaration of Lost Documents Form and a Driver’s Licence Application Form (DL1).

Additional documents to bring:

  • Acceptable identification (official SA ID or valid RSA passport, or a valid RSA temporary ID, Traffic Register Certificate or valid foreign ID and a valid visa/permit)
  • R185 to issue the replacement licence
  • Two recent identical ID-sized photographs

Submit your completed forms and the documents above to any driving licence testing centre. We will notify you when your replacement card is ready. You will need to collect it from the same testing centre you applied at.

Temporary driving licence

When you pass your driving test, you will receive a temporary licence to use until your licence card is ready for collection.

If your driving licence card has expired, or it has been lost or stolen, you’ll be issued with a temporary driving licence. A temporary licence is valid for six months or until the new/replacement driving licence card is issued

A temporary licence costs R45.

Convert a foreign licence

Requirements:

  • The exchange must be done within five years of receiving permanent residency in South Africa.
  • Your foreign licence must be valid (a photo of you and your signature must be visible on the licence).
  • If your licence is not in one of the official languages of South Africa, you must get a letter of translation by a competent authority.
  • You must first get permission from the Department of Transport to convert your foreign licence, before applying at one of our driving licence testing centres.

DIPLOMATIC PERMIT

You can also apply to convert your licence if you hold a diplomatic permit but don’t have a permanent residency certificate. However, the licence must be accompanied by a letter of validity from the relevant embassy.

How to apply

Step 1: Visit the Driving Licence Helpdesk, at the Department of Transport, for permission to convert your foreign driving licence.

Documents you’ll need to bring with you:

  • Confirmation letter;
  • Foreign Driving Licence;
  • Passport;
  • Proof of Permanent Residency Certificate; and
  • SA identity document.

Step 2: Download and complete the Driver’s Licence Application Form (DL1) and the Notification of Change of Address or Particulars of Person or Organisation (NCP) Form.

What you need to bring with you:

  • Permission from the Department of Transport
  • An acceptable identification document (RSA ID book/card; valid temporary ID; valid RSA passport)
  • Two recent identical photographs (colour or black and white)
  • Confirmation letter from a driving licence issuing authority that your foreign licence is valid
  • Current foreign driving licence
  • Letter of translation for the licence by a competent authority (if applicable)
  • Proof of permanent residency certificate
  • Proof of postal and residential address
  • R140 for the issuing of the licence

Step 3: Submit the completed forms and all supporting documents at a driving licence testing centre near you.

For more information or assistance, call the driving licence testing centre.

Contacts

Traffic Services

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