Changing the registered ownership
Both the buyer and seller must notify us of the change in ownership when buying or selling a vehicle - and you must notify us within seven days of the sale.
If you're selling
- Complete the bottom, tear-off portion of your certificate of registration with the new owner's details and post it to our Transport Registry Centre.
- Give the remaining portion of the certificate to the new owner.
- Ask the buyer to give you a transfer receipt once they've completed the change of ownership at one of our licensing agents before you hand over the vehicle.
Lost your certificate? You can instead complete a Notice by person selling/disposing of motor vehicle (form MR13A).
If you're buying
- Ask the seller for the certificate of registration, complete your details on the certificate and take the form to one of our licensing agents.
- Provide ID and pay the change of ownership fee.
- Ask the agent to give you a transfer receipt, which you may need to give to the seller when you pick up the vehicle to show you have registered the vehicle in your name.
Save time online
If you're a private individual, you can change vehicle ownership here online.
See more on how to notify a change of ownership.
Personalised plates
If you're buying a vehicle with personalised plates and you wish to have those plates, you'll need to negotiate this separately with the seller and complete a transfer agreement.
Find out more about personalised plates (external link).
Tips for buyers
Do:
- register the vehicle in your name within seven days of purchasing the vehicle
- remember to take suitable identification to the licensing agent
- remember to ask the agent for a change of ownership card, so you can show the seller that the ownership has been transferred. Or complete the change of ownership online.
Protect yourself
Ask:
- Is any money owed on the vehicle? You can search the Personal Property Securities Register (external link)
- Has the vehicle had an independent vehicle inspection?
- Has the odometer been tampered with?
- Are there any outstanding road user charges (RUC) payable?
- Does the vehicle have a current RUC licence?
- Does the vehicle have a current licence?
Tips for sellers
Do:
- make sure you've paid all outstanding licence fees. If you sell an unlicensed vehicle you may be liable for payment of the licence fees while the vehicle is registered in your name.
- transfer registered ownership from your name to the new owner's within seven days of the sale. If you don't, you may receive the new owner's:
- speed camera fines
- parking tickets
- vehicle licensing fees for up to 12 months
- fines for not displaying a vehicle licensing label
- fines for not displaying a current warrant of fitness.
Don't:
- rely on the buyer to notify the change in registered ownership.
Protect yourself
Wait for the buyer to show you proof that they've registered the vehicle in their name before handing over the vehicle. This proof could be the receipt copy of a change of ownership form, or a transfer receipt issued by one of our licensing agents.
Transfer receipt.
Want more advice?
Visit the Ministry of Consumer Affairs website for more buying advice.
Also check:
- Rightcar to see which cars offer the best in safety, economy and environmental features
- Buying a used car for tips on what to look for
- How does your vehicle rate? for the latest available vehicle safety ratings
- Fuelsaver for information on ways to improve your fuel economy.
