Drivers License Confirmation Letter Application

This service caters to individuals residing outside the Republic of South Africa (RSA) whose driving licenses have either expired, been lost, or stolen, and who cannot return to the RSA for renewal. It is also applicable to those holding a valid or temporary license that has been rejected for conversion by countries adhering to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is vested with the authority to issue a confirmation letter for applicants with a legitimate license as verified via the National Traffic Information System (NTIS). This document serves as formal verification of the applicant’s valid driving license, aiding in its conversion process in the applicant’s current country of residence.

To initiate a request for a Drivers License Confirmation Letter, please send your inquiry to [email protected].

Upon receipt of your request, you will be provided with a form to complete.
Upon completion, we will submit this form to the RTMC on your behalf.
The RTMC will then prepare the confirmation letter, which will specify the original issuance date of the license.
We will subsequently collect the confirmation letter and submit it to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) for authentication or Apostille certification, as per the requirements of the country where it will be utilized.

NOTE: It is crucial to understand that this confirmation letter is not a legal driving license and should not be misrepresented as such to law enforcement entities.

Many jurisdictions accept foreign driving licenses, typically for a limited duration (for instance, 3 to 12 months), often necessitating either a Driver’s License Confirmation Letter (such as the one issued by the RTMC) or an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a means of translation/verification. This requirement is particularly relevant for licenses not in Latin script, with countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, EU nations, and select parts of Africa recognizing these documents. Notable examples include the UK, France, Germany, New Zealand, and Canada. However, it is advisable to verify specific requirements, as some jurisdictions (like the USA) may require an IDP or have differing state/provincial regulations.

Requirements for Converting South African Driver’s Licence Abroad by Country

Country	Requirements
Russia	Holders of a South African (SA) driver’s licence can utilize it for a duration of up to 6 months, provided it is accompanied by an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) translation. Beyond the 6-month period, conversion to a Russian driver’s licence is necessary, which involves passing a theory test available only in Russian.
Germany	In Germany, the SA driver’s licence is valid for 6 months. Post this period, conversion to a German driver’s licence requires submission of a Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter issued from South Africa.
United Kingdom	South African licence holders may operate vehicles in the UK for a maximum of 12 months. To convert the licence, it is necessary to submit a Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter alongside the completion of the D1 application form.
France	The SA licence remains valid for 12 months in France. To facilitate conversion to a French driver’s licence, applicants must present a Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter.
Poland	In Poland, the SA driver’s licence is valid for the first 6 months. To convert it into a Polish licence, a Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter from South Africa must be submitted.
Hungary	Due to both South Africa and Hungary being signatories to the 1967 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, South African licence holders may legally drive with a notarised copy of their licence.
Greece	In Greece, the SA licence is valid for a period of 6 months. To convert to a Greek licence, applicants must submit a Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter.
Sweden	The SA driver’s licence can be used legally in Sweden, but it is imperative that the licence is renewed prior to its expiration. If renewal occurs post-expiration, it will result in automatic issuance of a Swedish driver’s licence.
Portugal	In Portugal, the SA driver’s licence is usable for up to 6 months before conversion is necessitated. A Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter is required for this process.
Bulgaria	The SA driver’s licence holds validity for 6 months in Bulgaria. Following this period, it must be exchanged for a local driver’s licence, which involves submitting a Driver’s Licence Confirmation Letter. After the exchange, the original SA licence will be returned to South Africa.
Finland	As both South Africa and Finland are parties to the Vienna Road Traffic Convention, South African (SA) driver’s licenses are valid for use in Finland for up to two years. Post this period, holders are required to convert their license to an A1, A2, or B-class driving license without undergoing a practical or theoretical retest.
Slovakia	South African driver’s licenses are not recognized in Slovakia. Upon arrival, drivers must exchange their SA license for a local Slovak license. This requires submission of a Driver’s License Confirmation Letter originating from South Africa.
Croatia	In Croatia, a South African driver’s license is valid for a maximum of 12 months. To exchange it for a Croatian license, applicants must provide a Driver’s License Confirmation Letter, identification proof, proof of residence in Croatia, a certified translation of the confirmation letter, a medical certificate (not older than six months) verifying fitness to drive, recent passport-sized photographs, and proof of payment for the processing fee.
Estonia	South African driver’s licenses can be used in Estonia for up to 185 days before conversion to an Estonian license is mandated. If the SA driver’s license has expired prior to obtaining permanent residency, the holder is required to pass both a theoretical and a practical driving test to receive a new Estonian license.
Montenegro	In Montenegro, a South African driver’s license is valid for driving for six months. After that period, license conversion to a Montenegrin equivalent is required. This process also necessitates the presentation of a Driver’s License Confirmation Letter alongside a medical certificate attesting to the individual’s fitness to drive.
Luxembourg	South African driver’s licenses are valid for use in Luxembourg for up to three months. To initiate an exchange for a Luxembourgish license, the applicant must submit a recent medical certificate (not older than three months), a police clearance certificate, a certified copy of the SA driver’s license, proof of residency, a passport-sized photo, a completed license application form, a tax stamp from the licensing office, and the Driver’s License Confirmation Letter.
Andorra	In Andorra, South African drivers may utilize their licenses for up to six months. For conversion to an Andorran license, a letter from South African authorities detailing the permissible vehicle categories under the existing license, along with the Driver’s License Confirmation Letter, must be submitted.
Monaco	Within Monaco, which adheres to the Vienna Road Traffic Convention, South African licenses can be used for one year. After this grace period, conversion to a local license is necessary, requiring submission of a Driver’s License Confirmation Letter together with a completed application form.
San Marino	Drivers can operate in San Marino with their South African license and an International Driver’s Permit for a period of three months. After this period, conversion to a local license is required, facilitated by providing a Driver’s License Confirmation Letter.
United States (New York)	New York acknowledges valid foreign driver’s licenses for non-residents, exempting them from obtaining a New York State license. However, non-U.S. residents with licenses from countries outside of Canada must undertake a written examination, complete a five-hour pre-licensing course, and pass a road test to qualify for a New York license. Although foreign licenses remain valid for driving, they do not waive the requirements for new drivers. Upon issuance of a New York license, drivers must surrender their foreign license, which will be retained and subsequently destroyed by the DMV within 60 days. For return to their home country, drivers may request the return of their surrendered foreign license. Note that an International Driving Permit in New York serves merely to validate the underlying foreign driver’s license, not for driving privileges. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation does not issue “Letters of Entitlement” for exchanging South African licenses; this function lies solely with the Department of Transportation’s Road Traffic Management Corporation.
Canada	In Canada, a South African driver’s license remains valid for up to six months. After this duration, conversion to a Canadian license is necessary. This process typically involves exchanging the SA license for a Canadian one, contingent upon meeting local requirements. At licensing offices, individuals must complete a driving knowledge test and an eye exam. Successfully passing these assessments allows them to proceed to the road test. It’s crucial to note that licensing requirements can vary significantly between different territories, necessitating direct inquiries with the relevant Driver Licensing Offices for the most current guidance.
Australia	For South African residents in Australia, an overseas driver’s license must be converted to a South Australian driver’s license or permit within three months of gaining permanent residency. The conversion process varies by state or territory, each maintaining its own licensing authority and specific regulations regarding foreign license transitions. It’s advisable for individuals to review the requirements specific to their state or territory of residence.