Car License Renewal Fees (2026)

Understanding car license renewal fees helps you budget for your vehicle license renewal and know what to expect. Fees vary by vehicle type, weight, and province. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers all car license renewal fees across South Africa.

Fee Structure by Vehicle Type

Passenger Vehicles

Standard Passenger Cars:

• Light Vehicles (under 3,500kg): R600-R800 per year
• Based on vehicle weight
• Standard sedans and hatchbacks
• Most common vehicle type

Medium Vehicles:

• 3,500kg - 7,500kg: R800-R1,200 per year
• SUVs, larger vehicles
• Based on weight category

Heavy Vehicles:

• Over 7,500kg: R1,200-R2,000+ per year
• Large SUVs, commercial vehicles
• Higher fees for heavier vehicles

Motorcycles

Motorcycle License Fees:

• Standard Motorcycles: R200-R400 per year
• Lower than car fees
• Based on engine capacity
• Varies by province

Commercial Vehicles

Commercial Vehicle Fees:

• Light Commercial: R800-R1,200 per year
• Medium Commercial: R1,200-R1,800 per year
• Heavy Commercial: R1,800-R3,000+ per year
• Higher fees than passenger vehicles

Provincial Fee Variations

Fee Differences by Province

Gauteng:

• Standard passenger car: R650-R750 per year
• Based on vehicle weight
• Check exact fee with eNaTIS

Western Cape:

• Standard passenger car: R600-R700 per year
• Similar to other provinces
• Weight-based calculation

KwaZulu-Natal:

• Standard passenger car: R700-R800 per year
• Slightly higher than some provinces
• Weight-based fees

Other Provinces:

• Fees range: R600-R800 for standard cars
• Check with local traffic department
• Weight-based calculation applies

How Fees Are Calculated

Calculation Factors

Primary Factors:

• Vehicle Weight: Main factor in fee calculation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger, commercial, motorcycle
• Province: Slight variations by province
• Additional Services: Optional services add costs

Weight Categories:

• Under 3,500kg: Lower fees
• 3,500kg - 7,500kg: Medium fees
• Over 7,500kg: Higher fees

Additional Costs

Optional Services

Postal Delivery:

• Additional fee: R50-R100 (if available)
• Optional service
• License disc sent by post
• Check availability with traffic department

Express Processing:

• Not commonly available
• Additional fee if offered
• Faster processing
• Check with traffic department

Required Additional Costs

Roadworthy Certificate (If Required):

• Roadworthy test: R300-R500
• Required for vehicles over certain age
• Separate from license fee
• Must be valid before renewal

Payment Methods

Accepted Payment Methods

Online Payment:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• EFT (electronic funds transfer)
• Online banking
• Most convenient method

Post Office Payment:

• Cash
• Debit/credit cards
• Immediate payment
• Convenient locations

Traffic Department Payment:

• Cash
• Debit/credit cards
• Same-day payment
• In-person service

Fee Breakdown

What's Included

Standard Renewal Fee Includes:

• License disc production
• Registration renewal
• Administrative processing
• License disc (physical disc)
• 12 months validity

Not Included:

• Roadworthy certificate (if required)
• Postal delivery (if chosen)
• Additional services
• Penalties (if expired)

Senior Citizens and Discounts

Age-Based Considerations

Senior Citizens:

• No standard discounts for license fees
• Fees same as other vehicle owners
• Check with traffic department for any special rates
• Roadworthy requirements still apply

Other Discounts:

• Generally no discounts available
• Fees are standardized
• Based on vehicle characteristics
• Check with traffic department

Fee Changes

Annual Updates

Fee Reviews:

• Fees reviewed annually
• May increase with inflation
• Updated in government gazette
• Check current fees before renewal

2026 Fees:

• Current as of 2026
• May change during year
• Verify with traffic department
• Check eNaTIS for exact fees

Budgeting for Renewal

Total Cost Planning

Standard Renewal:

• License renewal fee: R600-R800
• Roadworthy (if required): R300-R500
• Postal delivery (optional): R50-R100
• Total: R600-R1,400 (depending on requirements)

Additional Costs:

• Transport to traffic department/Post Office
• Document certification (if needed)
• Time off work (if applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew a car license in 2026?

Standard passenger car license renewal costs R600-R800 per year, depending on vehicle weight and province. Fees vary by vehicle type and weight.

Are there additional fees for license renewal?

Additional fees may apply for: roadworthy certificate (if required, R300-R500), postal delivery (optional, R50-R100), or penalties (if license expired).

How are license fees calculated?

Fees are calculated based on vehicle weight, vehicle type (passenger, commercial, motorcycle), and province. Heavier vehicles and commercial vehicles pay higher fees.

Can I pay license renewal fees online?

Yes, license renewal fees can be paid online via eNaTIS website or provincial traffic department websites using credit/debit cards or EFT.

Do fees vary by province?

Yes, fees vary slightly by province, typically ranging from R600-R800 for standard passenger vehicles. Check exact fees with your local traffic department or eNaTIS system.

Conclusion

Car license renewal fees in 2026 range from R600-R800 for standard passenger vehicles, with fees calculated based on vehicle weight, type, and province. Additional costs may include roadworthy certificates (if required) and optional services like postal delivery. Plan your budget accordingly, check exact fees with eNaTIS or traffic department, and pay renewal fees on time to avoid penalties. Understanding fee structure helps you budget for annual vehicle license renewal.