IDEMIA Identity and Security - SA Selected to Produce New Smart Driving Licence Cards

The new smart driving licence cards will feature advanced security measures designed to combat the growing threat of fraudulent and counterfeit licences.

The Department of Transport has announced the selection of IDEMIA Identity and Security - South Africa as the preferred bidder for the production of new smart driving licence cards. This decision, approved on 8 August 2024, marks a significant step towards enhancing the security and integrity of driving licences in the country.

IDEMIA is expected to finalize a service level agreement with the Department of Transport before beginning the implementation of the necessary infrastructure and systems for the new licence cards. The department has indicated that detailed timeframes for the rollout will be communicated to the public following the signing of the agreement.

The new smart driving licence cards will feature advanced security measures designed to combat the growing threat of fraudulent and counterfeit licences. "Given the cost factors involved in producing the driving licences and the associated risks of fraud and corruption, the new driving licences will continue to be manufactured centrally," the department stated.

The process to find a suitable service provider began with a tender advertisement published on the government tender portal on 5 April 2023, with submissions closing on 5 May 2023. A total of five bidders responded, and their proposals underwent a rigorous and transparent evaluation and adjudication process by the bidding committee.

The department also subjected the process to a probity and audit review, which confirmed that all procedures complied with the relevant legislation and policies.

The move to produce new driving licence cards follows a Cabinet approval on 30 August 2022, under the 6th administration, which endorsed the department's proposal to introduce a more secure and modern driving licence card for the country.

This initiative underscores the government's commitment to strengthening the security of driving licences, ensuring they remain a reliable form of identification and reducing the risk of fraud and corruption in the licensing system.