The most important date on your licence is not the expiry date. It’s the date 90 days before it.
Start getting ready6 months before Last day to apply90 days before ExpiryLicence ends Today
Enter your expiry date to see your deadline.
The 90-day rule
You must apply to renew at least 90 days before your licence expires (section 24(1)). If you apply in time, your licence stays valid while SAPS decides, even if that takes past the expiry date (section 24(4)).
If you miss the 90 days, SAPS doesn’t have to accept a renewal, and once the licence expires it ends. There’s no grace period in the Act (section 28). See what to do if your licence has expired.
| Licence | Valid for | Apply to renew by |
|---|---|---|
| Section 13 (self-defence) | 5 years | 90 days before expiry |
| Section 14 (restricted self-defence) | 2 years | 90 days before expiry |
| Sections 15, 16, 16A, 17 | 10 years | 90 days before expiry |
How to renew
- Renew your competency at the same time on form SAPS 517(g), if it’s due. Read about competency.
- Fill in form SAPS 518(a), the licence renewal form.
- Go to the police station for your area and hand it in with:
- a certified copy of your ID
- your current licence
- photos
- any supporting documents, for example a current letter from your association for a dedicated licence
- Show that you still meet the requirements for that licence (section 24(3)), for example that you still need it for self-defence or are still a dedicated member.
- Keep your acknowledgement of receipt. It’s your proof that you applied in time (regulation 13(13)).
Put the date in your calendar nowWork out the date 90 days before your licence expires, and set a reminder a month or two before that. Getting your documents together takes time.