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How to Register a Motor Vehicle in South Africa

Are you considering registering a motor vehicle in South Africa? Whether you have just purchased a new car, a pre-owned vehicle, or built one from parts, this article will guide you through the process. Registering your vehicle is a legal requirement and ensures that it is recorded on the national traffic information system (eNaTIS). Don’t worry, we have all the information you need to successfully register your motor vehicle in South Africa.

Why Registering Your Motor Vehicle in South Africa is Important

Registering your motor vehicle in South Africa is a crucial step in obtaining a registration certificate and a motor vehicle license disc. Failure to do so within 21 days after a change of ownership can result in arrears and penalties. Additionally, specific circumstances can render your vehicle’s registration null and void. These include the non-renewal of the vehicle license disc for more than four years, the vehicle being declared permanently unfit for use after an accident, change of ownership, repossession for more than 31 days, or the issuance of a deregistration certificate.

Registering a New Vehicle in South Africa

If you have purchased a brand-new vehicle, follow these steps to register the motor vehicle in South Africa:

1. Visit your appropriate registering authority: Go to your relevant motor vehicle registration authority to begin the registration process.
2. Required Documentation to register the motor vehicle in South Africa:
   • Identity Document (ID): Bring your ID as proof of identification.
   • Proof of Residential Address: Provide a utility account with your name and address, or if not in your name, obtain an affidavit from the bill owner confirming your residency.
   • Formal Settlement Verification: If you reside in an informal settlement, secure a letter from the ward councillor verifying your address.
   • Manufacturer’s Certificate: Obtain the certificate from the vehicle manufacturer containing all relevant details.
   • Roadworthy Certificate: If the vehicle is a heavy load vehicle, you need to provide a roadworthy certificate or the Road Transport Quality System (RTQS) certificate.
3. Application Completion: Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form.

Registering a Used Vehicle in South Africa

If you have purchased a pre-owned vehicle, follow these steps to register it:

1. Seller’s Responsibilities: The seller must complete and submit a Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) form to notify the change in ownership.
2. Visit the Motor Vehicle Registration Authority: Go to your relevant motor vehicle registration authority to complete the registration process.
3. Required Documentation to register the motor vehicle in South Africa:
   • Identity Document (ID): Provide your ID as proof of identification.
   • Proof of Residential Address: Submit a utility account with your name and address. If it’s not in your name, obtain an affidavit from the bill owner confirming your residency.
   • Formal Settlement Verification: If you reside in an informal settlement, obtain a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your address.
   • Vehicle Registration Certificate: Provide the vehicle registration certificate in the seller’s name.
   • Certificate of Roadworthiness: If the current certificate is older than 60 days, obtain a new certificate.
   • Proof of Purchase: Submit proof of purchase for the vehicle.
   • Valid Motor Vehicle License: Ensure that the vehicle’s license fees are up to date.
4. Application Completion: Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form.

Registering a Vehicle Built from Parts in South Africa

If you have built a vehicle from parts, follow these steps to register it:

1. Visit the Motor Vehicle Registration Authority: Go to your nearest motor vehicle registration authority to initiate the registration process.
2. Required Documentation to register the motor vehicle in South Africa:
   • Identity Document (ID): Provide your ID as proof of identification.
   • Proof of Residential Address: Submit a utility account with your name and address. If it’s not in your name, obtain an affidavit from the bill owner confirming your residency.
   • Formal Settlement Verification: If you reside in an informal settlement, obtain a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your address.
   • Affidavit: Provide an affidavit confirming the origin of the parts used and the modifications done to the vehicle (Form SOA).
   • Police Clearance: Request a police clearance (Form RPC).
   • Police Identification: Request a police identification (Form RPI).
   • Deregistration Certificate: If the vehicle was previously deregistered, provide the certificate.
   • Weighbridge Certificate: Obtain a weighbridge certificate for mass measuring.
   • Proof of Title Ownership: Provide proof of title ownership for the vehicle.
   • Letter of Authority (if applicable).
3. Provincial Helpdesk: The provincial helpdesk will introduce the vehicle record on eNaTIS.
   • Police Clearance: Submit the request for police clearance (Form RPC).
   • Roadworthy Test: A roadworthy test must be performed on the vehicle.
4. Application Completion: Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form.

Registering a Modified Vehicle in South Africa

If you have modified your vehicle, follow these steps to register it:

1. Visit the Motor Vehicle Registration Authority: Go to your nearest motor vehicle registration authority to begin the registration process.
2. Required Documentation to register the motor vehicle in South Africa:
   • Identity Document (ID): Provide your ID as proof of identification.
   • Proof of Residential Address: Submit a utility account with your name and address. If it’s not in your name, obtain an affidavit from the bill owner confirming your residency.
   • Formal Settlement Verification: If you reside in an informal settlement, obtain a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your address.
   • Affidavit: Provide an affidavit confirming the origin of the parts used and the modifications done to the vehicle (Form SOA).
   • Police Clearance: Request a police clearance (Form RPC).
   • Police Identification: Request a police identification (Form RPI).
   • Deregistration Certificate: If the vehicle was previously deregistered, provide the certificate.
   • Weighbridge Certificate: Obtain a weighbridge certificate for mass measuring.
   • Proof of Title Ownership: Provide proof of title ownership for the vehicle.
   • Roadworthy Certificate: Submit a roadworthy certificate.
   • Letter of Authority (if applicable).
   • Manufacturer’s Certificate or Previous Registration Certificate: If the registration certificate cannot be provided, submit a manufacturer’s certificate, previous registration certificate, or an affidavit.
3. Application Completion: Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form.

Timelines and Costs to Register a Motor Vehicle in South Africa

The registration process involves several steps, and timelines can vary. The introduction of the motor vehicle record may take a few days, and the applicant will be contacted once the record is on the system. For specific information on costs, it is advisable to contact your local licensing office.

Forms to Complete to Register a Motor Vehicle in South Africa

You can obtain the necessary forms from the motor vehicle registering authority or download them from the eNaTIS website. Make sure to complete the relevant forms accurately to ensure a smooth registration process.