Many expatriates find themselves in a sweat stressed and anxious at the legalities around driver’s licences when moving overseas, particularly in South Africa. However, the good news is many countries have arrangements that allow South African citizens to drive with their licence from their home country.
In South Africa, a driving licence is an official document granted by the government that allows people to operate or drive a motorised vehicle such as a car, motorcycle, truck, bus, or other vehicle without supervision. Driving licences are issued by authorised driving licence testing centres, which are run by the municipalities under the supervision of the provincial and national Departments of Transport. Once granted, a driving licence authorises its holder to operate motor vehicles on highways and other South African public roads. Apart from authorising a person to drive, Driver’s Licence can be used as an identity proof in non-driving contexts since it bears a photograph of the holder. All South African drivers are required to have a credit card format driving licence. This is automatically issued when a new driver receives a licence. The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued. The expiry date appears on the card.
As an South African expat, you will need to get around in your chosen country of residence and public transportation may not be accessible. It is possible to convert or exchange your South African driving licence for a local one and in order to do so you may need to submit a South African driver’s licence confirmation letter and or your credit card style driving licence. In general, a driving licence needs to be legalised for it to be recognised as a valid in a foreign country. It is best to complete the driving licence documents legalisation process before applying for a work or business visa overseas as every country’s traffic laws are different and you will need to comply with each country’s unique rules. Legalisation is the process by which the signature, seal or stamp on a public document is authenticated and verified by a designated authority. A certificate to this effect, known as an apostille, is attached to the copy of the driving licence. However, if the driving licence is to be presented in a country that is not a signatory to The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, its legalisation process involves consular legalisation in addition to apostille certification.
Global-Apostille offer a fast, efficient and seamless Apostille service of your Driving Licence. We can also fast-track your Drivers License confirmation letter within (10) working days. Apply for South African Driving Licence confirmation letter
