Drivers licence card drama: Here's what it means for you
South Africa’s long-suffering licence card system is causing more than just paperwork pain.
Another day in Mzansi... but we will always come out on top!
South Africa’s long-suffering licence card system is causing more than just paperwork pain, impacting everyday life.
Here’s the lowdown on what’s going on, why it matters, and how you can navigate the chaos.
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If you remember, the National Department of Transport confirmed that the driving licence card printing machine had been fixed and operations resumed in May 2025. The only machine in the country had been out of operation since February, which led to a backlog of outstanding cards that needed to be printed.
At resumption, nearly 750,000 licences were queued, with Gauteng alone having over 252,000 pending, followed by KwaZulu-Natal (115k), the Western Cape (108k), and the rest spread across the other provinces.
MyBroadband reports that the licence card backlog currently stands at 539,947.
That single printer has been through the wars, and this latest breakdown was its 160th failure since installation. Currently, the system still lacks a modern, secure replacement.
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The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) estimates that it will take between 40 and 53 days, working non-stop during full shifts, to clear the backlog. This timeline obviously does not take into account new applications, which is unlikely because we all tend to procrastinate when it comes to renewing our documents.
A tender to introduce better, smarter machines (and easier-to-forge-resistant cards) was awarded to Idemia, but the process is under scrutiny by the Auditor-General and is tangled in legal and procedural challenges.
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So, what now?
- Patience is key: Don’t be surprised if your replacement card takes weeks to arrive.
- Keep proof of application handy: If your card is overdue, consider a temporary driver's licence to avoid fines at those sneaky roadblocks. Ensure that you have your proof of payment if you've already paid for your new licence card.
- Expect continued stress: Until new printers and longer card validity (preferably eight or 10 years) are fully rolled out, delays will likely remain an ongoing frustration for South Africans.
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Basically, the printer’s back, but it’s outdated, overworked, and operating in a system that is being stretched to the maximum.
A smart-card overhaul, once touted to streamline everything, now feels like a distant promise, but remain hopeful - the South African mantra.
Until then, navigating the licence queue will continue to feel just as long as Friday-night traffic on the M1.
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South Africans react to Transport Department chasing their tails over driver's licence machine:
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