Owe over R3,000 on your car licence in Gauteng? Pay it over 10 months
Gauteng motorists who owe more than R3,000 in licence penalties and arrears can pay a 30% deposit and settle the rest over up to 10 months. Here's who qualifies, what it costs, the documents you need and where to apply.
If you owe the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport more than R3,000 in licence penalties and arrears, you don't have to pay it all at once. You can put down a 30% deposit and pay the rest over up to 10 months (TopAuto; The South African).
The department lists the arrangement on the Gauteng government's services portal as a way to pay outstanding motor vehicle licence fees, penalties and arrears in instalments (Gauteng Provincial Government). An earlier department notice says it is meant for people who can't afford to pay in full, so that they can get their licence discs renewed (Gauteng Provincial Government).
Who qualifies?
You qualify if your penalties and arrears together come to more than R3,000. Traffic fines (infringements) and the licence fee itself don't count towards that amount (TopAuto).
Businesses can use the same arrangement on the same terms (The South African).
How much will I pay?
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Debt threshold | More than R3,000 in penalties and arrears combined |
| Deposit | At least 30% of the total debt |
| Repayment period | Up to 10 monthly instalments |
| Contract | You sign a contract with the department |
Sources: TopAuto, The South African, Gauteng Provincial Government.
As an example, on a R5,000 debt the minimum deposit is R1,500. Paid over the full 10 months, the remaining R3,500 works out to R350 a month. This is our own calculation from the published rules, not a department quote.
What documents do I need?
For individuals (TopAuto; The South African):
- your original South African ID (green ID book or smart ID card) or foreign ID, as passports are not accepted
- your Traffic Register Number (TRN)
- original proof of address no older than three months, such as a municipal bill, phone bill or bank statement
Businesses need the original ID of each director who signs, or a letter signed by all directors authorising one of them to sign, plus the business's TRN, its original CIPC or CIPRO certificate, and proof of the business address no older than three months (The South African).
Where do I apply?
The department's notice says you, or someone acting for you, must apply in person, hand in the documents, pay the deposit and sign the contract. It lists the department's office at the Life Centre Building, 17th floor, 45 Commissioner Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, open from 08:00 to 15:00 on weekdays, and the numbers 011 891 0001 and 011 355 7130 (Gauteng Provincial Government). That notice dates from 2022, so phone first to confirm the office and hours before you go.
Pay only through the department's official channels, and be wary of anyone on social media offering to "clear" licence arrears for a fee.
What else does renewing cost?
Every disc renewal carries a R72 transaction fee to the Road Traffic Management Corporation, however you renew (TopAuto). If your disc expires in November or December, see our guide to the 21-day grace period and renewing online.
FAQ
Can I pay Gauteng licence arrears in instalments?
Yes, if your licence penalties and arrears come to more than R3,000. You pay at least 30% up front and the rest over up to 10 months.
Do traffic fines count towards the R3,000?
No. Only penalties and arrears count. Traffic fines and the licence fee itself are excluded.
Can I use a passport to apply?
No. You need an original South African ID book or smart ID card, or a foreign ID, plus your Traffic Register Number and recent proof of address.
Where do I apply for the Gauteng licence debt arrangement?
In person with the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport. Its notice lists the Life Centre Building, 45 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg, and 011 891 0001 or 011 355 7130. Phone first to confirm.