Your responsibilities as the registered person

When you acquire a vehicle, let us know without delay. Once you have told us, you become the registered person. This is not the same as being the legal owner.

The registered person is simply the person who is entitled to possession of the vehicle. For example, a person who is leasing a vehicle is the registered person of that vehicle but the person they have leased the vehicle from continues to be the legal owner.

As the registered person you're responsible for your vehicle and for meeting the requirements that allow you to drive legally on the road. This includes keeping it in safe condition, and paying the licensing fees and any traffic or parking infringements.

Who can be a registered person

• A private individual aged 15 or over.
• A limited liability company.
• A government department, local authority or official board.
• An incorporated society or club.

What you’re responsible for

As the registered person you must:

• tell us if you change your address
• license your vehicle by the due date – or apply for an exemption
• meet safety inspection requirements – warrant of fitness, certificate of fitness
• pay road user charges (RUC)
• pay any 'owner liability' offence, such as speeding and parking fines
• tell us when you sell or buy a vehicle – you should do this immediately using our online transactions: Sold or disposed of a vehicle, Bought a vehicle
• give back your number plates and cancel your vehicle's registration if you take it off the road permanently
• hold a transport service licence if your vehicle requires one (find out more about transport service licences).

Keeping your address up-to-date

It's not only a requirement but important you keep your address details up to date so correspondence such as motor vehicle licensing reminders and driver licence notices reach you. You can update your address details online or contact us. When you change your address for your vehicle your driver licence address is updated as well.