Can you exchange a South African driving licence in the UK?
Yes, you can exchange your SA licence for a UK equivalent. This exchange is possible because South Africa is part of the recognised countries list. This list includes countries outside the EU or EEA that have reciprocity agreements with the UK. As part of the agreement, you can exchange your licence without retaking your driving test.
Note: If you only have a temporary South African licence, you can exchange it in the UK. You'll need a full, valid South African driving licence for the conversion.
Eligibility requirements
To exchange your licence, you need to:
Supporting documents for converting a South African licence in the UK
When submitting your D1 form, you must provide some documents for the DVLA. Here's what you should know:
Original South African driving licence
Yes, you'll need to send your original SA driving licence to the DVLA, not a copy.
Note: You can no longer drive in the UK with an old South African book of a life-style licence or a letter of entitlement to one, and you cannot exchange these for a UK licence. You must have a new credit-card style licence or a letter of entitlement to one.
UK passport or accepted identity document
You'll need proof of your identity. A UK passport is the most suitable option, but if you don't have one yet, the DVLA also accepts alternative documents. Your South African passport may be acceptable, along with additional supporting documentation.
Check the current DVLA list of accepted identity documents to be sure.
Passport-sized colour photo
Get a recent, passport-standard colour photo that meets UK requirements:
Note: If any of the documents isn't in English, you must get a certified translation and submit it with the original. The DVLA won't accept documents in any language other than English.
Step-by-step process to convert South African driving licence in the UK
To convert your South African driving licence to a UK one, you must apply for an exchange through the DVLA. The process involves ordering a D1 application form, completing it, and sending it along with your documents and a £43 fee to the address specified on the form. Here's a breakdown of the steps
Obtain the confirmation of the South African driving licence letter
Email the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) at [email protected] to request the confirmation letter. Your email should include your full name, a copy of your ID, licence and the filled application form.
Order a D1 form
Complete the application
Fill in the D1 form with your details and double-check:
Note: Any mistakes or missing information can delay your application by several weeks, so please take your time and review everything carefully.
Gather your documents
Collect the following documents to send with your form:
Pay the fee
Include a fee of £43 by cheque or postal order. Unfortunately, card payments aren't accepted for postal applications, so you'll need to arrange one of these traditional payment methods.
Send your application
Send all the required documents to the address listed on the D1 form. You should receive a new UK licence within 3-4 weeks. If the DVLA needs more information, they will contact you.
Submitting your documents - important requirements for South African applicants
South African drivers need to provide additional documentation when converting their licence to a UK one. Here's what you should expect:
The confirmation of South African driving licence letter
Confirmation of Sa outh African driving licence letter is an official document from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) or your local Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) in South Africa. It confirms that your licence is genuine, valid, and legally issued. The DVLA requires this letter to verify the authenticity of your South African licence before they process your exchange.
You can obtain this letter by request from the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) via email: [email protected].z. Your request must include:
The processing timeline is 3 to 6 weeks.
Apostille requirements when needed
In some cases, the DVLA may require your confirmation letter to be authenticated through the apostille process. If an apostille is required ,take your confirmation letter to the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to have it apostilled.
Note: Check the current DVLA requirements or contact them directly to confirm whether an apostille is required for a South African confirmation letter, as requirements are subject to change.
Standard DVLA processing timeframe
Once the DVLA receives your complete application, the standard processing time is approximately 3 weeks. However, this can vary depending on:
You can check your application status on the GOV.UK website using the reference number from your application
Do you need a certified translation?
South African driving licences do not require certified translation because they're issued in English or English and Afrikaans, which the DVLA accepts.
However, you might need a certified translation only if your driving licence or any supporting documents are issued in a language other than English. If that's the case, you must provide a certified translation from a professional translator.
If you want to convert your South African licence to a British one, using professional, UK-certified translation services to translate foreign documents ensures acceptance and eliminates delays. Request a free quote from Translayte today for a fast and accurate translation.
