South African motorists are facing an unprecedented crisis as the backlog of unprinted driver’s licences continues to grow at an alarming rate.
The Department of Transport (DOT) is struggling to keep up with demand after its only card printing machine, which is more than 25 years old, broke down repeatedly earlier this year.
This has resulted in a massive queue of over 600,000 driver’s licences waiting to be printed and delivered to applicants.

The situation has worsened due to tender irregularities that prevented the DOT from procuring a new printing system.
As a result, the department has had to turn to an unlikely ally for help: the Department of Home Affairs.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy recently confirmed that Home Affairs is assisting by building a prototype card printing machine as a temporary solution.
This collaboration is aimed at clearing the extensive backlog while a long-term replacement for the outdated printing system is sought.

The DOT’s printing machine is a quarter of a century old and prone to frequent breakdowns.
Minister Creecy revealed that the machine has been working “day and night” to catch up, but the backlog continues to grow as more driver’s licences expire every day.
This creates a never-ending cycle of demand that the current system simply cannot handle efficiently.

At the beginning of July 2025, the backlog stood at an astonishing 602,831 driver’s licences.
The majority of these are for Gauteng province, South Africa’s most populous region, which alone has 192,856 licences waiting to be printed.
The Western Cape follows with 86,862 licences and KwaZulu-Natal with 85,313.

The involvement of Home Affairs is a sign of how serious the problem has become.
Home Affairs is developing a prototype printing machine that must be approved by the State Security Agency (SSA), as driving licences are legal forms of identification.
Minister Creecy estimates that this approval process should not take longer than three months.

In the meantime, motorists are facing uncertainty about the validity of their driver’s licences.
Fortunately, the government has introduced a six-month grace period for those whose licences have expired but who have valid renewal receipts.
This means that drivers will not be fined for an expired licence during this period as long as they can prove they have applied for renewal.

Minister Creecy emphasised that motorists should not be penalised for delays that are beyond their control.
She urged all drivers to keep their renewal receipts safe as proof of application.
Without this proof, however, drivers remain liable for fines if caught driving with an expired licence.

The driver’s licence backlog has sparked frustration among South Africans, many of whom rely on their licences for daily commuting, work, and legal identification.
The DOT’s inability to resolve the issue quickly has led to criticism of Minister Creecy and her department, which has been under pressure since she took office last May.

The backlog also highlights broader systemic challenges within South Africa’s public service infrastructure.
The outdated printing technology and procurement challenges reflect a need for urgent investment and reform in government systems that affect millions of citizens.

As the backlog continues to grow, calls are increasing for driver’s licences to be valid for longer periods.
Currently, licences must be renewed every five years, which adds to the printing demand.
Extending the validity period could reduce the frequency of renewals and ease pressure on the printing system.

Public opinion is divided on this issue.
Some argue that longer validity periods would reduce administrative burdens and costs for both the government and drivers.
Others contend that regular renewals are necessary to ensure driver competence and road safety.

The government is inviting citizens to share their views on whether driver’s licences should remain valid for longer.
You can join the conversation by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp message to 060 011 021 1.

Despite the challenges, there is hope that the partnership between the DOT and Home Affairs will provide some relief in the short term.
The prototype printing machine, once approved, could significantly increase printing capacity and help clear the backlog over the coming months.

However, this is only a temporary fix.
A permanent solution will require the DOT to secure a new, modern printing system and overhaul the entire driver’s licence issuance process.
This will involve addressing procurement issues and investing in technology upgrades to prevent similar crises in the future.

For now, South African motorists must navigate this difficult period with patience and awareness.
Ensuring you have a valid renewal receipt and understanding the six-month grace period can help avoid unnecessary fines and legal troubles.

The driver’s licence backlog crisis is a reminder of the critical importance of functional government services and infrastructure.
It also underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and efficient management in public sector projects.

As this story develops, The South African website will continue to provide updates and expert analysis on the situation.
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In conclusion, the driver’s licence print backlog is more than just an inconvenience—it affects the daily lives and livelihoods of millions of South Africans.
The collaboration between the Department of Transport and Home Affairs offers a glimmer of hope, but much work remains to restore trust and efficiency in this critical service.

If you want to share your experience or opinion on this issue, don’t hesitate to engage with us via the comment section or WhatsApp.
Your voice matters as South Africa seeks sustainable solutions to this ongoing crisis.