Vehicle Registration in South Africa

Vehicle registration in South Africa, managed via the eNaTIS system, is mandatory within 21 days of acquisition to avoid penalties. It includes initial registration for new or used vehicles and annual licensing renewals, with fees varying by province and vehicle weight.

Vehicle Registration South Africa 2025

Table of Contents

Overview

Vehicle registration in South Africa is managed through the National Traffic Information System (eNaTIS) and is mandatory within 21 days of purchasing a vehicle to avoid penalties. The process records vehicle details and identifies the registered owner and title holder. It includes initial registration for new or used vehicles and annual licensing renewals. For the latest details, visit www.natis.gov.za or www.gov.za.

New Vehicle Registration

For brand-new vehicles, registration must be completed by the title holder (owner or financing institution).

Eligibility

  • Title holder of a new vehicle.

Requirements

  • South African ID (or passport and temporary residence permit for foreign nationals).
  • Proof of residential address (e.g., utility bill, or affidavit from bill owner with their ID and bill, or letter from ward councillor for informal settlements).
  • Manufacturer’s certificate with vehicle details.
  • Roadworthy certificate (for heavy vehicles or RTQS vehicles).

How to Apply

  1. Visit the nearest registering authority.
  2. Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing (RLV) form.
  3. Submit documents; the record is entered on eNaTIS (takes a few days).

Ownership Transfer (Used Vehicles)

For pre-owned vehicles, both seller and buyer have responsibilities.

Requirements

  • Seller’s Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) form.
  • Buyer’s South African ID, proof of address, and vehicle registration certificate.
  • Roadworthy certificate (if over 60 days old).
  • Proof of purchase (e.g., invoice or sales agreement).
  • Valid vehicle licence.

How to Apply

  1. Seller submits the NCO form to their registering authority.
  2. Buyer visits the authority, completes the RLV form, and submits documents.

Fees

Transfer fees range from R500-R1,500, plus roadworthy certificate costs of R300-R600.

Annual Licensing Renewal

Vehicles must be licensed annually, with fees varying by province and vehicle weight.

Requirements

  • South African ID and proof of address.
  • Roadworthy certificate for certain vehicles (if required).

How to Renew

  • Online via eNaTIS, at post offices, or licensing departments.
  • Pay fees and receive a new licence disc.

2025 Fees by Province

Annual licensing fees vary by province and vehicle weight (tare). Below are approximate fees for 2025:

Province Under 1,000kg 1,000–1,250kg 1,250–1,500kg 1,500–1,750kg 1,750–2,000kg 2,000–2,250kg
Gauteng R432 R492 R684 R804 R1,032 R1,200
Western Cape R390 R462 R642 R708 R810 R1,104
KwaZulu-Natal R474 R534 R672 R810 R948 R1,134
Eastern Cape R378 R474 R594 R696 R768 R1,008
Free State R450 R450 R606 R624 R846 R1,140
Limpopo R390 R420 R552 R636 R780 R1,110
Mpumalanga R402 R480 R630 R720 R822 R1,074
North West R366 R450 R552 R672 R762 R1,146

Note: Registration fee is approximately R228 in Gauteng. Confirm exact fees with your local licensing office.

Roadworthy Certificate

A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) verifies that a vehicle meets minimum safety requirements. It is valid for 60 days and required for heavy vehicles, RTQS vehicles, or used vehicles with an expired RWC. Obtain at authorised testing stations (R300-R600).

Owner vs. Title Holder

In South Africa, the owner and title holder may differ, especially for financed vehicles:

  • Owner: Responsible for licensing, traffic violations, and insurance.
  • Title Holder: Entity with the right to sell the vehicle (e.g., bank for financed vehicles, holding the NaTIS certificate until the loan is paid).