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With one simple step, SA Post Office customers can drastically shorten the time it takes to renew their motor vehicle licences.
According to SA Post Office (SAPO), this phase entails motorists registering on the National Traffic Information System (NATIS).
“Motorists who are registered on the NATIS website will receive an SMS to remind them that they should renew their vehicle licences. The SMS, which contains reference numbers that speed up the renewal transaction, is sent the month before the licence renewal is due. Vehicle owners can also choose to receive a reminder with the same information through email”.
SAPO spokesperson Johan Kruger
Presenting the SMS or printed renewal reminder eliminates several steps in the renewal operation at a Post Office counter, saving a significant amount of time. “In order to speed up the renewal process, the renewal notice can be printed by customers and presented at the Post Office when renewing the vehicle licence.”
How do you register vehicle license renewals on NATIS?
SAPO outlines the process in three easy steps:
- To register on the NATIS website, go to https://www.natis.gov.za/.
- Click on online services.
- Then click on vehicle renewals to register, download and print the notice, or receive a renewal reminder SMS.
It’s worth noting that proof of address is required every two years in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Therefore, the safest option is to bring along proof of address when renewing your vehicle licence.
Post Office branches provide a bulk drop-off and collect service for fleet renewals. “This is impractical for private motorists however, since there may be traffic fines outstanding that have to be paid first before the system allows the licence to be renewed.”
Additionally, if a Post Office logo appears on the printed traffic fine, it can also be paid at any SA Post Office location. Cards and cash are accepted as payment for motor vehicle licences.
SAPO announced in September 2021 that it was nearing completion on a mobile application for renewing driver’s licenses. The app was supposed to be ready by the end of October 2021.
At the time of the announcement, SAPO noted that the Post Office wanted consumers to complete the entire process from the convenience of their homes or businesses.
The software would handle the entire renewal procedure, including payment, leaving only the last step of accessing the disc. This could be done in one of two ways: the consumer could pick it up from a nearby SA Post Office outlet, or the customer may mail it in. Or the SA Post Office could deliver the disc to the customer – at an affordable delivery fee.
While this would be highly convenient for motorists, the SA Post Office’s online renewal service for motor vehicle licences has been delayed due to administrative and legal constraints.
True to South Africa, according to SAPO, it is now expected to be launched in early 2022.
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