Important information for South Africans who must renew their driving licence

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said people whose driving licences have expired should get a temporary licence while they wait for their new licence cards to be printed.

He further advised people who renewed their driving licences to keep the receipt and a slip showing proof of payment in case they are stopped at a roadblock.

“It also shows the date at which you renewed your driving licence. If you have these documents in your possession, it should not be a challenge,” he told ENCA.

“Metro police officers are aware of the challenges regarding issuing driving licence cards. If you are stopped and try to renew your licence, it should not be a train smash.”

He said people who have a valid driver’s licence and have renewed it, with the associated documentation, should not be concerned about repercussions.

His comments followed the delay in issuing driving licence cards after the printing machine broke down in February 2025.

South Africa’s current licence card printing machine is 26 years old and has experienced 159 breakdowns in its lifetime, which have become more frequent with age.

Department of Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi confirmed that the country’s driving licence card printer has been broken down since February.

“The Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) is liaising with the sole supplier in France to repair equipment that has malfunctioned and resulted in the machine breakdown,” Msibi said.

“The Department is exploring various interim solutions to sustain the operations of the current machine, given its age.” Msibi also noted that it could take several weeks to repair the machine.

Alderman JP Smith, the City of Cape Town MMC for safety and security, said no driving licence cards have been issued in 2025.

Smith advised those who need to renew their licences that an expired driving licence card will remain valid for three months past its expiry date.

However, he noted that the three-month period will only count if the application for a new driving licence was submitted before the expiry date.

Motorists must keep their expired licence and proof of payment for their application in case they are pulled over.

“If the situation is not resolved within the three months, an application can be made for a temporary licence, which is valid for six months, or until the new driving licence card is issued,” said Smith.

However, motorists who fail to submit their renewal applications before their card expires will be charged R45 for a temporary licence.