Lost Driver's License — Replacement Guide

Losing your driver's license can be stressful, but replacing it is straightforward if you know the process. Understanding how to report the loss, gather required documents, and apply for replacement helps you get a new license quickly and legally. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about replacing a lost or stolen driver's license in South Africa.

Immediate Actions

If License is Lost or Stolen

Immediate Steps:

1. Report to Police: Report loss/theft to nearest police station
2. Get Affidavit: Obtain affidavit from police or Commissioner of Oaths
3. Report to Traffic Department: Inform traffic department of loss
4. Apply for Replacement: Apply for replacement as soon as possible
5. Don't Drive: Don't drive until you have temporary license

Why Report:

• Protects against identity theft
• Prevents fraudulent use
• Required for replacement application
• Legal requirement

Required Documents for Replacement

Essential Documents

1. Affidavit

• Sworn statement about loss/theft
• From police station or Commissioner of Oaths
• Must state how license was lost
• Not older than 3 months

2. Identity Document

• Original South African ID
• Certified copy of ID
• Must be valid and current

3. Proof of Address

• Utility bill or bank statement
• Not older than 3 months
• Shows your name and address

4. Application Form (DL1)

• Driver's license application form
• Available at traffic department
• Complete in black ink
• Sign form

5. Payment

• Replacement fee: R228-R250 (same as renewal)
• Cash or card payment
• Check current fee with traffic department

Replacement Process

Step 1: Report Loss

At Police Station:

1. Visit nearest police station
2. Report loss or theft
3. Get case number (if stolen)
4. Request affidavit
5. Keep copy of report

Affidavit Contents:

• Your personal details
• License number (if known)
• How license was lost
• Date of loss
• Sworn statement

Step 2: Gather Documents

Collect All Documents:

1. Get affidavit from police/Commissioner
2. Get certified copy of ID
3. Gather proof of address
4. Complete DL1 form
5. Prepare payment

Document Checklist:

• ✓ Affidavit (not older than 3 months)
• ✓ Original ID and certified copy
• ✓ Proof of address (not older than 3 months)
• ✓ Completed DL1 form
• ✓ Payment ready

Step 3: Apply for Replacement

At Traffic Department:

1. Visit Traffic Department:

   • Go to nearest traffic department
   • Queue at license counter
   • Present documents

2. Submit Application:

   • Submit all documents
   • Complete application form
   • Pay replacement fee
   • Provide fingerprints
   • Have photo taken

3. Receive Temporary License:

   • Temporary license issued immediately
   • Valid for 6 months
   • Keep safe until new license collected

Processing Time:

• Application: 1-2 hours at traffic department
• New license ready: 4-6 weeks
• Temporary license: Issued immediately

Step 4: Collect New License

Collection Process:

1. Wait for notification (SMS if provided number)
2. Visit traffic department
3. Bring ID and temporary license
4. Sign for collection
5. Verify license details are correct

Replacement Fees

Current Fees (2026)

Standard Replacement Fee:

• Gauteng: R228
• Western Cape: R228
• KwaZulu-Natal: R250
• Other Provinces: R228-R250

Fee Includes:

• Application processing
• Photo capture
• Biometric capture
• Temporary license
• New license card production

Additional Costs:

• Affidavit: Free at police station, or R50-R100 at Commissioner
• ID certification: Free at police station
• Transport to traffic department

If License is Stolen

Theft Reporting

Additional Steps for Theft:

1. Report to Police Immediately: Get case number
2. File Theft Report: Complete police report
3. Get Case Number: Keep case number for records
4. Include in Affidavit: Mention theft in affidavit
5. Monitor for Fraud: Watch for fraudulent use

Protection Measures:

• Report immediately to prevent fraud
• Monitor credit reports
• Report any suspicious activity
• Keep police case number

Temporary License

Using Temporary License

Temporary License:

• Issued immediately after replacement application
• Valid for 6 months
• Legal document for driving
• Must carry when driving
• Keep safe until new license collected

Important:

• Temporary license is legal
• Must produce if stopped by traffic officer
• Don't lose temporary license
• Keep with you at all times

Common Issues

Issue: Don't Remember License Number

Solution:

• Traffic department can look up using ID number
• May need additional verification
• Provide as much information as possible
• Affidavit should explain situation

Issue: License Expired When Lost

Solution:

• Can still apply for replacement
• May need to renew at same time
• Check expiry date
• May require renewal process instead

Issue: Lost in Another Province

Solution:

• Can apply at any traffic department
• Process is same nationwide
• No need to return to original province
• All provinces use same system

Tips for Replacement

Best Practices

1. Report Immediately: Report loss as soon as possible
2. Get Affidavit Quickly: Obtain affidavit within days of loss
3. Apply Promptly: Apply for replacement without delay
4. Keep Documents Safe: Keep all replacement documents
5. Monitor Collection: Check when new license is ready
6. Keep Temporary License Safe: Don't lose temporary license

Preventing Future Loss

Protection Tips:

• Keep license in secure wallet
• Don't leave in vehicle
• Make digital copy (for reference only)
• Note license number separately
• Keep in safe place at home when not needed

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I replace a lost driver's license?

Report loss to police, get affidavit, gather required documents (ID, proof of address), visit traffic department, submit application with affidavit, pay replacement fee, and collect new license in 4-6 weeks.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license?

Replacement fee is R228-R250 (same as renewal fee), depending on province. Additional costs may include affidavit (if not from police) and transport.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

Application takes 1-2 hours at traffic department. New license card is ready for collection in 4-6 weeks. You'll receive a temporary license immediately.

Do I need to report a lost license to police?

Yes, it's recommended to report to police and get an affidavit. This protects against fraud and is required for replacement application.

Can I drive while waiting for replacement license?

Yes, you can drive with the temporary license issued immediately after applying for replacement. The temporary license is valid for 6 months and is a legal document.

Conclusion

Replacing a lost or stolen driver's license requires reporting the loss, obtaining an affidavit, gathering required documents, and applying at the traffic department. By acting quickly, getting the necessary documents, and following the replacement process, you can get a new license within 4-6 weeks. Keep your temporary license safe and use it for driving until your new license is ready. Taking steps to protect your license can help prevent future loss.