The government wants to stop South Africans from using driver’s licences as general identity documents. The Department of Transport has proposed changes to the rules on traffic documents.
The changes could also affect learner’s licences and Traffic Register Number (TRN) certificates. However, the new rules are not yet in force.
Why Government Wants to Change the Rules
The proposal follows an investigation conducted in 2023 with the Department of Home Affairs. The investigation found widespread misuse of Traffic Register Numbers and other traffic documents.
The department says some institutions accepted these documents as proof of identity. There were also cases where TRN certificates were allegedly used to open bank accounts.
The government says these documents should serve their intended purpose. A driver’s licence proves that a person may drive a vehicle. It was not designed to replace an official identity document.
Banks and Other Institutions Could Be Affected
If the changes take effect, people may no longer be able to use their driver’s licences as general identification.
Banks, airports, offices and residential estates could also need to change their identity checks. People may have to provide documents issued by Home Affairs instead.
The proposed rules also set out identification requirements for foreign nationals who are not permanent residents. These include a valid passport and the relevant Home Affairs permit.
Public Comment Still Lies Ahead
The Department of Transport says the proposed amendments will be published in the Government Gazette for public comment.
Interested parties will have 30 days from publication to submit their views. The department will consider these submissions before it publishes the final regulations.
For now, motorists can continue using their valid driver’s licences to drive. The proposed changes concern their use as general identity documents, not their validity as driving permits.
