Driving licence renewals can be a painful experience for most South Africans, but it’s also a breeze for others and a pretty pleasant occasion.
Earlier in September this year, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula proudly announced that the waiting period for new driving licence cards had been cut down from 58 days to only ten working days. Since then, IOL has reported the country’s only driving licence card machine had broken down about two weeks earlier in October. Mbalula has thus said the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) organisation is running 24-hour shifts to speed up the new backlog.
Despite the new 10-day waiting period, many of our News24 Motoring readers have written to us and said they have been waiting for their new licence cards for months (some even years), and it’s still not ready.
In August, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) urged motorists to collect their new driving licence cards. They also reminded the public that regulation 108 of the National Road Traffic Act empowers licensing centres to “deface an unclaimed driving license card 120 days” after they were notified to collect the cards.
“Once an unclaimed driving license has been defaced, the applicant will be compelled to re-apply and pay the costs again. Motorists are advised to avoid this scenario and collect their cards while there is sufficient time”, the RTMC stated in a press release.
If you’ve recently applied for a new driving licence card, go back in six to eight weeks and check if your card is already there. Several driving licence centre centres don’t send collection notifications, so it’s best to be proactive.
If you have been waiting for notification and have not yet received any, the RTMC says you can check your licence card status before you head out for collection.
SMS your ID number to 33214 and expect one of the following outcomes:
1. Application Received – meaning the application has been received
from the DLTC and not yet processed.
2. Production Queue – meaning the processing and manufacturing of your
card is in process.
3. Produced and Ready for Collection – meaning that, the card has been
produced and the card will be ready for collection in 14 days.
4. Problem Card – There is a problem with the production of your card,
and you must return to the testing centre.
Log on to online.natis.gov.za and
1. Create a profile using your telephone, email, or cellophane number –
together with your ID number. Choose a username you will remember
and password.
2. After creating your profile, log on using your username and password
3. Click on the dashboard and check the status of your application. This
service is free.
Tax and Insurance in South Africa: What You Need to Know in 2025
In South Africa, understanding the relationship between tax and insurance is essential for protecting your financial future and making the most of available tax benefits. Whether you're an individual, a freelancer, or a business owner, the smart use of insurance can help you reduce your tax liability and safeguard your assets.
Why Insurance Matters for Tax in South Africa
Insurance is more than just a safety net—it can also have a direct impact on your tax situation. From medical insurance to business insurance, certain premiums and policies may qualify for deductions or influence how you declare your income and expenses to SARS (the South African Revenue Service).
- Tax Deductions: Certain insurance premiums, especially related to medical schemes and business cover, may offer tax advantages.
- Asset Protection: Insurance helps manage risk, ensuring you’re financially secure when unexpected events occur.
- Estate Planning: Life insurance can play a key role in reducing estate duty and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth.
Types of Insurance and Their Tax Implications
1. Medical Insurance (Medical Schemes)
If you're contributing to a registered medical aid, you're entitled to a Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit (MTC). This credit is a fixed amount per month for you and your dependents and reduces your overall tax liability.
2. Life Insurance
While life insurance pay-outs (on death) are generally not subject to income tax, they can be considered when calculating estate duty. Policies structured under a trust or with specific beneficiaries may help reduce the overall tax burden on your estate.
3. Short-Term Insurance (Vehicle, Home, Contents)
Personal short-term insurance is not tax-deductible for individuals. However, if you use part of your home or vehicle for business, the portion of insurance premiums related to business use may be claimed as a business expense.
4. Business Insurance
For companies and self-employed individuals, business insurance premiums—such as professional indemnity, commercial property cover, or key person insurance—are usually tax-deductible as operating expenses.
5. Disability and Income Protection Insurance
The tax treatment of disability insurance changed in recent years. Payouts from income protection insurance are now generally taxed as income, but premiums are not tax-deductible. Understanding this shift is important when planning your cover.
Tax Tips to Maximise Your Insurance Benefits
- Keep Detailed Records: Always keep documentation of insurance premiums, especially those linked to business or medical expenses.
- Consult a Tax Practitioner: SARS regulations around insurance and tax can be complex. A registered tax advisor can help ensure you claim all available deductions correctly.
- Review Policies Annually: Update your insurance portfolio regularly to ensure your cover aligns with your income, expenses, and current tax laws.
- Use Structuring Wisely: For high-net-worth individuals, structuring life insurance policies within a trust can reduce estate duty exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tax and Insurance in South Africa
Q: Can I deduct life insurance premiums from my South African taxes?
A: No, life insurance premiums are generally not deductible. However, they may play a key role in estate planning.
Q: Are medical aid contributions tax-deductible?
A: Not exactly. Instead, you receive a Medical Tax Credit—a fixed monthly rebate that reduces your tax payable.
Q: Can I claim car insurance as a tax deduction?
A: Only if the vehicle is used for business purposes. You can claim the business-use portion of your vehicle insurance.
Q: Is business insurance tax-deductible in South Africa?
A: Yes. Business insurance premiums related to company operations are generally tax-deductible.
Final Thoughts
In South Africa, insurance isn't just about protection—it's a strategic tool for managing your tax liability, preserving wealth, and supporting long-term financial stability. Whether you’re reviewing your medical insurance, planning your estate, or choosing the right business insurance, it’s essential to understand how these choices affect your tax outcomes.
With the right advice and a well-structured insurance portfolio, you can reduce your tax bill while ensuring comprehensive protection for yourself, your family, or your business.