It is illegal to drive without or with an invalid driver’s license in South Africa. You have to apply for or renew an expiring driving permit. Many people hate waiting aimlessly for the arrival of a new license. In this passage, we are going to introduce how to check drivers license status in South Africa.
Required Documents to Collect Driver’s License
When your driver’s license is ready, you have to pick it up in person at the testing center where you apply by taking the following documents.
- Government-issued ID card, such as smart ID card, passport, etc. (photocopy of both front and back)
- The receipt of collection (photocopy)
- Temporary driver’s license (photocopy, if applicable)
- An affidavit to authorize someone else to collect the license on your behalf
What is Online Driver’s License Checker
It is an online service provided by the National Traffic Information System (Natis) in South Africa. This official website is open to South African citizens and residents who own a valid identity document, Traffic Register Number (TRN), or Business Register Number (BRN). It aims to help the public check license status, learn about the latest license and vehicle registration information, receive vehicle-renewal notifications, book appointments online, report any accidents, etc. Here are detailed services it provides.
- Profile Registration
Car owners and driver’s license holders are suggested to register on the website and create a profile. The Natis will send you a renewal notice through the contact information 2 months before your vehicle license expires. In this case, you can go to the nearest Natis service center, such as a post office or registering authority, to renew the document in time.
- Online Booking
A prior appointment is needed when applying for a learner’s license, ordinary driver’s license, or professional driving permit. With the Natis website, potential drivers can book an appointment online instead of visiting the traffic departments in person and waiting in a long queue.
🔎Read Also: How to Book Learner’s License Online in South Africa
- Vehicle Accident Report
Whenever there is a crash or car accident, drivers can report the incident online right after it occurs, thus getting emergency assistance from the police services, insurance company, or rescue team as soon as possible.
How to Check My Drivers License Status Online
Information about driver’s licenses and vehicle registration is administered by the National Traffic Information System (Natis) in South Africa, so you can check license status on its official website which is accessible at any time and free of charge. Here is a step-by-step instruction.
- Visit the Natis Driver’s License Checker. New users must create an account.
- Click on “Query Driving License Card”.
- Select Identification Type from the drop-down list, such as South African ID, passport, or other valid identity document.
- Enter the ID number accurately according to the ID you choose.
- Enter your surname and make sure it is consistent with that on the supporting document you submitted.
- Enter the initials in your name.
- Complete the robot verification and click on “Next”.
- Provide other required information.
- Review the validity and current status on the screen.
How to Check My License Status Via SMS
When it comes to how to check driving license status offline, SMS services are more favorable. However, it is not an official channel. Therefore, extra fees might be charged according to your phone package. Send your ID number to 33214 through SMS and receive a message containing one of the following statuses in a few minutes.
| Status | Meaning |
| Order not received and unknown ID | DLCA does not receive an application for the ID number provided. |
| Application received | Your application has been submitted to DLTC but remains to be processed. |
| Production queue | Your application is approved and the card is waiting to be produced. |
| Problem card | There is some problem with card manufacturing and you need to go back to the DLTC to fix it. |
| Produced and ready for collection | Your card has been ready for pickup. |
Drivers License Renewal Responses
The renewal status can also be checked online or through SMS. No matter which method you choose, you might receive one of the following common responses.
| Response | Meaning | Solutions/Actions |
| Request doesn’t exist or not received/ Unknown ID | No application is found for this ID number | Check whether the ID number is correct or check license status later |
| Request received by CPF | The authority has received your request and it remains to be processed. | Wait patiently for the result |
| Request in processing zone | The authority is processing your request and it remains to be approved. | Wait patiently for the result |
| Request approved and posted | The authority has approved your request and the new license is ready to be collected | Pick up the license in person or through a representative |
How Long Does It Take for License Status Check
The processing and production time takes about 4-6 weeks. However, it takes only a few minutes to check drivers license status in South Africa whether online or through SMS. You might have to wait for a longer time when there is a large number of inquiries or network delays.
Driver’s License Collection Fee
Fees and payment methods vary according to license type, local Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC), citizenship status, etc. The total costs of obtaining a driver’s license in South Africa consist of the following parts.
- Application fee
It is used for booking, administrative procedures, etc. It usually costs R220 to R300 depending on the DLTC in your province.
- Driving school fee
First-time applicants must register at a driving school to learn about traffic safety and driving skills. The fees differ according to the school’s lessons.
- Learner’s license fee
It is required for new drivers. The fees cover the processing and issuing fees of a learner’s license before obtaining a full license.
- Driving test fee
It refers to the administrative and evaluation cost for the practical driving test that a learner’s license holder must pass to receive a full driver’s license.
- License issuing fee
It is charged after an individual passes the practical driving test. It is used to produce a physical license card. You might have to pay for it (usually ranging from R55 and R100) in advance or at the counter while collecting your license.
Here is a list of booking fees and issuing fees in different provinces. It is also advised to contact the DLTC that you apply from and confirm it. Make sure to prepare enough cash or take a debit/credit card along with you to pay successfully.
| Province | Booking fee | Issuing fees |
| Eastern Cape | R162 | R51 |
| Free State | R95 | R65 |
| Gauteng | R95 | R55 |
| KwaZulu-Natal | R115 | R55 |
| Limpopo | R135 | R55 |
| Mpumalanga | R120 | R35 |
| Northern Cape | R85 | R50 |
| North West | R95 | R55 |
| Western Cape | R95 | R55 |
Importance of Checking Driver’s License Status
It is necessary to regularly check drivers license status and the progress of license application or renewal. It helps to secure road safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Let’s why a license status check is important.
- Check whether the license is within validity, so you can renew it in time and avoid penalties for using an expired license.
- Learn about the newest rules and regulations set by the Road Traffic Management Company (RTMC).
- Learn about whether your license is ready to be collected.
FAQ
Q: Can someone else collect my driving license?
A: Yes. He/she must go to the same testing center where you apply for the license with authorization and a certified copy of his and your ID.
Q: Can I collect the driver’s license on Saturday?
A: It depends on which testing center you apply from. Only some of them are open on Saturday, so please contact them in advance to confirm the opening hours.
Q: How long is a driver’s license valid for?
A: It is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance and you are supposed to renew it about 2 months before expiration.
Q: What is the penalty for expired drivers license in South Africa?
A: There will be no penalty if you obtain a temporary driver’s license which is valid for 6 months. Otherwise, you might face detention, fines (about R1,000.00 to R2000.00 according to vehicle class), or license suspension.
Q: What happens if you don’t collect your driver’s license in South Africa?
A: It will be destroyed after 120 days, so please pick it up as soon as possible.
Q: What if the status remains unchanged for a long time when I check my drivers license status online in South Africa?
A: You can contact the license authority by sending an email to onlinesupport@rtmc.co.za or calling 0861 400 800.
Summary
After reading this passage, you might be clear about how to check license status and how to check if the drivers license is ready. To keep updated about the status of your driver’s license application or renewal, you can check drivers license status in South Africa on the Natis website or through SMS. When the license is ready, it must be collected within 120 days, otherwise, it will be destroyed.