Renew your driver’s license in 20 minutes!

I never thought I would use the words “driver’s license renewal” and “easy” in the same sentence.

A few years ago, I wrote a blog (now outdated), about the new online Natis booking website and process. It has had its fair share of mixed reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised at the time.

Now, a few years down the line, when recently renewing my driver’s licence, I was so impressed I told all my family and friends, who then went on to renew, easily and efficiently. #Winning

The online system is not only for renewing your driver’s license but also for booking your learner’s and driver’s tests and applying for temporary licenses.

My online booking experience took me 5 minutes and my walk in experience took no longer than 15 minutes. The walk in centre was clean, the staff friendly and helpful and it was well equiped (Including pens). I do believe the trick here was this specific walk-in centre – Gautrain Management Agency.

How I did it . . .

1. I logged onto the natis website which you can find here.
2. It was around 22:00pm, I managed to choose an appointment the next day at 9am (which suited me). Please note, the appointment times update every 12 hours, so if you cannot find a time, just refresh the page and try again later.
3. I chose the Gautrain Management Agency in Midrand, Johannesburg as my preferred walk in centre. This is a Pilot project which was so seamless. If you are in Jhb, I would reccomend the GAUTENG MANAGEMENT AGENCY. Or any other Gautrain office listed as a walk in centre on the Natis website. (There may now be more to choose from)
4. I received my booking confirmation instantly via email, with the relevant documents I need to take with me on the day.
5. If you need a temporary licence, make sure you take 2 colour ID photos with you.
6. The cost is R228 and I paid with my bank card. Just take cash incase, we know systems do go down and Murphy is an asshole.
7. The centre was filled with friendly staff, I filled in a form, moved to pay and was issued my temporary licence within 15 minutes.

Overall, I would personlly give this experience 10/10. And a big shout out and congratulations to the Home affairs and Gautrain team who are piloting this project. If you happen to read this, please open more of these walk-in centres.

If you have had a great experience at any other walk-in centre, please let me know, as I would like to update this blog for others.