The Motor Vehicle Crashes section on the NaTIS website also makes it easy for people to report accidents online instead of calling the South Africa Police Services, Insurances, or Emergency Rescuers to report the incidents. Please note that you cannot apply for a drivers license in South Africa for free, and the relevant authorities at NaTIS dispose of driving permits that are not collected within 120 days.
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How to check my drivers licence status online in South Africa
A vehicle owner should create a profile on the NaTIS website to get a motor vehicle renewal notice (MVL2) two months before its expiry date. This way, you can renew your drivers license on time. Here is how you check a drivers license status online:
- Visit the NaTIS website.
- Click Query Driving License Card.
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- Fill out your ID type, ID Number, Surname, and Initials.
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- Click Next.
- Fill out the remaining details to see your drivers license status.
How can I track my license card status via SMS?
South Africa has an SMS service for you to check your license card’s progress after applying for renewal. Here is how to check if a drivers license is ready for collection in South Africa via text:
- Text your ID number to 33214.
After a few minutes, you should receive a message indicating the license’s status. However, please be aware that this is not a government-provided programme.
Therefore, you cannot use free texts and similar packages on your phone contracts to send an SMS to this number because it will not be delivered. Instead, you need airtime to access this service.
How long is a drivers licence status check process?
It takes four to six weeks for your official drivers license card (the one that fits so neatly in your wallet) to be ready. However, checking your document’s status online or via SMS is instant.
Drivers license card collection
Collect your drivers license card from the same testing center where you applied.
Can someone else collect my drivers license in South Africa?
If you need someone to collect the drivers license on your behalf, send them to the same testing center where you applied with an affidavit and a certified copy of your ID.
The affidavit should have the name and ID number of the person you are sending and explain why you cannot collect the document. The person should also bring a certified ID copy to prove you sent them.
What is the NaTIS drivers licence collection fee?
Motorists will now have to pay R22 per application when using the NaTIS online booking applications for driving licence card renewal services and R250 for online reservations to renew the driving permits.
The affidavit should have the name and ID number of the person you are sending and explain why you cannot collect the document. The person should also bring a certified ID copy to prove you sent them.
What is the NaTIS drivers licence collection fee?
Motorists will now have to pay R22 per application when using the NaTIS online booking applications for driving licence card renewal services and R250 for online reservations to renew the driving permits.
Last year’s gazette from the government also stated that motorists would be charged R700 for online registrations of motor vehicles and R700 for online change of ownership of motor vehicles.
Since there are no pricing updates as of July 2022, you can assume that this remains unchanged. Check the NaTIS FAQS page for more information regarding driving permits.
Hope you have learned something regarding how to check if a drivers license is ready for collection in South Africa. Do not persevere unnecessarily in queues when you can “check my drivers licence status online in South Africa” online or via SMS.
Related Resources
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.