Driving an automobile in South Africa without a valid vehicle license is illegal. Therefore, renew your license at any registering authority or post office that is allowed to issue motor vehicle licenses or through the NaTIS website, the Post Office South Africa website, your city's municipality website, and other websites approved by the Department of Transport. Learn more about vehicle license renewal below.
Renew your vehicle licenses annually before it expires. Meanwhile, buses use a bi-annual motor vehicle license, which must be renewed every six months. You have a grace period of 21 days from the expiry date of your license. Failure to renew your vehicle license attracts late licensing penalties and arrears.
A vehicle license (a vehicle registration certificate) differs from a driver's license. The former proves the automobile is in a roadworthy condition and can be used on public roads, while the latter shows the driver is skilled enough to drive vehicles on a public road. This article explains:
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If a vehicle lacks a transparent windscreen, the license is fitted in a visible position on the left front side and in a watertight container. Renewing your license can be done through various methods, as explained below:
If the vehicle has a transparent windscreen, the license must be visible to a person standing in front or to the left side of the automobile. If your car's license has expired, here is how to obtain a new one at a registering authority or post office:
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The Department of Transport approves vehicle license renewal on the National Administration Traffic Information System (NaTIS) online platform, the Post Office South Africa website, and other authorized websites.
Renewing your license on the NaTIS online platforms saves you the time you could have spent at a registering authority or post office. Follow these steps:
If you did not receive a renewal notice, complete the ALV (Application for Licensing of Motor Vehicle) form. After that, take the form and other required documents to any post office or registering authority that dispenses motor vehicle licenses. The staff you will find in those offices will help you to renew your vehicle license.
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Renewing your license on the Post Office South Africa website is affordable and effortless. Follow these steps:
The City of Cape Town municipal website allows you to renew your license a month before expiration. Follow these steps:
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You need a roadworthiness certificate if your vehicle is used for public transport or is a heavy-load motor vehicle. Discover other documents required in the vehicle license renewal process below:
If an automobile is registered in your name, you must have these documents:
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If you wish to renew the permit disc for an automobile registered under the name of a company or organization, you must these documents:
Download a vehicle license renewal form in PDF format (an ALV form) from the Department of Transport's website, the Post Office South Africa website, your city's municipality website, or any other website approved by the Department of Transport. Alternatively, get the ALV from any registering authority or post office that issues motor vehicle licenses.
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In South Africa, you get a 21-day grace period if you have not renewed an expired permit disc. This grace period starts the day your current permit expires.
You can renew the license at traffic department offices in SA provinces, selected post offices, and Pick n Pay (supermarkets, hypermarkets, clothing stores, liquor stores, market stores, and express stores).
Online motor vehicle license renewal is also possible through the NaTIS website, the Post Office South Africa website, and other websites approved by the Department of Transport.
The penalty fee depends on how long you've been driving with an expired license disc. It is calculated as a tenth of your annual vehicle licensing fee multiplied by the months you've used an expired license disc.
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The late renewal penalty is calculated at one-tenth of the annual licensing fee per month.
The cost of renewing a car license depends on the province from which you obtain it. Every province charges slightly different prices, depending on the unladen weight of your car (tare) and type. You may pay shipping fees if you renew your license online and request it to be delivered to your preferred location.
The renewal fees vary from province to province, e.g., in-person or online vehicle license renewal in Gauteng differs from Eastern Cape—the amount is based on the automobile's weight and type. You may incur additional shipping charges if you renew online.
The amount varies by province. It is calculated based on the type of car and its tare weight.
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You can access vehicle license renewal services at Pick n Pay’s supermarkets, hypermarkets, clothing stores, liquor stores, market stores, and express stores. You pay online or in-store at a Pick n Pay till point and receive your disc via courier within ten business days.
The vehicle license renewal process in SA is pretty simple. Always renew yours in time to avoid renewal penalties and to ensure your car has a valid vehicle license at all times. This may be an adhesive sticker to be affixed or displayed on the vehicle's windshield or the registration plate.
Briefly.co.za explained how to confirm your driving license is ready for collection through the NaTIS portal. You can apply for driving licenses here without visiting the traffic department.
You should create a profile on the NaTIS website to use the portal to check if your driving licenses are ready for collection.
Source: Briefly News
Jedidah Tabalia Jedi is a journalist with over 5 years working experience in the media industry. She has a BSc. in Human Resource Management from Moi University (graduated in 2014) and a working in progress MBA in Strategic Management. Having joined Genesis in 2017, Jedi is a passionate Facts and Life Hacks, Fitness, and Health content creator who sees beauty in everything. She loves traveling and checking out new restaurants. Her email address is jedidahtabalia@gmail.com
Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo is a content creator with 5 years of experience writing articles, researching, editing, and proofreading. She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019. The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course. She covers bios, marketing & finance, tech, fashion & beauty, recipes, movies & gaming reviews, culture & travel. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
