License Cards - How long do they take ?

I have never got a call and can only remember once or maybe twice getting an SMS for card collection. My most recent two applications which were approved in December last year and May this year both took 2 months give or take a few days for the cards to be printed and delivered to the DFO.

The cop that wants to give you gears about your paper is looking to give you gears/solicit a bribe IMO so whether you had a card or otherwise you'd be in the same boat.

Applied and paid for renewal 6 June 2024. Received SMS to collect in March 2025.

I didn't take note of the dates, but it seemed to me that this year, the cards were being printed astonishingly quick compared to years prior.

While we all appreciate the SAPS 526 temp' printout which is actually "authorisation to possess a firearm for approved license", I'd still like to have my card. Hopefully sooner than later.

My latest SAPS 526 is printed in black & white with a black SAPS stamp, so the whole thing looks more like a photo copy than an original. I'd hate to have to debate its authenticity with SAPS or Metro officer who didn't know any better.

What is duration currently being experienced from license approval, to actually getting a call to say the card is ready to collect ?

I believe you are also around Roodepoort, I might be wrong.

Well unfortunately my local station is Roodepoort, collected my most recent "print out" on 28 July 2025, and I asked about the physical license cards, because my PCC was approved on 05 June 2025.

Long story short he told me to come back in late September to early October as he has no time frame he could give me.