Driver’s Licence Backlog Hits Over 600k: Home Affairs Asked to Step in to Help

Over 600 000 Driver’s Licences Stuck in the Queue Home Affairs Steps in to Help

South Africa’s driver’s licence crisis is officially out of control — and the Department of Transport has now turned to Home Affairs for help.

With the country’s only licence card printer buckling under pressure, over 600 000 motorists are waiting for their renewed cards, sparking frustration, confusion and a national scramble to stay road-legal.

A Machine That Keeps Breaking and a Backlog That Keeps Growing

In February this year, the country’s sole driver’s licence card printer broke down yet again, setting off a fresh wave of delays. And although the machine has since been repaired and is reportedly running “day and night,” Transport Minister Barbara Creecy admits the backlog is growing faster than the system can catch up.

“It’s a never-ending cycle,” said Creecy. “Even as we clear the backlog, more licences continue to expire.”

As of early July 2025, the backlog stood at a staggering 602 831 unprinted driver’s licences. Gauteng alone accounts for nearly a third of that — with 192 856 cards still in the queue. The Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are also heavily affected, with 86 862 and 85 313 licences outstanding, respectively.

When Printing Fails, Call Home Affairs

The Department of Transport is now working with the Department of Home Affairs on a stop-gap solution. According to Creecy, Home Affairs has agreed to develop a prototype card printing machine to support the overwhelmed system.

Before it can go live, however, the prototype must be vetted by the State Security Agency (SSA) — a crucial step, since driver’s licences serve as legal ID. If all goes to plan, the minister expects this approval process to take no longer than three months.

Public reaction online has been one of disbelief and irritation. “We’re living in a country where one machine holds us all hostage,” one Joburg driver posted on X. Others are questioning how we ended up with a single point of failure for such a critical service.

The Six Month Grace Period: What Motorists Need to Know

If your licence has expired, there’s a small reprieve — but only if you’ve applied for a renewal.

“You have six months from the date of expiry,” Creecy said, “but you must carry your valid receipt from the licensing centre to avoid fines.”

In other words, the responsibility still falls on the driver to prove they’ve done their part, even if the system hasn’t held up its end.

The Bottom Line:

The Department of Transport’s backlog is more than just a number — it’s a reflection of how one outdated machine can affect hundreds of thousands of lives. With Home Affairs now stepping in and new tech on the horizon, there may be relief ahead. But for now, keep that receipt close and stay ready to prove it.

Source:The South African 

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