Registering a motor vehicle in South Africa is a mandatory process for both new and pre-owned vehicles. This procedure is essential to obtain a registration certificate and a motor vehicle license disc.
The registration must take place within 21 days of a change in ownership. Failure to adhere to this timeline may result in arrears and penalties. Vehicle registration information is maintained in the national traffic information system (eNaTIS). Here’s a quick guide on how to register different types of motor vehicles in South Africa.
1. Registering a New Vehicle:
- Visit the Appropriate Registering Authority: To register a new vehicle, visit your relevant registering authority. You will need to provide the following documents and information:
- Identity Document (ID): Bring your ID, a proof of your residential address (e.g., a utility bill). If the utility bill isn’t in your name, the bill owner must sign an affidavit confirming your address. For informal settlement residents, a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor is required.
- Manufacturer’s Certificate: This document contains all the relevant details of the vehicle.
- Roadworthy Certificate: For heavy load vehicles or vehicles under the Road Transport Quality System (RTQS).
- Complete Application Form (RLV): Fill out the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form.
2. Register a Used Vehicle
- In the case of a pre-owned vehicle, the seller must first complete and submit a Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) form to notify the authorities of the change of ownership.
- Visit the Registering Authority: Visit the relevant motor vehicle registering authority, providing the following documents:
- Your ID: Ensure you have a proof of your residential address (like a utility bill). If the bill isn’t in your name, obtain an affidavit from the bill owner confirming your address. Informal settlement residents should bring a letter from the ward councillor with an official date stamp.
- Vehicle Registration Certificate: In the seller’s name.
- Certificate of Roadworthiness: A certificate is required if the current one is older than 60 days.
- Proof of Purchase: A document to confirm the vehicle’s purchase.
- Valid Motor Vehicle License: Ensure that license fees for the vehicle are up to date.
- Complete Application Form (RLV): Fill out the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form.
3. Register a Vehicle Built from Parts
- To register a vehicle constructed from parts, visit your nearest motor vehicle registration authority and provide the following documents:
- Your ID: Include proof of your residential address.
- An Affidavit: Confirming where the parts came from and detailing the work done on the car (use form SOA).
- Police Clearance Request (RPC):
- Police Identification Request (RPI):
- De-registration Certificate: If the vehicle was previously deregistered.
- Weighbridge Certificate: A document confirming the mass of the vehicle.
- Proof of Title Ownership:
- Letter of Authority: If applicable.
- Complete Application Form (RLV): Utilize the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form.
4. Register a Modified Vehicle
- For registering a modified vehicle, visit your nearest motor vehicle registration authority and provide:
- Your ID: Along with proof of your residential address.
- An Affidavit: Confirming the source of the parts and detailing the work done on the vehicle (use form SOA).
- Police Clearance Request (RPC)
- Police Identification Request (RPI)
- De-registration Certificate: If the vehicle was previously deregistered.
- Weighbridge Certificate: To confirm the vehicle’s mass.
- Proof of Title Ownership:
- Roadworthy Certificate: And the manufacturer’s certificate or previous registration certificate or affidavit if the registration certificate cannot be provided.
- Complete Application Form (RLV): Utilize the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form.
5. Timeframe and Cost
The introduction of the motor vehicle record can take a few days. You will be contacted once the record is in the system.
For the cost involved in registering your motor vehicle, contact your local licensing office.
6. Forms to Complete
You can obtain the necessary forms at the motor vehicle registering authority or download them from the eNaTIS website.
7. Who to Contact
For additional assistance or information, get in touch with your local department of transport.
Remember, registering your motor vehicle is not only a legal requirement but also ensures that your vehicle is correctly documented and traceable in the national traffic information system. Whether your vehicle is new, used, built from parts, or modified, following these procedures will ensure a smooth registration process.