Get it done at the counter
Home Affairs, the licensing department, CIPC - the offices everyone dreads. Here's how to book online, what each thing really costs, what to bring, and how to avoid the people who charge a fee for what's free.
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How to Pay or Dispute a Traffic Fine in South Africa
Got a traffic fine? You have 32 working days to pay at a 50% discount, make a representation, or elect to be tried. Here is exactly what to do - and how to avoid it becoming a warrant of arrest.
Read the guideHow to Get a Police Clearance Certificate from SAPS
A SAPS police clearance certificate proves your criminal record status in South Africa. Here is how to apply online or in person, what it costs, and how long to expect to wait.
Read the guideHow to Apply for a Smart ID or Passport Without the Queue
Book your Smart ID or passport online through eHomeAffairs or a bank branch and skip the Home Affairs queue. The steps, the fees, what to bring, and how to actually find an open slot.
Read the guideHow to Renew Your Driver's Licence (and Survive the Card Backlog)
Renew your South African driver's licence the smart way - when to start, how to book online on NaTIS, what it costs, and how the temporary licence and the printing backlog really work.
Read the guideHow to Register a Business in South Africa (for R175)
Register your company through CIPC's BizPortal in a day for R175 - or stay a sole proprietor. What each option means, what it costs, and the extra steps for a spaza shop.
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Don't pay a fixer
Booking a Smart ID, renewing a licence and registering a business are all things you can do yourself online. Nobody should charge you a fee to "help" with a free service.