Vehicle Registration in South Africa

If you are a title holder of a new, pre-owned, built or re-built motor vehicle, you must register it at your relevant registering authority to get a registration certificate. If the vehicle is financed, the title holder will be the financing institution. When it has been registered and licenced, you will get a motor vehicle licence disc.

Vehicle registration and licensing in South Africa are essential legal requirements governed by the National Road Traffic Act and managed through the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS). You must register and license a vehicle in your name within 21 days of acquiring it to avoid penalties and arrears.

Vehicle Registration in South Africa

Important Points For Registration

Your vehicle’s registration becomes null and void if:

  • The vehicle licence disc has not been renewed for more than four years
  • The vehicle was involved in an accident and has been declared permanently unfit for use 
  • You sold the vehicle (changed ownership)
  • Your vehicle has been repossessed for more than 31 days 
  • A deregistration certificate has been issued.

Step-by-Step Guide to Vehicle Registration

The process is completed at your local Motor Vehicle Registering Authority (a Traffic Department or designated municipal office).

Register a new vehicle

If you purchase a brand new vehicle, the dealership usually handles the entire registration and initial licensing process on your behalf. To register a new vehicle, go to your appropriate registering authority and submit the following:

    Requirements

    1. Your identity document (ID). Non-citizens must provide a Traffic Register Number (TRN) Certificate and valid passport/permit.
    2. Proof of residential address e.g. utility account. Must be dated within the last three months. If the bill is not in your name, you need an affidavit from the account holder and a copy of their ID and the original bill.
    3. If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your address.
    4. Vehicle Ownership, Previous Owner’s NaTIS Registration Certificate (RC1).This is the official document from the sell
    5. The manufacturer’s certificate containing all the relevant details of the vehicle.
    6. A roadworthy certificate, if the vehicle is a heavy load [or Road Transport Quality System (RTQS)] vehicle.
    7. Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form.

    After registering the vehicle you should also apply for the License so check out this information about How To Apply For License

    Registering a Used/Pre-Owned Vehicle

    This is the most common scenario, and the new owner (buyer) is responsible for completing the registration.To register a pre-owned (used) vehicle, the seller must first complete and submit a Notification of change of ownership (NCO) form, which gives notification of change of ownership

    Requirements

    • Go to your relevant motor vehicle registration authority and submit the following:
    • Your identity document (ID)
    • Proof of residential address e.g. utility account.
    • If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your address.
    • The vehicle registration certificate (in the seller’s name)
    • Certificate of roadworthiness if the current certificate is older than 60 days.
    • Proof of purchase of the vehicle.
    • A valid motor vehicle licence (ensure that the licence fees for the vehicle are up to date).
    • Complete the Application for registration and licensing of motor vehicle (RLV) form.

    Register a vehicle built up from parts

    To register a vehicle built up from parts, go to your nearest motor vehicle registration authority and submit the following:

      Requirements

      1. Your identity document (ID)
      2. Proof of residential address
      3. If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your residential address
      4. An affidavit confirming where the parts came from and what was done to the car (form SOA)
      5. Request for police clearance (form RPC) 
      6. Request for police identification (form RPI) 
      7. De-registration certificate (if the vehicle was deregistered) 
      8. A weighbridge (mass measuring) certificate 
      9. Proof of title ownership
      10. Letter of authority (if applicable).
      11. The provincial helpdesk will then introduce the vehicle record on eNaTIS
        • Request for police clearance (form RPC) must then be submitted
        • A roadworthy test must be performed on the vehicle.
      12. Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle form (RLV).

      Register a modified vehicle

      To register a modified vehicle, go to your nearest motor vehicle registration authority and submit:

        Requirements:

        • Your identity document (ID)
        • Proof of residential address e.g. utility account.
        • If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your address
        • An affidavit confirming where the parts came from and what was done to the car (form SOA) 
        • Request for police clearance (form RPC) 
        • Request for police identification (form RPI) 
        • De-registration certificate (if the vehicle was deregistered) 
        • A weighbridge (mass measuring) certificate 
        • Proof of title of ownership 
        • Roadworthy certificate1 
        • Letter of authority (if applicable).
        • Manufacturer’s certificate or previous registration certificate or affidavit if the registration certificate cannot be provided.
        • Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle form (RLV).

        Ownership Transfer 

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

        Requirements:

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

        How to Apply

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

        Fees

        Transfer fees range from R500-R1,500, plus roadworthy certificate cost 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 office or licensing departments.
        • Pay fees and receive a new licence disc.

        Vehicle Registering Authority near a specific city or town in South Africa

        Finding the contact details and address for a Motor Vehicle Registering Authority (MVRA) often depends on the specific city or town you are near in South Africa.

        Since you didn’t specify a location, here are details for MVRA offices in two of South Africa’s major metropolitan areas: Cape Town and Johannesburg, along with general provincial contact information.

        Cape Town (Western Cape)

        The City of Cape Town has several MVRA offices. Two major ones are:

        1. Bellville Traffic Department (Motor Vehicle Registering Authority)

        • Address: 2 Reed St, Bellville, Cape Town, 7530, South Africa
        • Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM–3:30 PM (Closed Saturday and Sunday)
        • General Enquiries Telephone: 0860 103 089

        2. Cape Town Civic Centre Motor Vehicle Registration Centre

        • Address: Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
        • Hours:
          • Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM–3:30 PM
          • Saturday: 8:00 AM–11:30 AM
          • Sunday: Closed
        • General Enquiries Telephone: +27 860 103 089

        You can see the locations of these Cape Town offices on the map below.

        Johannesburg (Gauteng)

        The City of Johannesburg lists several MVRA and licensing departments where you can handle vehicle registration and licensing:

        CentreAddressContact Telephone
        Sandton MVRACnr 8th AND 9th Street, Marlboro Gardens, Sandton(011) 321 – 6332/7/8
        Midrand MVRACnr. Dale & Rainbow Streets, Glen Austin, Halfway House(011) 526 – 8579
        Roodepoort MVRARoodepoort City Hall, Cnr. Berlandina & Dieperink Streets, Roodepoort(011) 761 – 6335
        Johannesburg Super Bulk22 Village Road, Selby, Johannesburg(011) 490 – 1540 / 1803

        General Provincial Contact

        If you are near a city in another province, you may need to contact the relevant Provincial Department of Transport:

        Note: For the most accurate and up-to-date operating hours and services, it is always recommended to call the specific licensing office before visiting.




        1. 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). ↩︎