Temporary Motor Vehicle Permit (Licence Disc) in South Africa

Who needs this permit

Any registered owner of a South African motor vehicle whose licence disc has expired, been lost, damaged or is still being printed after renewal.

When is it required

When your annual licence disc has expired or is missing, when your renewal has been submitted but the new disc has not yet been printed, or when you have just taken ownership of a used vehicle and are waiting on the change of ownership.

Eligibility

• You are the registered titleholder or owner of the vehicle (or have written authority from the owner)
• The vehicle is registered on the NaTIS system
• There are no outstanding traffic fines that block renewal (some municipalities enforce AARTO blocks)

Documents you need before applying

• South African ID (Smart ID Card or green ID book) — original plus a copy
• Vehicle registration certificate (RC1) — original
• Previous licence disc OR a SAPS affidavit if it was lost or stolen
• Proof of residence not older than 3 months (utility bill, bank statement or CoR affidavit)
• Completed ALV form (available at the licensing office or on the NaTIS site)
• Roadworthy certificate if the vehicle is being re-licensed after lapsing more than 12 months
• Payment for the temporary disc and any arrears (card, EFT or cash depending on the office)

How to apply — step by step

1. 1

   Collect the ALV form

   Get an ALV (Application for Licensing of Motor Vehicle) form from your municipal licensing office or download it from the NaTIS website.

2. 2

   Bring your documents to a registering authority

   Go to any municipal licensing office or DLTC that handles vehicle licensing. In metros like Cape Town, Joburg and Tshwane you can book online via natis.gov.za.

3. 3

   Pay the fee and any arrears

   The clerk will calculate the pro-rata temporary fee plus any outstanding licence arrears and admin charges. Pay by card, EFT or cash.

4. 4

   Collect your temporary disc

   You receive a paper temporary disc immediately. Display it in your windscreen exactly like a normal licence disc.

Where, how much, how long

Common mistakes to avoid

• Trying to renew online with unpaid traffic fines that trigger an AARTO block
• Forgetting the SAPS affidavit when the previous disc was lost or stolen
• Bringing a photocopy of the RC1 instead of the original
• Assuming a temporary disc replaces a roadworthy after a lapsed licence

Tips to speed up your application

• Book online through natis.gov.za in metros to skip most of the queue
• If you also need a roadworthy, do the roadworthy on the same day at a registered VTS
• Ask for the receipt — you'll need it if the disc is disputed at a roadblock

Official sources

• NATIS / RTMC
• National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996

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

Frequently asked questions

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