Vehicle Licence Renewal Blocks in South Africa: Block, Meanings & How to Fix Them

Renewing your vehicle licence should be simple—but sometimes, an admin block or warning can stop your renewal from going through.

If you’ve ever tried to renew online and only received a document without a licence disc, chances are there was a block on your record.

In this article, we’ll explain the most common types of renewal blocks, their codes, what they mean, and what you (as the registered owner) need to do to clear them.

Why Do Licence Renewal Blocks Exist?

Blocks are placed on a vehicle’s record when there’s an outstanding legal, administrative, or compliance issue. Until the issue is resolved, the system will not allow a licence disc to be issued.

The most common reasons include:

• Outstanding traffic fines or enforcement orders
  
  

• Roadworthy test needed
  
  

• Change of ownership issues (Liable for licensing)

• SAPS - Police clearance required
  
  
  

Common Vehicle Licence Renewal Blocks & Warnings

Below are some of the most frequent block types and codes you might see on the system.

1. Admin Mark: Enforcement Order 

What it means:
You have an active Enforcement Order from a traffic authority under the AARTO Act, usually due to unpaid fines or failure to respond to a traffic infringement notice.

How to fix it:

• To settle enforcement orders, normal infringements do not block your licence.

• Once paid your licence will be cleared automatically, kindly inform us and we will renew your licence with a disc.
  
  
  

How LicenceZA helps:
Licence ZA uses a reputable traffic fines company who can obtain the enforcements orders on your behalf and send the quote for the enforcements, once paid they will notify us that your licence is cleared.

3. Admin Mark: Roadworthy Test required 

What it means:
The vehicle has been flagged as unroadworthy, and a valid roadworthy certificate is required before renewal.

How to fix it:

• Take the vehicle for a roadworthy test at an accredited testing station.

• Inform Licence ZA the roadworthy test was completed. (The testing station automatically clears it on the natis system)

How LicenceZA helps:
We’ll notify you about the suspension and provide details on accredited roadworthy centres.

4. Admin Mark: Liable for licensing

What it means:
A change of ownership was done but the new disc was not printed then the licence becomes “liable for licensing” and it will renew without a disc.

How to fix it:

• You will need to renew the disc at a licensing department with the relevant documents which we can assist with. We have all the required documents at hand, and in turn can ensure that you all well prepared.
  
  
  

How LicenceZA helps:
You will receive an email regarding the blocked licence, kindly let us know and we will assist with the documentation and process.

Why It’s Important to Know About Blocks Before You Renew

Many online platforms process renewals without checking for blocks first, leaving you with a document but no disc—and forcing you to pay twice once you’ve sorted out the issue.

With LicenceZA, you won’t have that problem.

✅ Our system checks for admin blocks before you proceed.
✅ We notify you immediately if there’s an issue and guide you on what steps to take.
✅ Licences can be renewed without the disc if requested. We can reprint the licence once the block is sorted out at a fee of R350 and deliver the new licence.

This saves you time, money, and frustration.