Back in November, we brought you the excellent news that you can renew your car licence via WhatsApp.

I don’t know about you, but I cracked open the bubbly and celebrated the hours that wouldn’t be spent at the traffic department.

Admin, done, dusted, and confirmed with a blue tick? Beautiful.

Then the bubbles went out of that champers when earlier this year, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) issued a warning that the service, offered by ChatBack, was not sanctioned by the organisation.

They cautioned against using it and everyone went into a panic.

Take a deep breath and stop panicking. Everything is fine, according to MyBroadband – the service is, in fact, legit.

We’ll tell you more about it in a second, but first, here’s ChatBack CEO Jan Kotze:

Kotze said the ChatBack service meets international requirements when it comes to security and data protection, and reiterated that it has been approved by WhatsApp.

He added that ChatBack did approach the RTMC before it launched with an offer to work together for improved licence renewals, but the RTMC declined.

Although they did not take up the offer to work with ChatBack, Kotze still believes there is a great opportunity for more South Africans to renew their license using the service.

I see no reason to stand in a queue, in a depressing building, having lost a day of work, when it can all be handled from the comfort of my iPhone.

ChatBack has been doing well, despite pushback from the RTMC. A recent peak in activity saw them receive 44 000 messages in one day from South Africans wanting to renew their licences.

If you’re keen to take advantage of the service, Kotze says that the renewal process will take only a few minutes, and that you can expect your new licence within five days.

Here’s how it works:

It’s that simple – you scan this code, or if scanning a code does your head in, then you can add the number below to your contacts:

Then you submit your vehicle registration number, making a payment via PayFast, type in your address, attach your ID and proof of residence, and you’re on your way.

You can check the status of your licence renewal by texting “status” to the ChatBack WhatsApp number.

Currently, ChatBack is focused on serving Gauteng, but they’re looking at expanding operations (yes, please).

Kotze says that there’s more to come.

We’ll keep you updated.

[source:mybroadband]