South Africans could see dramatically shorter waiting times for driver’s licence cards, with plans to reduce production to as little as seven working days within the next few years.
The proposal forms part of the latest strategy from the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA), outlined in its 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan.
Improvements for faster driver’s licence cards already underway
According to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, the plan focuses on improving efficiency, clearing backlogs and modernising systems.
Production times have already improved in recent years:
- 23 working days in 2022/23
- 22 days in 2023/24
- 19 days in 2024/25
The DLCA is now targeting:
- 21 days in 2026/27
- 14 days in 2027/28
- 7 days in 2028/29
If achieved, this would mark a significant shift from the long delays many South Africans have experienced.
Fixing long-standing issues
Officials say the improvements will depend on stabilising operations and upgrading outdated systems.
This includes addressing cybersecurity risks, improving customer service, and investing in new production equipment to replace ageing machinery.
A previous plan to roll out a new driving licence card was delayed after a High Court ruling in early 2026 found the tender process invalid.
With that legal uncertainty now resolved, the DLCA says it can refocus on modernising its production environment.
The entity aims to produce around 2.6 million cards in 2026/27, increasing slightly to 2.7 million in the following two years.
These figures are lower than previous years, when production was ramped up to deal with significant backlogs.
What about 8-year licences?
Alongside efforts to improve turnaround times, government is also considering extending the validity of driver’s licences.
Currently, South African licences are valid for five years, but proposals have been made to extend this to eight years.
Creecy has indicated that a decision on the matter is expected, but cautioned against rushing it due to potential unintended consequences.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation has previously supported the extension, noting that many countries with strong road safety records have longer validity periods.
However, questions remain about the durability of current licence cards and the potential cost implications for motorists.
For now, the focus remains on reducing delays and improving reliability. If the DLCA meets its targets, the days of waiting weeks, or even months, for a driver’s licence card could soon be replaced by a turnaround time measured in just days.
