The Arrive Alive website received the following message and request for assistance:
“Dear Arrive Alive team
I am a South African citizen currently in Salvador, Brazil. I am cruising on a yacht and might not be in a position to renew my SA driver’s license within the foreseeable future, as I will be at sea or on foreign soil.
As I use my SA license internationally (and also would like to avoid returning home and having to undergo the lengthy process of driving examinations etc), I would like to find out how it would be possible for me to renew my license from abroad.
I have Internet and faxing facilities available and can send any documentation required.
My mother has Power of Attorney over my affairs and can sign off any documentation and make payments on my behalf.
My fingerprints are already in your system.
Please advise on how to take this forward. I would appreciate any advice in this regard.”
This was referred to our Experts from the Ask the Experts section on the Arrive Alive website and a response received:
“It is not possible to renew a South African Driving Licence from abroad. The Road Traffic Management Corporation can assist in providing a confirmation letter to exchange your driving licence for a foreign driving licence.
At this stage your driving licence will remain valid, only the document expires.”