Can I drive with an expired licence card?

Only if you have a valid Temporary Driver's Licence (TDL) issued when you applied for the renewal. Driving on a fully expired card without a TDL is illegal.

Road & Licensing

How to Renew Your Driver's Licence Card

Your driver's licence card is valid for 5 years. You should renew it up to 6 months before it expires — you'll still drive on the old card in the meantime.

Who needs this

Any South African driver whose 5-year licence card is expiring within the next 6 months, or has recently expired.

What you need before you start

Existing driver's licence card (or an affidavit for a lost card)
Copy of your ID
Four black-and-white ID photos (some DLTCs take the photo for you)
Proof of residence not older than 3 months
Completed DL1 form
Completed NaTIS notice of change of address, if applicable

Step-by-step process

1
Book at a DLTC
Use online booking (e.g. natisonline in Gauteng, Western Cape's booking system) or book in person.
2
Attend the eye test
A quick eye test is done at the DLTC or you can take a certified eye test result from an approved optometrist.
3
Submit documents and pay
Submit DL1 and supporting documents and pay the renewal fee.
4
Receive a Temporary Driver's Licence (TDL)
You'll get a temporary paper licence to use while the card is printed. Keep it with your expired card.
5
Collect the card
You'll be notified by SMS when the card is ready — often several weeks or months due to Card Production backlogs. TODO: confirm current turnaround.

Where, how much, how long

Where to submit

Any Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC).

Fees

TODO: confirm current renewal fee.

Processing time

Card production varies significantly — from weeks to many months. Keep your Temporary Driver's Licence with you.

Common rejection reasons

Photos not compliant
Outstanding traffic fines flagged on the system

Official sources

NaTIS

Always confirm the latest requirements and fees on the official website before submitting.

Frequently asked questions

Read