All you need to know about vehicle license renewal fees

Government recently reduced its vehicle license renewal fees. Since we reported on the story, our WhatsApp line has been inundated with other vehicle license renewal questions. Below are some helpful tips on vehicle license renewal fees.

VEHICLE LICENSE RENEWAL

Vehicle license renewal must take place every year or you’re liable for a late licensing penalty fee. In the past you would receive a letter in the post to remind you it was time to renew your vehicle license. But now that the Post Office no longer functions properly, you need to stay abreast of your renewal date yourself.

WHAT’S THE CURRENT LICENSE FEE?

Your vehicle license renewal fee varies depending on the province you’re in and is based on your vehicle’s weight and type. The majority of passenger cars weigh between 800 kg for a compact hatchback to 2 500 kg for a large luxury SUV.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation recently reduced its service fees for online applications, but this doesn’t impact the renewal fee for the vehicle itself.

ALSO READ: Government reduces vehicle registration fees – GOOD NEWS!

If you live in Gauteng, the average annual vehicle license fee (for a car not exceeding 1 250 kg) is R432. In the Western Cape, the same license fee will cost R420. In KZN you will pay R534 to license the car every year. So you need to know what you’re paying in your province

CURRENT VEHICLE LICENSE RATES

Click on the links below to see rates based on vehicle weight in your province

Eastern Cape
Western Cape
Free State
Gauteng
KwaZulu Natal
Limpopo
Mpumalanga
Northern Cape
North West Province

WHAT IF I FORGET TO RENEW MY LICENSE?

According to the Gov.za website, you have a 21-day grace period to renew an expired vehicle license. The date applies from the expiry date of the license disc, and a late renewal penalty is calculated at one tenth of the annual licensing fee per month.

So, R42 per month in the Western Cape, R53 in KZN, and it goes on … The longer you leave it to lapse, the more expensive it will be in the end. Best to renew on time.

And you must note that you will not be allowed to renew a vehicle license if you have outstanding fees or fines owing against your name. Even if those are for another vehicle and do not relate to the license you want to renew.

Follow the link to the Car License Renewal website to see more vehicle license renewal information.

WHAT DO I NEED TO RENEW MY VEHICLE?

For now, the Western Cape is the only province to offer online e-Services for vehicle license renewals. If you’re elsewhere in the country, you must renew your motor vehicle license at your local registering authority.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

• Your valid identity document.
• Proof of residential address (e.g. utility account with your name on it).
• Vehicle license renewal notice (MVL2), which you can register for online.
• If no renewal notice, complete the ALV (Application for Licensing of Motor Vehicle) form.
• In addition, if your details have changed, you must complete an NCP form (Notification of Change of Particulars).

This article was originally published by Ray Leathern.