How much does it cost to: Renew a driver’s licence in South Africa?

South African motorists whose driver’s licence cards are approaching their expiry date can expect to pay between roughly R140 and R370 to renew a standard driving licence card, depending on where they apply.

There is no single nationwide renewal fee.

Costs are determined by provincial authorities and individual Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs), meaning the amount motorists pay can vary considerably from one province to another.

Driver’s licence renewal costs by province

Province	Renewal fee	Temporary licence if expired
Gauteng	R250 – R370	R94
Western Cape	R140 – R360	R45 – R88
KwaZulu-Natal	R250 – R360	R82
Eastern Cape	R200 – R355	R76
Free State	R185 – R350	R48 – R70
Mpumalanga	R355	R72
Limpopo	R216 – R345	R64
North West	R350	R68
Northern Cape	R340	R54

These figures are estimates, and motorists should confirm the applicable fee with their local DLTC before visiting.

What happens if your licence has expired?

Drivers are advised to renew their licence before it expires.

If the card has already expired, motorists generally need to apply for a temporary driving licence while waiting for the new card.

The temporary licence can cost approximately R45 to R150, depending on the province or testing centre.

Don’t forget the additional costs

The renewal fee isn’t necessarily the only expense.

An eye test is normally conducted at the DLTC as part of the renewal process. Motorists can also choose to have an eye test conducted by a private optometrist and submit the required certificate, although that will come at an additional cost.

Some testing centres also require applicants to provide photographs. If photographs are not taken at the centre, motorists may need to budget approximately R70 to R120 for photographs from an outside provider.

Where can you renew?

Motorists can renew their driving licence cards through a Driving Licence Testing Centre, while some motorists can use the online renewal system where available.

Because fees and requirements can differ between locations, it is worth checking the applicable charges and documentation requirements before making the trip.

Bottom line: Budget around R140 to R370 for the renewal itself, but allow extra money if your licence has expired, you need a temporary licence, or you need photographs or a private eye test.

READ | How much does it cost to: Take your family to the Blyde River Canyon?

READ | How much does it cost to: Take your family to visit Robben Island?

READ | How much does it cost to: Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium?

READ | How much does it cost to: Take your family to Johannesburg Zoo?

READ | How much does it cost to: Take your family to Gold Reef City?

READ | How much does it cost to: Take the family to uShaka Marine World?

READ | How much does it cost to: Attend the Nedbank Golf Challenge?

READ | How much does it cost to: Visit Kirstenbosch Gardens?

READ | How much does it cost to: Attend St Stithians?

READ | How much does it cost to: Catch the Cape Town Red Bus?

READ | How much does it cost to: Visit Cape Point?

READ | How much does it cost to: Buy a Kaizer Chiefs season ticket?

READ | How much does it cost to: Take the cable car up Table Mountain?