Motorists whose South African driving licence cards are lost, stolen or damaged can apply for replacements without repeating the driving examination, according to the government’s service guidance.
An eye test and fingerprints are still required. The official replacement guide says applicants can obtain the eye-test results from an optometrist and take them to the driving licence testing centre.
Prepare an identity document or valid South African passport and a copy, together with proof of postal and residential address. Additional address evidence applies where the utility account is in someone else’s name or the applicant lives in an informal settlement.
Confirm photograph requirements with the centre before paying for photographs. The guide also lists the DL1 application form and NCP particulars form, and directs Gauteng residents to the official online NaTIS route.
A temporary driving licence carries an additional cost while the replacement card is being issued. Contact the local licensing office for current fees and arrangements.
The page gives four to six weeks as its expected card turnaround, not a guaranteed delivery date. This is existing service guidance checked on 7 November 2026, not a newly announced policy. No online application process was tested for this report.
