Traffic Department Application

Most traffic department services start with a prescribed form. The forms are national, so a DL1 is the same form in Durban as in Polokwane, but centres differ on whether you fill it in beforehand, collect it at the counter or have it completed on screen. This library explains what each common form is for, who needs it and how to avoid the mistakes that get applications sent back.

What this form is used for

Forms fall into three groups. Use this table of common forms to find yours:

Driving licences and permits

• LL1: application for a learner’s licence. LL1 form guide.
• DL1: application for a driving licence, including card renewal. DL1 form guide.
• PD1: application for a professional driving permit. PD1 form guide.
• MC: medical certificate, for PrDP applicants and older learner applicants. MC form guide.
• Optometrist form: an eye test result from a registered optometrist. optometrist form guide.

Vehicles

• MVL1: vehicle registration and licensing. MVL1 form guide.
• ALV: application for a vehicle licence when you did not receive a renewal notice. ALV form guide.
• NCO: notification of change of ownership. NCO form guide.
• RLV: registration and licensing of a motor vehicle, used when registering a vehicle in your name. RLV form guide.
• DCT: application for a duplicate registration certificate. DCT form guide.

Personal details and colour-coded forms

• NCP: notice of change of particulars, such as a new address. NCP form guide.
• People often ask for forms by colour. The yellow form, blue form and green form guides explain which official form each colour usually refers to.
• AARTO forms for nominations, representations and instalments: AARTO forms.

Who needs this form

The form follows the service. If you are unsure which applies, start with which form do I need, or go to the service guide: traffic department licence renewal, traffic department disc renewal, learner’s licence or PrDP.

Where to get the official form

• At the licensing centre or registering authority counter, where the forms are usually free.
• From provincial transport department and municipal websites, many of which publish downloadable PDFs.
• From natis.gov.za, which links official forms for some services.

Avoid paying a website for a blank government form. Forms downloaded from unofficial sites can be outdated versions that a counter will reject.

How to complete it

1. Use black ink and capital letters, and write within the blocks.
2. Use the ID number and names exactly as they appear on your ID document.
3. Do not sign in advance where a form must be signed in front of an official.
4. Leave sections marked for official use empty.
5. If you make a mistake, start a clean form rather than crossing out.

Documents to submit with it

Almost every form is submitted with your original ID and proof of address. Service-specific documents are listed on each form guide, and the full checklist is in traffic department requirements.

Where to submit it

Licence and permit forms go to a driving licence testing centre, vehicle forms to a registering authority, and AARTO forms through AARTO Online or the channel named on the notice. Find an office with traffic department near me.

Related traffic department forms

• MVL2 licence renewal notice explained
• ANR form
• TSP1 form
• ACR form

Common mistakes and verification

• Using a form version that the centre no longer accepts.
• Names that do not match the ID document exactly.
• Proof of address that is too old or not in your name.
• Missing supporting documents such as a medical certificate.

Back to the traffic department overview.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply online instead of filling in a form?

Some services can be booked online, but the application itself is still usually completed at the centre on the prescribed form or on screen.

Are traffic department forms free?

Yes, at the counter. Pay only the service fee, never for the form itself.

Which form do I use for a new address?

The NCP form. See NCP form.

Do forms change?

Occasionally. If a downloaded form looks different from the one at the counter, use the counter version.

Forms by situation

• I want to learn to drive: LL1, then DL1 for the driving test. See learner’s licence.
• My licence card is expiring: DL1, plus NCP if you have moved. See licence renewal.
• I need to drive a taxi or truck for work: PD1 and MC. See PrDP.
• I bought a used car: RLV, with the seller’s NCO. See bought a used car.
• I sold my car: NCO, submitted within the prescribed period. See selling a car.
• My disc renewal notice never arrived: ALV. See disc renewal.
• I lost my registration certificate: DCT. See duplicate certificate.
• I received an AARTO notice for someone else’s driving: the AARTO nomination form. See AARTO 07.

Official sources for this service

Rules and fees change, and this site cannot see your records. Before acting, confirm the detail that matters with the official source:

• natis.gov.za: the RTMC’s information site for NaTIS, including FAQs about licences and vehicles.
• gov.za driving licence services: the forms and documents each licence service requires.
• gov.za vehicle services: vehicle licensing, registration and ownership change requirements.
• Your provincial transport department and municipality, which publish the versions accepted at their counters.