How do I spot a fake SA Driver's License?
To check if a South African Driver's License card is authentic, here are several steps you can follow.
1. Physical Security Features to Look For
Inspect the card carefully. A genuine South African driver's license includes:
- Holograms: Tilt the card to see if the holograms (like the South African coat of arms) appear.
- Microtext: Very small text that’s hard to replicate and usually only visible under magnification.
- Ghost Image: A faded second photo of the license holder.
- Barcode or QR Code: Used for scanning and verification by authorities.
- Embossed Details: Some cards have raised elements that you can feel with your fingers.
2. Cross-check the Details
- Verify if the ID number on the card matches a valid South African ID format (13-digit RSA ID).
- Make sure the issue and expiry dates make sense (usually 5 years from the issue date).
- Confirm that the vehicle codes (A, B, C1, etc.) match the allowed vehicle class for the person's age.
3. Use the verification service built into Veri-Rent
- Take a clear picture of the Driver's License bar code
- Submit it for verification
- The results are displayed on the contract, along with the photo that should match the photo on the card
4. Common Red Flags
- Blurry or pixelated photo or printing
- Wrong fonts or misaligned text
- Misspellings of province names or personal info
- Missing holograms or barcode
- Persons who present a Temporary License
