SA’s Driver’s Licence Validity Could Double to 10 Years, but Renewal Fees May Rise

• The Department of Transport submitted its proposal to extend driver's licence validity from five to 10 years to Parliament
• The change would apply to most light motor vehicle and motorcycle licence codes, but professional driving permits remain excluded
• Motorists may face higher renewal fees as the Card Production Facility looks to recover lost revenue under the new system

South Africa's long-awaited shift to 10-year driver's licence cards is edging closer to reality, with the Department of Transport (DoT) formally presenting its legislative amendment proposal to Parliament.

The DoT appeared before the Standing Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency to outline the proposed changes to Regulation 108 of the National Road Traffic Act. The core of the proposal is straightforward: double the validity period of driver's licence cards from five to 10 years.

The change would cover code A1, A, B, and EB licences, which account for the bulk of South African motorists driving light motor vehicles and motorcycles. Licences under the C1, C, EC1, and EC codes will remain on a five-year cycle, and Professional Driving Permits will still require renewal every two years.

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How the proposal reached Parliament

The process picked up significant momentum this year. Cabinet approved the extension on 29 July 2026. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy then gazetted the proposal on 17 August, opening it up for 30 days of public comment, which closed on 17 September. The DoT has since been working to incorporate that feedback before resubmitting the amended regulations to Cabinet. Once Cabinet signs off, the Minister can publish the changes in the National Road Traffic Regulations and bring them into force.

The DoT cited two key reasons for the move: aligning South Africa with international standards and reducing the risk of backlogs caused by the country's single driver's licence card printer. That machine has broken down on multiple occasions, with some replacement parts having to be sent to France for repairs, creating significant delays for motorists waiting on their cards. A study by the Road Traffic Management Corporation confirmed that an extension was justified on both grounds.

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Possible price increases and a new card design

The extended validity period comes with a likely trade-off. Since renewals will effectively be halved in frequency, the Card Production Facility stands to lose a substantial portion of its income. The DoT has confirmed that the facility has been asked to develop a pricing model to determine how renewal fees should be adjusted to cover ongoing costs. No figures have been announced yet, but higher renewal fees appear to be part of the package.

There is also a notable upgrade planned for the physical card itself. The current laminated paper card will be replaced by a more durable polycarbonate version, better suited to lasting a full decade in a wallet.

South Africans waiting on the change will need to watch for the Cabinet resubmission, which remains the final regulatory hurdle before the new rules can take effect.

Read the TopAuto report here.

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More Briefly News stories on licenses

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• A temporary drivers licence is a mandatory requirement for South African motorists who are waiting for DL renewal or replacement. Herein is everything to know.
• A Johannesburg woman uncovered a cloned number plate when a Google security alert led her to a PayCity fine, putting her car licence renewal at risk in SA.

Source: Briefly News