Driver's License Renewal Fees (2026)

Understanding driver's license renewal fees helps you budget for your license renewal and know what to expect when renewing. Fees vary slightly by province, and there may be additional costs for specific services. This comprehensive 2026 guide covers all driver's license renewal fees across South Africa.

Standard Renewal Fees by Province

2026 Fee Structure

Gauteng Province:

• Standard Renewal: R228
• Includes: Application, eye test, photo, temporary license
• Payment: Cash or card at traffic department

Western Cape Province:

• Standard Renewal: R228
• Includes: Application, eye test, photo, temporary license
• Payment: Cash, card, or online (where available)

KwaZulu-Natal Province:

• Standard Renewal: R250
• Includes: Application, eye test, photo, temporary license
• Payment: Cash or card at traffic department

Eastern Cape Province:

• Standard Renewal: R228
• Includes: Application, eye test, photo, temporary license
• Payment: Cash or card

Free State Province:

• Standard Renewal: R228
• Includes: Application, eye test, photo, temporary license
• Payment: Cash or card

Limpopo Province:

• Standard Renewal: R228
• Includes: Application, eye test, photo, temporary license
• Payment: Cash or card

Mpumalanga Province:

• Standard Renewal: R228
• Includes: Application, eye test, photo, temporary license
• Payment: Cash or card

North West Province:

• Standard Renewal: R228
• Includes: Application, eye test, photo, temporary license
• Payment: Cash or card

Northern Cape Province:

• Standard Renewal: R228
• Includes: Application, eye test, photo, temporary license
• Payment: Cash or card

What's Included in Renewal Fee

Services Covered

Standard Renewal Fee Includes:

• License renewal application processing
• Eye test at traffic department
• Digital photo capture
• Biometric fingerprint capture
• Temporary license (valid 6 months)
• New license card production
• License card collection

Not Included:

• Postal delivery (if available, additional fee)
• Replacement of lost license (separate fee)
• Additional services
• Retesting fees (if required)

Additional Fees

Optional Services

Postal Delivery:

• Some provinces offer postal delivery
• Additional fee: R50-R100 (varies by province)
• Optional service
• Check availability with traffic department

Express Processing:

• Not available in all provinces
• Additional fee if available
• Faster processing (if offered)
• Check with traffic department

Replacement Fees

If License is Lost/Stolen:

• Replacement fee: R228-R250 (same as renewal)
• Additional affidavit may be required
• Report loss to traffic department
• Apply for replacement before renewal

Payment Methods

Accepted Payment Methods

Cash Payment:

• Accepted at all traffic departments
• Exact change recommended
• Bring sufficient cash
• Most common method

Card Payment:

• Debit cards accepted
• Credit cards accepted (most locations)
• Card payment preferred (faster)
• Check card facilities before visiting

Online Payment:

• Available in some provinces
• Pay before appointment
• Faster processing
• Check provincial website for availability

Bank Deposit:

• Some provinces accept bank deposits
• Must bring proof of payment
• Allow time for payment clearance
• Check if accepted at your traffic department

Fee Breakdown

Understanding Costs

Application Fee:

• Part of standard renewal fee
• Covers processing costs
• Included in R228-R250 fee

Eye Test Fee:

• Included in renewal fee
• Conducted at traffic department
• No additional cost
• Must pass to proceed

Photo Fee:

• Included in renewal fee
• Digital photo taken on-site
• No additional cost
• Included in standard fee

Temporary License:

• Included in renewal fee
• Issued immediately
• Valid for 6 months
• No additional cost

License Card Production:

• Included in renewal fee
• New card produced
• Ready in 4-6 weeks
• Collection included

Senior Citizens

Age-Based Considerations

Over 70 Years:

• Same renewal fee applies
• May require medical certificate
• Medical certificate fee separate (if required)
• Check requirements with traffic department

Medical Certificate:

• Required for drivers over 70
• Obtained from doctor
• Doctor's fee separate (not traffic department fee)
• Submit with renewal application

Fee Changes

Annual Updates

Fee Reviews:

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

2026 Fees:

• Current as of 2026
• May change during year
• Verify with traffic department
• Check provincial websites for updates

Budgeting for Renewal

Total Cost Planning

Standard Renewal:

• Renewal fee: R228-R250
• Transport to traffic department
• Document certification (if needed): R50-R100
• ID photos (if required): R50-R100
• Total: Approximately R328-R450

Additional Costs:

• Medical certificate (if over 70): Doctor's fee
• Postal delivery (optional): R50-R100
• Replacement fee (if lost): R228-R250

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew a driver's license in 2026?

Standard renewal fee is R228-R250 depending on province. This includes application, eye test, photo, temporary license, and new license card.

Are there additional fees for license renewal?

The standard fee covers all services. Additional fees may apply for: postal delivery (optional), replacement of lost license, or medical certificates (if required).

Can I pay renewal fees online?

Some provinces offer online payment. Check your provincial traffic department website for online payment options and availability.

What payment methods are accepted?

Most traffic departments accept cash and card payments. Some provinces may accept online payments or bank deposits. Check with your local traffic department.

Do fees vary by province?

Yes, fees vary slightly by province. Most provinces charge R228, while KwaZulu-Natal charges R250. Check with your local traffic department for exact fees.

Conclusion

Driver's license renewal fees in 2026 range from R228 to R250 depending on province, with most provinces charging R228. The fee includes application processing, eye test, photo, temporary license, and new license card. Additional fees may apply for optional services like postal delivery or replacement of lost licenses. Plan your budget accordingly, bring correct payment, and check with your local traffic department for exact fees and accepted payment methods before your renewal appointment.