Business
New Rules for Expired Driving Licences in South Africa: What Motorists Need to Know
Expired but Still Valid
For thousands of South Africans still waiting on their new driving licence cards, there’s finally a measure of relief. The Department of Transport has confirmed that expired licences can be used as valid identification under certain conditions.
The change, published in the Government Gazette on 26 September 2025, formalises a three-month grace period. Motorists who apply for renewal before their card expires may continue using their old card during this time, provided they carry both the expired licence and the official receipt as proof of application. Airlines have been instructed to accept these documents, helping to prevent travel disruptions.
If, however, the licence had already lapsed before an application was made, the rules are tougher. Drivers must request a temporary driving licence along with their renewal. This document is valid for six months or until the new card is issued.
Why the Backlog Exists
The new rules come against the backdrop of one of South Africa’s most persistent transport headaches: the driving licence backlog. The country has been relying on a single card printer that has been in service for over 25 years. In February 2025, the machine broke down yet again and remained out of operation until early May.
By the time it was restored, the backlog had soared past 700,000 cards. Although the Driving Licence Card Authority has since introduced 24-hour shifts and reduced the number to just over 336,000 by mid-September, motorists continue to feel the pinch. The printer has failed more than 160 times over its lifetime, making the system notoriously unreliable.
A Push for Stability
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced in July that a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Department of Home Affairs to create a backup solution. The Government Printing Works, which already handles passports and Smart ID cards, is preparing to step in as an interim facility. This secondary system is expected to become operational in October 2025, providing a safety net while longer-term reforms are discussed.
Officials remain cautiously optimistic that the backlog could be cleared by December, just in time for the busy holiday travel season.
Public Concerns
While many welcome the three-month concession, not everyone is convinced it will fix deeper issues. Civil rights group AfriForum has warned that systemic failures could spark a wave of non-compliance. The group compared the risk to the collapse of the e-toll and TV licence systems, arguing that if the government cannot guarantee reliability, it is unreasonable to expect motorists to comply fully with renewal obligations.
AfriForum’s Louis Boshoff cautioned that driving licence renewals could become the next battleground between the state and the public if frustrations persist.
What It Means for Drivers
For now, the gazetted rules mean that motorists have a safety net. If renewal is done on time, expired licences remain valid for three months, provided the renewal receipt is carried along. For those who missed the renewal deadline, a temporary licence is mandatory.
The rules are designed to keep people on the road legally while the Department of Transport works to restore confidence in the system. Whether this new grace period becomes a bridge to stability or the beginning of wider resistance will depend on how smoothly the interim printing system rolls out in the months ahead.
Also read: Can Uber Overtake Checkers Sixty60? Global Giant Takes Aim at South Africa’s Fastest Delivery App
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: News24
