If your driving licence card has been stolen in South Africa, you must immediately report the theft to the nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station to obtain an affidavit and a case number, then apply for a replacement card in person at a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). Because South African law requires you to carry a valid driving licence while driving, you will also need to apply for a temporary driving licence at the DLTC to stay legally covered while your new card is processed.
For broader assistance with licensing topics and navigation, you can consult our main Drivers Licence Help in South Africa hub.
What this renewal page covers
This guide outlines the exact, step-by-step process required when your driving licence card is stolen in South Africa. It covers:
- Reporting the crime to the police and getting the correct documentation.
- The required forms, identity documents, and verification steps for the DLTC.
- How to schedule an appointment online via NaTIS (where applicable) or handle a walk-in visit.
- Processing fees, eye testing options, and practical notes on temporary driving permits.
This page focuses specifically on handling a stolen driving licence card. If you are dealing with a standard expiration or routine update, refer to our comprehensive guide on renewal.
Requirements and documents needed
Before visiting your local DLTC, prepare all required documents to avoid being turned away. You cannot replace a stolen driving licence without verifying your identity and presenting proof of the theft report.
Standard Document Checklist
- SAPS Affidavit or Case Number: An official police affidavit detailing the theft of your licence card, along with your SAPS CAS (Case) number.
- Identity Document (ID): Your original green barcoded South African ID book, Smart ID card, or a valid temporary ID certificate, plus clear black-and-white photocopies.
- Proof of Residential Address: A recent utility bill, bank statement, or municipal account (not older than 3 months). If you reside with someone else, an affidavit from the homeowner with their proof of address is required.
- Four Black-and-White Passport Photos: While many modernized testing centres take photos digitally on-site, bringing physical photos prevents delays if live-capture units are offline.
- Application Form: A fully completed DL1 form (Application for Renewal or Replacement of Driving Licence Card). You can obtain this at the centre or prepare standard forms in advance.
Note: Requirements can vary slightly by province or municipal testing centre. Always verify local branch requirements before your appointment.
Booking or online steps
Depending on your location, you may need to pre-book a slot before visiting the DLTC.
1. Online Pre-Booking (Gauteng and Select Regions)
In provinces like Gauteng, bookings are managed through the official natis online portal.
- Log into the NaTIS platform.
- Select the option for replacing a lost or stolen driving licence card.
- Choose your preferred DLTC, date, and time slot.
- Download and print your booking confirmation slip.
2. Walk-In DLTCs
In many municipalities outside Gauteng, bookings are handled directly at the office on a walk-in basis or via local council booking channels. Check with your local traffic department near me guide to confirm whether your nearest branch requires an online slot or accepts walk-ins.
Eye tests, photos, fees and timing
Eye Testing
You must undergo a visual acuity test when applying for a replacement licence card. You can complete this test on-site at the DLTC using their eye-test equipment, or you can bring an eye-test certificate from a registered optometrist. Opting for a private optometrist can significantly shorten your queue time at the branch.
Fees and Processing Times
- Fee Variations: Fees for card replacement and temporary licences are not uniform nationwide; they are set by provincial and municipal authorities.
- Payment Methods: Most modern DLTCs accept debit or credit cards, but some rural branches may require cash. Confirm payment options before travelling.
- Card Processing Time: A new driving licence card typically takes between 4 to 6 weeks to be produced and delivered to the DLTC.
For more details on navigating regional offices, consult our directory of traffic department offices.
Temporary licence and expired-card notes
Because processing a replacement card takes several weeks, you cannot legally drive without interim authorization.
Obtaining a Temporary Driving Licence
You should apply for a Temporary Driving Licence at the same time you lodge your replacement application at the DLTC.
- It is issued on the spot once your eye test and payment are completed.
- It remains valid for six months or until your permanent card is ready for collection.
- You will need an extra passport-sized photograph and an additional fee for the temporary permit.
If your vehicle licence disc is also up for renewal alongside your personal driving credentials, view our dedicated resource on vehicle licence renewal. For full details on replacing misplaced cards, review our stolen drivers licence what to do requirements and next steps guide.
Related NaTIS, forms and office pages
When visiting the testing department, ensure you have the correct documentation ready:
- DL1 Form: The official Application for Renewal or Replacement of Driving Licence Card.
- SAPS Affidavit Form: Available at any police station; must be stamped by a Commissioner of Oaths.
- NaTIS Online Profile: Ensure your personal details on the national transport database match your current residential address.
FAQs
What is the purpose of this Stolen Drivers Licence What To Do in South Africa page?
This page provides a direct, public-service outline of the legal and administrative steps required in South Africa when your driving licence card has been stolen, ensuring you know what documents to bring and how to obtain a temporary permit.
What should users check before acting on stolen drivers licence what to do information?
Always verify current fee structures, accepted payment methods, and booking requirements directly with your local DLTC or the official NaTIS portal, as municipal policies and processing tariffs change periodically.
Which related TrafficDepartment.co.za page should readers use next?
If you need to locate your nearest branch or prepare your documents, visit our traffic department offices directory or download standard guidelines from our forms section.
How is this page different from the Drivers Licence Help in South Africa page?
This page addresses the specific emergency procedure for handling a stolen driving licence card (including SAPS reports and temporary permits), whereas the Drivers Licence Help in South Africa page serves as the top-level hub for general licensing rules, initial applications, and conversions.
Can users complete this stolen drivers licence what to do task on this page?
No. This page provides informational support. You must report the theft to SAPS in person and complete your biometric verification, eye test, and application in person at an official DLTC or via the official NaTIS booking system.