South African motorists will now be able to use expired driving licences as valid identification – but only under strict conditions – after the Department of Transport gazetted new rules.
The move provides relief for thousands of drivers caught up in the country’s licence card backlog, caused by repeated breakdowns of the state’s ageing printing machine.
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How the rules work
- Three-month grace period: If you renewed your licence before it expired, your expired card remains valid for up to three months. Motorists must carry both the expired card and the official receipt confirming the renewal application.
- If you missed the deadline: Those who apply after their licence has expired must obtain a temporary driving licence, valid for six months or until the new card is issued.
- Airlines on board: Airlines and other institutions have been instructed to accept expired licences under these conditions to avoid travel disruptions.
South Africa’s only licence card printer broke down in February 2025 and was out of service until May, causing the backlog to soar above 700,000 cards. By mid-September, the backlog had been reduced to 336,028, but many motorists remain without new cards, Business Tech reports.
The Driving Licence Card Authority (DLCA) has been operating 24-hour shifts since May and hopes to clear the backlog by December 2025.
Interim solution in the works
To prevent similar crises, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced in July that the Government Printing Works — which already produces passports and Smart IDs — will step in as a backup. The interim system is expected to be operational from October 2025.
Civil rights group AfriForum has cautioned that continued failures could erode public compliance with licence renewals.
“History teaches us that civil non-compliance occurs when unreasonable obligations are imposed by the government,” said AfriForum’s Louis Boshoff, warning that driving licence renewals risk becoming the next flashpoint for resistance.
What this means for motorists
For now, drivers are advised to:
- Renew their licences before expiry to qualify for the three-month grace period.
- Always carry the expired card and renewal receipt.
- Apply for a temporary licence if their card was already expired before renewal.
