The Department of Transport plans to amend regulations so traffic register number (TRN) certificates, learner’s licences and driving licences can no longer be used as general identification documents, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The proposal follows a 2023 investigation with the Department of Home Affairs, which found some institutions accepting TRNs and driving licences as identification.
‘The TRN was created solely to enable people without a South African identity number to transact on the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) for road traffic purposes while finalising their legal status with Home Affairs. It was never intended to serve as general identification,’ the department said.
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What could change?
The amendments would remove TRNs and other road traffic documents from the definition of acceptable identification. For non-permanent residents, the proposed definition recognises an unexpired passport alongside the Home Affairs permit.
The changes aim to reduce misuse and align regulations with the Identification Act. A TRN is used for road traffic transactions on NaTIS by foreign nationals, according to the South African government.
The proposal is not final. Draft regulations will be published for public comment, with 30 days for written submissions after publication in the Government Gazette by affected parties.
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