A step-by-step guide top renewing your SA driver’s license
Your driver’s license has expired. Oops! During the COVID lockdown/ languish, nobody wanted to stand in a queue for a license, and in any case, a lot of the time the license offices were closed because the staff had COVID. So the authorities kept extending and extending the grace period for getting it. And then they did not anymore. The end of April was the end of grace and that was that. So what now?
Dates
First, check your driver’s license expiry date on your license card. If it has expired or will do so in less than four weeks, you will need a temporary license when you renew, which will cost more and you will need extra license photos. But you will get the temporary license there and then, a large, ugly, laminated thing that has to live in your cubbyhole.
Book A Renewal
You can book online at NaTIS unless you live in the Western Cape or KZN – the system will tell you. Your alternative is to go to your local license renewal office and queue – but you must go prepared (see below). You cannot renew your license online, because they have to check your eyesight and take your fingerprints.
If You Can, Choose Your Time
Try not to go just before a long weekend or school holiday, especially the December holiday. Everybody will suddenly realise their license cards have expired and they know the cops will check cars. Of, course, if you have to renew during peak times, prepare for a long wait. Take a book or make sure you have plenty of data on your phone. If you go during normal periods, try and avoid the before work and lunchtime crowds, so mid-morning or afternoon should be best.
Do You Lose Your License If It Has Expired?
No, it is the license card that expires. An expired license could cause you some hassle if you have an accident, so check with your insurance company. At the very least you could get a hefty fine if they stop you.
What Do You Need?
You will need your ID, proof of address like a utility account not older than three months, two license photos and two more if you are going to need a temporary license. There are normally people or facilities where you can get pics at the license centre, but you really don’t want to add another queue to the process. Just have it done upfront at your chemist.
You will need to pay in the region of R135 to R200, so please check your local centre. In the Western Cape and some other provinces, you can download the forms and print them ahead of time. If you can, do this.
Eye Test
You will need to do an eye test before your license is issued. Some centres allow you to take an optometrist’s certificate, but not all. In any case, the on-site test is free and quick, so why bother?
Fingerprints
They will take your fingerprints as part of the process, so be prepared to have stained fingers for a day.
And now you have your new, valid license. Why not trade up your car while you are at it. At least, have a look at what is available.
