How to renew your driver’s licence in South Africa
So, you have recently discovered that your licence expires in a month or two, and now you’re wondering how to renew your driver’s licence. You already know that there will be some tedious admin tasks to deal with, and with the complications that the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdown brought about, things might be much more tedious than ever before. Although Apostil.co.za does NOT assist with driver’s licence renewals (the process must be completed in person), we can give you a step-by-step guide on what to do and where to go.
First, understand your timeline to renew your driver’s licence
It is essential to renew your driver’s licence at least four weeks before it expires. If you’re already too late for this, you will need to apply for a temporary driver’s licence as well, which is an added expense. The only good news is that your temporary licence will be issued on the spot and will keep you safe until you’re issued with your new licence card.
There’s a grace period in place enforced by the Government due to the backlogs caused by the pandemic. Currently, the grace period for renewing your licence extends to 31 March 2022. This means that if your licence (including learners, drivers, and PDP) expired between 26 March 2020 and 31 August 2021, it’d automatically remain valid until 31 March 2022. Keep in mind that this DOES NOT apply to licences that expired after 31 August 2021.
Next, book your driver’s licence renewal
Obviously, you should phone your nearest Drivers License Testing Center (DLTC) to ensure they’re open for business before making a booking. If the center you want to renew your licence at is open, you can make a renewal appointment by phone or by using the National Traffic Information System’s online booking service.
Take the following with you on the day of your appointment
Here is a list of the requirements for renewing your driver’s licence (aside from your mask of course)
Eye test – You can do this at the DLTC on the day of your appointment. But to speed up the process, your optometrist can perform an eye test, and you can merely submit the report along with your application form. Remember that the DLTC does the eye test for free, while you will probably pay a fee if you have the test done with your optometrist.
Copy of your ID – You must take a copy of your South African Identity Document with you on the day of your appointment.
ID photos – Although most DLTCs do take photographs of applicants when they apply for their driver’s licence renewal, it’s a good idea to take black-and-white ID photos with you in case there is a problem with the system. Like the eye test, the DLTC takes your ID photos for free, but there will be a fee if you have them taken privately.
How much does it cost to renew a driver’s licence?
The cost of renewing your licence might vary depending on the licencing office since municipalities charge their own rates. Expect to pay around R250 for the renewal process, but always get in touch with the licencing office to confirm the fee. Most offices do not accept cash, so make sure you take your credit or debit card with you for payment.
How long does it take?
It can take anywhere from six weeks to two months for the DLTC to issue you with a new driver’s licence. The pandemic has obviously caused massive backlogs, and it is not uncommon for applicants to wait up to three months for their new cards to be issued. You can check the status of our application online with the NATIS booking service or opt-in to receive updates via SMS. Once your card is ready for collection, you’ll need to take proof of payment (your original payment receipt) as well as your ID to the DLTC for collection.
What if I lost my driver’s licence card?
If you want to replace a lost or stolen driver’s licence card, you will need to complete a Declaration of Lost Documents Form along with a Driver’s Licence Application Form (DL1). As with renewing your licence card, you must make an appointment at your nearest DLTC as walk-ins are not accepted.
I live in Gauteng, and I heard that I must book through NATIS?
This is true. All Gauteng residents must apply for their renewal online by visiting online.natis.gov.za. You can download all the application forms on this website too, but keep in mind that a limited number of slots open up for bookings every day. If you can’t find a slot at the DLTC closest to you, remember that the DLTCs all post new slots at different times throughout the day, all of which are specified on the NATIS website. Numerous 3rd party booking agents also assist Gauteng residents with making online bookings on behalf of applicants, but the fees for these services can be extremely high.
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.