Bad news for South Africans with expired driving licence cards

Department of Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi says it will take four to six months to clear the current driving licence production backlog, which now sits at 690,000.

Speaking to 947, Msibi debunked reports that South Africa’s driving licence printer had broken down again, saying it has been working perfectly since it was fixed in the first week of May.

“About 269,000 cards have been printed already, so the backlog is now sitting at 690,000, which is still a big number,” he said.

“In terms of reducing the backlog as a whole, we try to do the monthly updates, but we’re looking at about four to six months.”

It should be noted that Msibi’s figure of 269,000 cards being produced since the machine returned likely includes new card applications, as the backlog has only reduced by around 43,000 cards since 15 May.

Msibi added that motorists normally receive their new licence card within “about 14 days” from the application date.

“Now, with this backlog, things are obviously changing. So you’re looking at about four to six weeks to be able to get your driver’s licence card,” he said.

“But all is not lost. If you applied for your driver’s licence card before the current one expires, you must just keep your receipt with you in the car.”

Msibi’s feedback comes after some news reports misinterpreted transport minister Barbara Creecy’s response to parliamentary questions, in which she gave stats on the backlog.

Some news reports took her response to mean the machine had broken down again since returning to service in early May 2025.

Responding to questions from Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi, Creecy revealed that the driving licence backlog sat at 733,000 as of 15 May 2025.

Since 15 May, eighteen working days have passed and the DLCA has printed an average of under 2,400 cards per day. At this tempo, it will take just over 13 months to clear the backlog.