A change in registered person
Both the buyer and seller must notify us immediately when a vehicle is bought and sold.
Save time online
If you're a private individual, you can change the registered person here.
If you're selling
- Complete the Notice of person selling/disposing of motor vehicle form (MR13A) and post it to our Transport Registry Centre. Or notify us online.
- Ask the buyer to give you a transfer receipt to show they are registered in respect of the vehicle before you hand over the vehicle.
If you're buying
- Complete the Notice by person acquiring motor vehicle form (MR13B) and give it to an NZTA agent or notify your acquisition online.
- You will be required to provide ID and pay the notice of acquisition fee of $9.41 (including GST).
- Request a transfer receipt, which you may need to give to the seller when you pick up the vehicle to show you are now registered in respect of the vehicle.
Note: If your vehicle weighs 6000kg or over, you will also need to apply for a transport service licence (if you do not have one already). Some other vehicles under 6000kg also require a transport service licence. See Factsheet 47: Transport service licences for further information.
See more on how to notify a change of registered person.
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).
Advice for buyers
Do:
- Notify your acquisition of the vehicle immediately after purchasing the vehicle
- remember to take suitable identification to the licensing agent
- remember to ask the agent for a transfer receipt, so you can show the seller that you are now registered in respect of the vehicle. Or complete the notification of acquisition 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?
Advice for sellers
Do:
- make sure you've paid all outstanding licence fees.
- notify the sale of the vehicle immediately. If you don't, you may receive the new registered person'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 their acquisition.
Protect yourself
Wait for the buyer to show you proof that they've notified their acquisition before handing over the vehicle. This proof could be the receipted customer section of the Notice by person acquiring motor vehicle form (MR13B) issued by one of our licensing agents.
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.
