Licence discs do not survive well. They fade in the sun until the expiry date is unreadable, tear when peeled off a windscreen, and disappear entirely when a windscreen is replaced or a car is broken into. A reprint is the routine fix, and it is a great deal easier than the alternative of driving with an illegible disc.
This guide covers when a reprint is needed, what to take, what it is not, and the situations where what you actually need is a renewal or a replacement registration certificate instead.
Processes and any charge for a reprint are set by the licensing authority. TrafficDepartment.co.za is an independent information resource and does not issue discs.
When you need one
- The disc has faded to the point that the details or expiry date cannot be read.
- It tore or was damaged during removal or a windscreen replacement.
- It was lost, or stolen along with the windscreen or the vehicle contents.
- It was never received after an online or bank renewal. See disc not received.
- It was issued with incorrect details, which is a correction rather than a straightforward reprint.
What a reprint is not
A reprint reissues the disc for a licence that is already valid. It does not renew anything and it does not extend the expiry date. If your licence has expired, what you need is a renewal, and the reprint question does not arise. See renewing a vehicle licence and expired licence disc.
It is also not the same as replacing a registration certificate, which is a registration document rather than a licensing one. See duplicate registration certificate.
What to take
- Your identity document, or certified copies plus authorisation if acting for someone else.
- The vehicle registration number, and the registration certificate if you have it.
- The damaged disc if you still have it, since some offices want it surrendered.
- Proof of address, on the same terms as any other licensing transaction.
- The correct form, which the office can identify. See NaTIS forms.
- A payment method, since a charge may apply.
If it was stolen
Where the disc went missing with a break in or a stolen vehicle, mention that when you apply. Some authorities want a police reference, and if the vehicle itself was taken there are more urgent matters than the disc, including ensuring the record reflects the position.
How to avoid needing one
- Fit the disc in the holder properly rather than sticking it directly to glass, which makes removal cleaner.
- Photograph the disc when you fit it, so you have the expiry date and details if it becomes unreadable.
- Remove the old disc carefully at renewal rather than tearing it off.
- Tell your windscreen fitter to preserve the disc, or renew around the replacement.
- Note the expiry date somewhere other than the windscreen.
Do it before you need it
A faded disc is easy to live with until the moment it is not: a roadblock, a routine stop, or an insurance question after an incident. None of those are good moments to explain that the licence is valid but the paper is unreadable.
Because a reprint is a small transaction, it also combines well with something else you were going to do anyway. If you have a licensing visit coming up, deal with the disc at the same time rather than making a separate trip later.
- Check the legibility of your disc when you check the expiry date.
- Combine a reprint with another counter visit where you can.
- Deal with damage immediately rather than waiting for it to worsen.
- Keep a photograph of the disc as a reference in the meantime.
If the vehicle changed hands
A disc relates to the vehicle rather than to you personally, so a vehicle bought with a valid licence carries that licence. What matters is that the registration record moves to your name, otherwise the next notice and the next set of arrears go to the previous owner. See change of ownership.
Related guides
- Vehicle licensing hub
- About the licence disc
- Renewing near you
- Documents needed
- Traffic department offices
How long does a reprint take?
At a counter it is usually issued during the visit, since the licence already exists on the record and nothing needs to be assessed. Where a reprint is handled remotely, expect a delivery wait similar to an online renewal.
Do I need to surrender the damaged disc?
Some offices ask for it, which is a reason to take whatever remains of it rather than discarding it once you notice the problem.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a charge for a reprint?
A charge commonly applies, set by the authority. Confirm the amount and accepted payment methods before travelling.
Can I get a reprint online?
Availability varies by authority, and reprints are more often a counter transaction than a renewal is. Ask yours before assuming.
Does a reprint change my expiry date?
No. It reissues the disc for the licence you already hold, on the same terms and with the same expiry.
Can I drive with a faded disc?
A disc that cannot be read is not doing its job, and enforcement is based on what is displayed. Get it reprinted rather than relying on the record being correct.
What if the disc has the wrong details?
Raise it as a correction rather than a reprint, and take whatever documentation shows the correct details. Do not simply drive on it.
Can someone else collect it for me?
Generally yes with proper authorisation and certified copies. See letter of proxy.