Motorists who applied for a new or renewal driver’s licence card or professional driving permit (PrDP) between October and December last year are being urged to collect them.
According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), only 42% of the 32 748 driver’s licence cards produced during this time have been collected.
Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula opened the RTMC licensing centres in Midrand and Eco Park last year, in response to the backlog of expired driver’s licences due to COVID-19.
The Driver’s Licence Card Account, which prints the licences, is working around the clock to fast-track production and remains on course to clear the backlog by the end of June.
The RTMC says people can check the status of their application before going to the testing centre to collect it.
This can be done by SMS or online.
Driver’s licence SMS query
For a driver’s licence query, applicants can SMS their ID number to 33214. They will then receive one of the SMSes below:
Application received: The application was received, but has not yet been processed.
Production queue: The card is still being processed and manufactured.
Produced and ready for collection: The card will be ready for collection in 21 days. However, due to the high number of cards being processed, the RTMC advises you to wait 35 days before going to collect.
Problem card: There is a problem with the production of your card. Please return to the testing centre.
For a PrDP application query, SMS your ID number to 44220.
Driver’s licence online query
You can also determine the status of your application for free online.
Visit online.natis.gov.za.
Create a profile and log in.
Click the status of your application on the dashboard.
Those whose licences expired between March and 31 August , who missed the renewal deadline of May, are advised to obtain a temporary driver’s licence when applying for their renewal to remain legally compliant.
While RTMC centres are open Monday to Sunday from 7am to 9pm, members of the public are encouraged to take advantage of shorter queues on Fridays and the weekend.
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.