RTMC is Ready for Digital Car Licences

Is it Time to Say Goodbye to Car Licences & Drivers’ Licences in SA? RTMC says yes

South Africans aren’t strangers to traffic law changes, time after time, from one delay to the next. When will we actually see results? Well, this time around, something has sparked interest in the community – digital licences, electronic discs and number plate scanning technology, courtesy of the Road Traffic Management Corporation of South Africa. 

Why is this gaining attention? Corruption and fraud at licensing centres have a lot to do with it. Investigators have confirmed that syndicates are behind these fraudulent operations; these individuals include metro traffic officers, examiners, and even police officers.

My Broadband reported that false driving licences were sold for prices ranging between R3,500 and as much as R14,000.  The RTMC programme management office and strategy general manager, Motselesi Juma, also confirmed that the entity saw a large number of individuals using fake licence discs to get around the AARTO system. Moreso, the widespread use was found to be prevalent across the public transport and freight logistics sectors. 

How would the group be able to challenge fraud and corruption, especially on a mass scale? 

Juma mentioned modernising systems that used technology and gadgets to enforce traffic laws involving vehicle registration details, logging traffic fines, and replacing physical tickets. The RTMC have also implemented digital driving licence testing and purchase process to combat the unlawful sale of licences at DLTCs.

On top of that, around 2,8 million of the 13.5 million licence carriers in the country had registered on the eNatis website, which offers members online car licence renewals. The national rollout of the AARTO system was originally planned to launch on the 1st of July 2026.

Driving.co.za managing director, Rob Handfield-Jones, has made it a mission to change the current processes and submitted the recommendations to streamline digital licensing procedures in 2025. In one article, Jones mentioned that analogue documents for licensing are no longer needed, as every car has its VIN and almost all drivers have fingerprints. 

He said, “Metro departments use real-time Automatic number Plate Recognition and connections to eNatis at roadblocks to identify vehicles with expired licences or owners who have outstanding fines.” With biometric sensors, as well as fingerprint and facial recognition technology, this could all be very useful for identifying motorists nationwide. 

The planned rollout for this is going to take some time, as with any new programme. The expected timeline to push digital driving licences and licence discs is expected to come through on the MyMzansi platform at the end of 2026. Those who are willing to adopt the new system will be able to use their biometrics on the app to authenticate their identity. 

Essentially, the goal is to expand the network and scope over time. This includes plans to securely store varied key civic services documents on the app, which will link driving licences, marriage and birth certificates, and firearm licences to the user. 

Renewing a Car Licence

Where Can I Renew My Car Licence Disc? 

Renewing a car licence isn’t too complicated, considering how long you’ve been driving for. Some may opt for the post office (some still operate but will no longer print or copy documents, so be sure to prepare forms and documents ahead of time for renewal). 

You can also follow the South African Government’s website or visit the NaTIS online platform and go through step-by-step guidance on what they will need from you. From booking your car licence disc renewal appointment to payment, this service saves a considerable amount of time. 

Be sure to register online for all your current and future motoring needs. 

How to Renew Your Driver’s Licence Online 

By renewing online, you’ve saved an entire day’s worth of office hours at the licensing department. The one golden rule is to consider the licence card’s expiry period. The figure right after the issue date is the expiry date. 

Remember this going forward: 

1. You must apply four weeks before your driver’s licence expires.  
2. Register your details on the eNaTIS platform and make a booking with your respective department. 
3. Complete the DL1 form in advance to save time.
4. MUST BRING to your appointment: printed renewal forms, ID copies, four black and white ID photos, and legal documents like utility bills, affidavits, or other forms of proof of residence that have your name addressed on them. 
5. Bring enough cash to cover the application fee. 

SA’s Driving Licence Validity Period 

We’ve heard through the grapevine that SA’s driver’s licence cards will potentially extend from the current five years to eight years (which motorists warmly welcome). This was already mentioned at the end of 2025, and it appears that the proposal has been delayed, so the nation will just have to wait. 

The short to medium-term goals have been laid out by the Department of Transport earlier this year, and have been sent for approval, which has been formally sent through to cabinet for approval by the end of the financial year, possibly by March 2027.

The Bottom Line

In order to combat corruption and fraud in the most realistic way, it will take some time to get the ball rolling on new procedures. And, while that happens and we wait for news on the rollout of digital licence cards, electronic disc recognition, and a longer validity period, it’s important to keep all documents and licences up to date to avoid fines, demerits, penalties, and arrest.