The Western Cape Mobility Department is urging holders of Traffic Register Numbers (TRNs) to check whether their details have been identified as dormant and require verification by the National Department of Transport. This follows a recent decision taken by the National Department of Transport to cancel dormant Traffic Register Number (TRN) certificates, with the official notice published in the Government Gazette on 7 August 2026.
A comprehensive joint verification exercise was undertaken by the National Department of Transport and the Department of Home Affairs. The exercise identified certain Traffic Register Numbers issued between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2023 that require verification. The verification process aims to ensure that records on the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) are accurate, current and aligned with the holder’s latest identity and immigration documentation.
Traffic Register Numbers were established under the National Road Traffic Act, 93 of 1996, and Regulation 335. They enable persons who do not possess a South African identity number to conduct lawful transport-related transactions on NaTIS, including vehicle registration and licensing, as well as driving licence-related transactions.
Who needs to take action?
Only persons who hold a Traffic Register Number (TRN) issued between 1 January 2000 and 30 June 2023 need to check whether their TRN appears on the dormant list. TRN holders can verify the status of their TRN by visiting the online portal: https://trn.transport.gov.za/verify-trn
Further information regarding the verification process is available on the National Department of Transport’s website https://www.transport.gov.za/?p=3610
What should TRN holders do if their TRN is listed as dormant?
If a TRN appears on the dormant list, the holder must submit the required supporting documentation for verification within 30 days.
The following documents are required:
- Temporary Identity Certificate; or
- Unexpired Passport; or
- South African ID card or green barcoded ID book (for persons who have acquired South African citizenship); or
- Temporary permit; or
- Any other document or identity of a class recognised by the Minister of Home Affairs in terms of legislation regulating the admission of persons into the Republic of South Africa; and
- Two photographs; and
- Proof of residential address.
Where can Western Cape residents submit their documents?
Western Cape residents whose TRNs appear on the dormant list can submit the required documentation at:
Provincial Walk-in Centre
C/O Loop and Dorp Streets
Cape Town CBD
TRNs are issued primarily to foreign nationals based on passports and supporting documentation authorised by the Department of Home Affairs. As immigration and identity records can change over time, the verification process is intended to ensure that the information linked to TRNs remains valid, accurate and up to date.
TRN holders whose numbers appear on the dormant list may also need to engage with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that their source documentation is current and reflects their legal status in South Africa.
TRN holders who submit the required information and documents for verification will be able to check the outcome of their application within 90 days from the date of submission at the office where they made representations.
Muneera Allie, Western Cape Mobility’s Head of Communication commented that, “this verification process is intended to improve the integrity and accuracy of records on NaTIS and to ensure that Traffic Register Numbers remain linked to valid and current identity documentation. We encourage all TRN holders in the Western Cape to visit the online verification portal as soon as possible to determine whether your TRN appears on the dormant list. If it does, please submit the required documentation to avoid the cancellation of your TRN. It is important to note that this process applies only to holders of Traffic Register Numbers and not to the general public.”
The Western Cape Mobility Department, therefore, encourages all TRN holders to visit the verification portal as soon as possible, confirm whether their TRN has been identified as dormant, and, where required, submit the necessary documentation without delay.
