KEY POINTS:
- If you’re planning on buying or selling a car, you’ll need to transfer the registration from the previous owner to the new owner.
- It’s the responsibility of the buyer and the seller to each contact the NZTA and change the vehicle’s registration details.
- It’s simple to transfer the registration of a car online at the NZTA website, all you’ll need is the car’s plate number, your driver licence and a credit/debit card if you’re the new owner, as the transfer fee is paid by the new owner.
What is a car registration?
When a car first comes into the country, it has to be logged on the NZ Transport Agency’s (NZTA) Motor Vehicle Register (MVR). When registering a car:
- A registered owner is identified
- The vehicle undergoes safety and identification inspections
- Number plates are issued
- A certificate of registration is issued
If you’re planning on buying or selling a car, you’ll need to transfer the registration from the previous owner to the new owner.
Often a vehicle licence is referred to as a rego, but it’s not the same thing as a car’s registration. You can read more about the differences between regos and registrations here.
Why do I need to transfer my registration?
When you buy a vehicle, you need to be recorded on the MVR as the registered person responsible for its use.
As the registered driver, you’re responsible for making sure the vehicle is licensed at all times while it is on the road and has a valid warrant of fitness. You’re also responsible for paying any applicable road user charges and fines linked to the car.
As a car’s registered owner, it’s your responsibility to notify the NZTZ if you sell or dispose of the vehicle.
It’s the responsibility of the buyer and the seller to each contact the NZTA and change the vehicle’s registration details.
What happens if I don’t transfer a car registration?
If you sell a car and don’t transfer the registration to the new owner, you could end up getting someone else’s fines and infringements if they park illegally or don’t follow the road rules.
Before purchase, especially if you’re buying from a private vendor, it’s also a good idea to check that the car isn’t stolen and doesn’t have any outstanding finance owing. You can read about how to research these details here.
How do I transfer a car registration if I’ve purchased a new vehicle?
If you’ve bought a vehicle and have an NZ driver licence it’s a simple process to transfer the registration online, and there is no cost involved. If you don’t have a licence, or prefer to deal with a human, you can register your vehicle in-person at:
- Automobile Association (AA) locations
- PostShops
- VINZ and VTNZ locations
To transfer a registration into your name, all you’ll need is:
- The vehicle’s plate number
- A debit/credit card to pay the registration fee
- Your New Zealand driver licence (for online registrations)
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How do I transfer a car registration if I’ve sold a vehicle?
If you’ve recently sold your vehicle you’ll need to let the NZTA know ASAP. You can do this online or by calling 0800 108 809. If there are any licensing fees owing, an invoice will be sent to the registered person.
When selling, it’s a good idea to ask the buyer to put the vehicle into their name before you hand over the keys. You could ask them to show you their receipt or their online confirmation, or you can check online.
To transfer your vehicle’s registration you’ll need:
- NZ licence
- The vehicle’s plate number
- The full name and address of the person or organisation you sold or gave the vehicle to
Before selling your vehicle, it’s important to make sure you have paid any outstanding licence fees and any road user charges (RUC) are up to date. If the vehicle’s RUC is overdue at the time of sale, you as the seller are committing an offence and the buyer may become responsible for the outstanding fees.
About the author of this page
In his role at Canstar, he has been a regular commentator in the NZ media, including on the Driven, Stuff and One Roof websites, the NZ Herald, Radio NZ, and Newstalk ZB.
Away from Canstar, Bruce creates puzzles for magazines and newspapers, including Woman’s Day and New Idea. He is also the co-author of the murder-mystery book 5 Minute Murder.
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