City seeking clarity on new national requirement for vehicle registration and licensing

24 October 2025

From 1 November 2025, original certified identification documentation will be required at all City Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing (MVRL) offices. The City is an agent which was instructed to implement this new national requirement. For renewals in particular, you are exempt from producing a certified copy of your ID if you have received an SMS for the renewal of your licence from the City or the Road Traffic Management Corporation.

This is a requirement of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996) which the City has been directed to implement. The City is seeking clarity on certain aspects from the relevant authorities.

You are exempt from producing a certified copy of your ID if you have received an SMS for the renewal of your licence from the City or the Road Traffic Management Corporation.
 
Certified identification documents refer to legible copies of official identification documents which include:
• RSA ID Book or ID Card
• Foreign ID
• Traffic Register Number (TRN) Certificate
• The City awaits clarity on the use of passports and driving licences
 
These documents must be certified as true copies of the original by one of the following:
• Commissioner of Oaths
• Notary
• Authorised Official
 
Certification must comply with the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act, 1963 (Act 16 of 1963). The certification must be dated within three months of submission and must contain the official stamp and signature of the certifying officer.
 
 

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office