A South African driving licence card must be renewed before it expires, even though the licence itself does not lapse. Licence renewal happens in person at a driving licence testing centre (DLTC): you book or queue, pass an eye test, have fingerprints and a photograph taken, pay, and collect the new card weeks later. You can book online in some provinces, but no province lets you complete a drivers license renewal online from start to finish.
This guide covers the requirements, the renewal form, booking and collection. Both spellings, licence and license, refer to the same document here.
Last checked: 19 September 2026. TrafficDepartment.co.za is an independent guide, not a government website. We do not book appointments, take payments or issue documents. Confirm fees, hours and requirements with the official source before you act: gov.za: renew a driving licence, gov.za: temporary driving licence and NaTIS FAQs.
Driving licence overview
The card currently needs renewing every five years. In July 2026 Cabinet approved extending cards for codes A, A1, B and EB to ten years, but that still has to pass through Parliament; until it is law, keep renewing as normal (SAnews, 30 July 2026). Heavy vehicle codes stay on five years, and a professional driving permit is renewed separately. See PrDP.
Eligibility and requirements
- gov.za advises renewing about four weeks before expiry. The NaTIS FAQs add that applying within two months of expiry extends the expiry date by three months.
- You can generally renew at any DLTC that offers renewals and has capacity, not only the one nearest your home.
- If the card has already expired you can still renew, but do not drive until you hold a valid card or a temporary licence. See expired driving licence.
Documents and proof of address
- Your original ID document or smart ID card, and a copy.
- Your current or expired licence card.
- Proof of residential address, or a letter from your ward councillor. See proof of address.
- ID photographs, only if the centre still asks for them. gov.za mentions four black-and-white photographs, though many centres now capture photos digitally.
- The renewal form (DL1), plus form NCP if your address has changed.
Full checklist: licence renewal requirements.
Driver’s licence renewal form (DL1)
The licence renewal form is form DL1, officially the “Application for driving licence”. If you are looking for the license renewal form to download, take it free from the NaTIS road traffic forms page on natis.gov.za, or complete one at the centre. Nobody should charge you for the form itself.
Form NCP, notification of change of address or particulars, is needed only if your details have changed. See the DL1 form and traffic department forms.
Booking or renewal steps
- Book a renewal slot on NaTIS Online where your province or centre uses it (Gauteng generally does), or confirm the walk-in arrangement with the centre. See traffic department online booking.
- Arrive early with your documents and booking confirmation.
- Complete the eye test, fingerprints and photograph.
- Pay the card and application fees.
- Ask for a temporary driving licence if your card expires before the new one is ready.
- Collect the card when you are notified.
To cancel or move a drivers licence renewal booking, use your NaTIS Online dashboard rather than phoning the centre. See cancelling a booking. More on each route: booking a renewal and what can be done online.
Eye test and testing requirements
The eye test is done at the centre, or you can bring a result from a registered optometrist on the prescribed form. See eye test at the traffic department, failing the eye test and the optometrist form.
Fees to verify locally
Renewal fees are set provincially and by municipalities, and differ between centres, so this guide does not quote an amount. When you book online, the RTMC has said the charge is the card production fee, not an extra booking fee. Confirm the total with your centre. See licence renewal cost.
Card collection or next steps
- gov.za gives a card production time of four to six weeks.
- A temporary driving licence is issued the same day and is valid for six months. See temporary driving licence.
- Cards not collected within 120 days may be destroyed, according to the NaTIS FAQs.
- Progress and collection: card status check and licence card collection.
What your licence code means: licence codes.
Find a nearby DLTC
Whether you renew drivers license or renew drivers licence South Africa wide, the process is the same in Johannesburg, KwaZulu-Natal or anywhere else; only the booking method differs by centre. A drivers license renewal in JHB will usually need a NaTIS booking, while a drivers license renewal in KZN may still be a walk-in.
For driving licence renewal near me, use traffic department near me, licence renewal near me or the office directory. See also the traffic department overview.
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew my driver’s licence online?
You can book the renewal online where your province uses NaTIS Online, but you must attend a centre for the eye test, fingerprints and photograph.
Can I renew at any traffic department?
At any testing centre that offers renewals and has capacity. Municipal offices that only handle fines cannot renew licences.
Which form do I need to renew my driver’s licence?
Form DL1, the application for driving licence. Add form NCP if your address or particulars have changed.
Can I drive with an expired licence card?
No. Renew as soon as possible and ask for a temporary driving licence if you need to drive meanwhile.
Does the 10-year licence mean I do not have to renew?
Not yet. The change needs legislation first.