R150m for digital driving licences: when you can actually use one
Treasury has added R150 million for the MyMzansi app, which will hold digital driving licences. The app is still in testing, with a launch planned for 2027 and a national rollout in 2028.
You can't get a digital driving licence on your phone yet. Treasury has put another R150 million into the MyMzansi app that will carry it, but the Department of Transport's timeline is a launch in 2027 and a nationwide rollout in 2028 (TopAuto, Biometric Update). Until then, keep renewing and carrying your plastic card.
What did Treasury announce?
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said in the 2026 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement that R150 million is allocated to the Presidency's digital services unit to build out the MyMzansi app, a single platform for government services (TopAuto).
Where does MyMzansi stand right now?
It's a working prototype in a controlled test environment. The Operation Vulindlela progress report released on 30 October targets February 2027 for testing more services and finalising arrangements for public use, which is a work plan rather than a promised launch date. Digital driving licences, grants and job-related services are among the services being prepared for testing, not services you can use today (EB News Daily).
How will renewing on the app work?
In a live demo, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi showed a renewal done in minutes (TopAuto):
- Open your licence in the app's digital wallet and tap Renew.
- Fill in your ID number, names and contact details.
- Sign digitally and take a selfie for identity verification.
- Pay by card (the demo showed Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Apple Pay).
- The digital licence appears in your wallet straight away.
That would cut out the six to eight weeks drivers currently wait for a printed card (TopAuto).
How will traffic officers check it?
The digital licence will carry a QR code that officers can scan to confirm it's government-issued and to see whether you have outstanding infringements (Biometric Update).
Will physical cards disappear?
No. Physical cards will stay available for motorists who don't have smartphones (Sunday Times).
Is the 10-year licence card in force yet?
Not yet. Government has announced that light-vehicle and motorcycle licences (codes A1, A, B and EB) will move from five-year to ten-year validity, but you still have to renew every five years until the amended regulations are gazetted and implemented (Sunday Times). The proposal is still going through parliamentary and public consultation (Parliament).
| Licence type | Validity now | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| Codes A1, A, B, EB (light vehicles, motorcycles) | 5 years | 10 years |
| Codes C1, C, EC1, EC (heavy vehicles) | 5 years | 5 years |
| Professional driving permit (PrDP) | 2 years | 2 years |
Source: Parliament.
FAQ
Can I get a digital driving licence in South Africa now?
No. MyMzansi is still in testing. The Department of Transport plans to launch digital licences in 2027 with a nationwide rollout in 2028.
Is my driving licence now valid for 10 years?
Not yet. The change for codes A1, A, B and EB still has to be gazetted, so keep renewing every five years for now.
Will I still be able to get a plastic licence card?
Yes. Physical cards will remain available for motorists without smartphones.