Feature article
How to Change Vehicle Ownership
When buying or selling a vehicle in NZ, you are required to let the NZ Transport Agency know about the transaction.
To change vehicle ownership, the seller has to hand over the Vehicle Registration Certificate. Additionally, both parties must individually notify the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). This can be done online through the Waka Kotahi NZTA website or in person at an agent.
The seller needs to complete the Notice of Disposal (Form MR13A), and the buyer must fill out the Notice of Acquisition (Form MR13B). The change of vehicle ownership is free of charge. The buyer will get the Certificate of Registration (MR3) in the post within 10 days.
Seller Requirements:
- Needs to notify the NZTA immediately, online or in person.
- Needs to provide their Driver's licence, the vehicle's plate number, and the buyer's full name and address.
Important: If the seller doesn't fill out the Notice of Disposal, they might end up with the buyer’s bills or fines, like tolls or speeding tickets.
Buyer Requirements:
- Must notify the NZTA immediately, online or in person.
- Needs to provide their driver's licence and the vehicle’s number plate.
Online or at an agent
The change of vehicle ownership can be done online or at an approved agent. Agents include selected branches of the Automobile Association (AA), Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ), Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ), as well as independent agents.
All agents can be found at the government website of the NZTA. Another option is NZ Post. The seller and buyer can fill out Form MR13A (Selling) and Form MR13B (Buying) locally at NZ PostShops. Documents are verified in person, and staff can help with questions.
Changing vehicle ownership as the seller
The seller must notify the NZTA as soon as possible using the Notice of Disposal (MR13A), which is easily completed online. This is a quick process, requiring the following:
- Full name and NZ address
- Driver's licence
- Vehicle's plate number
- Buyer’s full name and address
The car should have at least one month left on its warrant of fitness (Wof) or certificate of fitness (Cof), and the vehicle’s licence registration (rego) must be up-to-date. The seller is responsible for any outstanding fees prior to the date of the ownership change.
The seller is also responsible for clearing any associated accounts, such as a recurring toll account.
Changing vehicle ownership as the buyer
The buyer must notify the Kotahi NZTA as soon as possible using the Notice of Acquisition (MR13B), which is easily completed online. This is a quick process, requiring the following:
- Full name, date of birth and NZ address
- Driver's licence
- Vehicle's plate number
The buyer can insist that the car's warrant of fitness (WoF) or certificate of fitness (CoF) is less than one month old. If the buyer does not insist, they should confirm in writing to the seller that they accept the WoF or CoF is more than one month old.
Important details
The NZTA does not handle vehicle ownership
Informing the New Zealand Transport Agency when a vehicle changes hands is about establishing who the registered person is. This person is responsible for things like:
- Keeping the vehicle road safe
- Keeping the vehicle up to WoF or CoF standard
- Paying the road user charges (RUC)
- Paying any infringements
While both parties are legally required to inform the NZTA, the Vehicle Registration Certificate or Vehicle licence (rego) is the proof of ownership.
Sale and Purchase Agreement
When buying from a private seller, written sales agreements are not legally required. The seller has legal requirements under consumer and transport law.
However, while a do-it-yourself contract will not give any extra legal protection, having a document signed by both parties might help resolve any problems that arise later.
More information can be found at the Government's Consumer Protection website.
Personalised car plates
If the car has personalised plates, the seller and buyer must negotiate this separately and complete a transfer agreement for the plates.
Rego overdue
If a vehicle with expired Vehicle licensing (rego) is traded, the seller is responsible for paying any fees owing up until the date the NZTA is informed. The buyer is required to pay the licensing fees from the date of the ownership change.
RUC overdue
If the Road User Charges are overdue, the seller is committing an offence under the RUC Act of 2012. However, the new registered person may become responsible for the outstanding fees.
WoF or CoF expired
If the vehicle is sold without a current Warrant of Fitness (WoF) or Certificate of Fitness (CoF), the seller must ensure the buyer is aware of this. The seller is required to get written confirmation from the buyer accepting that the WoF or CoF is not current. The buyer must also confirm in writing that they will not drive the vehicle on the road except to take it for repair or inspection.
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