Guidelines for requesting public documents in South Africa

Home / Guidelines for requesting public documents in South Africa

Drivers License Confirmation Letter Application

This service caters to individuals residing outside the Republic of South Africa (RSA) whose driving licenses have either expired, been lost, or stolen, and who cannot return to the RSA for renewal. It is also applicable to those holding a valid or temporary license that has been rejected for conversion by countries adhering to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is vested with the authority to issue a confirmation letter for applicants with a legitimate license as verified via the National Traffic Information System (NTIS). This document serves as formal verification of the applicant’s valid driving license, aiding in its conversion process in the applicant’s current country of residence.

To initiate a request for a Drivers License Confirmation Letter, please send your inquiry to [email protected]

  1. Upon receipt of your request, you will be provided with a form to complete.
  2. Upon completion, we will submit this form to the RTMC on your behalf.
  3. The RTMC will then prepare the confirmation letter, which will specify the original issuance date of the license.
  4. We will subsequently collect the confirmation letter and submit it to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for authentication or Apostille certification, as per the requirements of the country where it will be utilized.

NOTE: It is crucial to understand that this confirmation letter is not a legal driving license and should not be misrepresented as such to law enforcement entities.

Many jurisdictions accept foreign driving licenses, typically for a limited duration (for instance, 3 to 12 months), often necessitating either a Driver’s License Confirmation Letter (such as the one issued by the RTMC) or an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a means of translation/verification. This requirement is particularly relevant for licenses not in Latin script, with countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, EU nations, and select parts of Africa recognizing these documents. Notable examples include the UK, France, Germany, New Zealand, and Canada. However, it is advisable to verify specific requirements, as some jurisdictions (like the USA) may require an IDP or have differing state/provincial regulations.

Requirements for Converting South African Driver's Licence Abroad by Country

Country Requirements
Russia Holders of a South African (SA) driver’s licence can utilize it for a duration of up to 6 months, provided it is accompanied by an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) translation. Beyond the 6-month period, conversion to a Russian driver’s licence is necessary, which involves passing a theory test available only in Russian.
Germany In Germany, the SA driver’s licence is valid for 6 months. Post this period, conversion to a German driver’s licence requires submission of a Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter issued from South Africa.
United Kingdom South African licence holders may operate vehicles in the UK for a maximum of 12 months. To convert the licence, it is necessary to submit a Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter alongside the completion of the D1 application form.
France The SA licence remains valid for 12 months in France. To facilitate conversion to a French driver’s licence, applicants must present a Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter.
Poland In Poland, the SA driver’s licence is valid for the first 6 months. To convert it into a Polish licence, a Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter from South Africa must be submitted.
Hungary Due to both South Africa and Hungary being signatories to the 1967 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, South African licence holders may legally drive with a notarised copy of their licence.
Greece In Greece, the SA licence is valid for a period of 6 months. To convert to a Greek licence, applicants must submit a Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter.
Sweden The SA driver’s licence can be used legally in Sweden, but it is imperative that the licence is renewed prior to its expiration. If renewal occurs post-expiration, it will result in automatic issuance of a Swedish driver’s licence.
Portugal

 

 In Portugal, the SA driver’s licence is usable for up to 6 months before conversion is necessitated. A Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter is required for this process.
Bulgaria The SA driver’s licence holds validity for 6 months in Bulgaria. Following this period, it must be exchanged for a local driver’s licence, which involves submitting a Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter. After the exchange, the original SA licence will be returned to South Africa.
Finland As both South Africa and Finland are parties to the Vienna Road Traffic Convention, South African (SA) driver’s licenses are valid for use in Finland for up to two years. Post this period, holders are required to convert their license to an A1, A2, or B-class driving license without undergoing a practical or theoretical retest.
Slovakia South African driver’s licenses are not recognized in Slovakia. Upon arrival, drivers must exchange their SA license for a local Slovak license. This requires submission of a Driver’s License Confirmation Letter originating from South Africa.
Croatia In Croatia, a South African driver’s license is valid for a maximum of 12 months. To exchange it for a Croatian license, applicants must provide a Driver’s License Confirmation Letter, identification proof, proof of residence in Croatia, a certified translation of the confirmation letter, a medical certificate (not older than six months) verifying fitness to drive, recent passport-sized photographs, and proof of payment for the processing fee.
Estonia South African driver’s licenses can be used in Estonia for up to 185 days before conversion to an Estonian license is mandated. If the SA driver’s license has expired prior to obtaining permanent residency, the holder is required to pass both a theoretical and a practical driving test to receive a new Estonian license.
Montenegro In Montenegro, a South African driver’s license is valid for driving for six months. After that period, license conversion to a Montenegrin equivalent is required. This process also necessitates the presentation of a Driver’s License Confirmation Letter alongside a medical certificate attesting to the individual’s fitness to drive.
Luxembourg South African driver’s licenses are valid for use in Luxembourg for up to three months. To initiate an exchange for a Luxembourgish license, the applicant must submit a recent medical certificate (not older than three months), a police clearance certificate, a certified copy of the SA driver’s license, proof of residency, a passport-sized photo, a completed license application form, a tax stamp from the licensing office, and the Driver’s License Confirmation Letter.
Andorra In Andorra, South African drivers may utilize their licenses for up to six months. For conversion to an Andorran license, a letter from South African authorities detailing the permissible vehicle categories under the existing license, along with the Driver’s License Confirmation Letter, must be submitted.
Monaco Within Monaco, which adheres to the Vienna Road Traffic Convention, South African licenses can be used for one year. After this grace period, conversion to a local license is necessary, requiring submission of a Driver’s License Confirmation Letter together with a completed application form.
San Marino   Drivers can operate in San Marino with their South African license and an International Driver’s Permit for a period of three months. After this period, conversion to a local license is required, facilitated by providing a Driver’s License Confirmation Letter.
United States (New York) New York acknowledges valid foreign driver’s licenses for non-residents, exempting them from obtaining a New York State license. However, non-U.S. residents with licenses from countries outside of Canada must undertake a written examination, complete a five-hour pre-licensing course, and pass a road test to qualify for a New York license. Although foreign licenses remain valid for driving, they do not waive the requirements for new drivers. Upon issuance of a New York license, drivers must surrender their foreign license, which will be retained and subsequently destroyed by the DMV within 60 days. For return to their home country, drivers may request the return of their surrendered foreign license. Note that an International Driving Permit in New York serves merely to validate the underlying foreign driver’s license, not for driving privileges. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation does not issue “Letters of Entitlement” for exchanging South African licenses; this function lies solely with the Department of Transportation’s Road Traffic Management Corporation.
Canada In Canada, a South African driver’s license remains valid for up to six months. After this duration, conversion to a Canadian license is necessary. This process typically involves exchanging the SA license for a Canadian one, contingent upon meeting local requirements. At licensing offices, individuals must complete a driving knowledge test and an eye exam. Successfully passing these assessments allows them to proceed to the road test. It’s crucial to note that licensing requirements can vary significantly between different territories, necessitating direct inquiries with the relevant Driver Licensing Offices for the most current guidance.
Australia For South African residents in Australia, an overseas driver’s license must be converted to a South Australian driver’s license or permit within three months of gaining permanent residency. The conversion process varies by state or territory, each maintaining its own licensing authority and specific regulations regarding foreign license transitions. It’s advisable for individuals to review the requirements specific to their state or territory of residence.

Get a South African Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is often needed for jobs, applying for visas, or going through immigration processes. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how to get one:

Before you start your application, make sure to check what documents you will need for your police clearance.

Documents Required:

To complete your application, you will need the following items:

  • A completed application form (you can download it here).
  • The SAPS 91a form (available for download here).
  • A valid South African identity document, passport, or relevant documents if you are a refugee.

Filling Out the Application Form:

  • Make sure to fill out the application form clearly and accurately. Double-check for any errors to avoid any delays.
  • If you’re living outside South Africa, you don’t need to provide a South African address or phone number. Just use your current address and contact details where you live now.

Getting Your Fingerprints Taken:

  • Go to a local police station or authorized center to have your fingerprints taken. Let them know that these fingerprints are for your police clearance.
  • If you’re in South Africa, Canada, the UK, New Zealand, or Australia, you can go to your nearest police station. Some places may require you to make an appointment.
  • If you are located in a different country and can’t find somewhere to get fingerprinted, you can do it yourself. You will need a special fingerprint pad, which you can find online. In many countries, it’s a good idea to visit a certified notary office or a South African consulate or embassy for assistance with fingerprints.

Important Notes:

– If you have already sent in your police clearance application and need it processed faster, email [email protected] with “Expediting Existing Police Clearance” in the subject line.

– If you’ve lost your Police Clearance certificate and need a replacement, you can also reach out to [email protected] for help.

 

Turnaround Time for Police Clearance Applications:

  • For police clearance applications intended for use in South Africa, the processing time is 3 to 5 working days.
  • Applications for police clearance intended for New Zealand, Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, and Rwanda will also be processed within 3 to 5 working days.
  • For all other countries not specifically mentioned, the processing time for police clearance applications will extend to approximately 2 weeks.