South Africa Embassy Sofia Bulgaria

Introduction

•    Verification of South African drivers licences:
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will upon request, issue a printout of the licence required and supply a Letter of Confirmation of the licence. This letter reflects the date the licence was first issued.
•    Application for / Renewal of South African drivers licence:
From 01 March 1998, all licence holders were obliged to convert their Identity Document licences to the Credit Card Format (CCF) licence. In the case of private motorists, the conversion period was 5 years with a penalty fee for late conversion. It is not (currently) possible to apply for the CCF licence from abroad, as the issuing of a CCF licence is dependent on an eye test and biometric verification. However, if a South African driving licence holder can supply proof (passport) that he/she was abroad during the conversion period, the increased penalty fee will not be levied.  Please note application must be made within six (6) months of date of return. The licence contained in an identity document may only be converted and may not be used to drive with during this six (6) month period.
•    Drivers licence and renting of vehicles:
It might prove difficult to rent a vehicle when abroad and if successful, the insurance premiums may be high. This is due to the fact that South African (CCF) drivers' licences only indicate the date of issue of the specific licence, but not when the holder first qualified as a driver. It is therefore advisable to apply for a printout and Confirmation Letter of one's drivers licence from the Road Traffic Management Corporation prior to travelling or whilst abroad if you are planning to hire a vehicle. Some countries may not accept South African drivers' licences as valid licences and it may be prudent to apply for an international drivers licence from the Automobile Association before departure from South Africa.

Process to follow
Request the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) (in writing) for a printout and Confirmation Letter of your drivers licence. Your request must include your contact details (including fax number), a copy of your ID and a copy of your drivers licence.

Location and Contacts
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)
Private Bag X147
Pretoria, 0001

Street Address:  687 Silverlakes Road, Hazeldean Office Park, Hazeldean, Tijger Vallei, Pretoria East

Telephone: (012) 809 5200
Fax: (012) 809 5330

Website:  www.transport.gov.za

Mr Tshwarelo S Maupa
Tel:    + 27 12 809 5233
Fax:    + 27 12 809 5330
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Mr David Motloung
Tel:    + 27 12 809 5232
Fax:    + 27 12 809 5330
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Ms Rhoda Pheeha
Tel:    + 27 12 809 5231
Fax:    + 27 12 809 5330
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