Expired driver’s licence cards get three-month grace period

Motorists must present both the expired card and a receipt confirming the renewal application. A temporary licence will remain valid for six months or until the new card is issued.

This update follows a major backlog caused by South Africa’s only driving licence printer breaking down in February 2025, leaving more than 700,000 cards outstanding.

Department spokesperson Collen Msibi said the backlog has since been reduced to around 300,000 cards after the printer was repaired in May. He added that if the current pace continues, the backlog should be cleared by December.

"We call for patience," said Msibi.

"We have already completed 1.3 million driver’s licence cards, so we are on target to finish the backlog by the end of 2025. We understand the inconvenience."