Registration & licensing
Registration and licensing of vehicles are two terms often confused. Both are about getting permission to drive your vehicle on New Zealand roads. But registration is generally a one-off process that identifies you as the person legally responsible for your vehicle. Licensing is the regular process through which you pay to use your vehicle on public roads.
This section explains the requirements of each process, especially what needs to happen when buying and selling vehicles.
Registering your vehicle
Registration is the process that establishes you as the person legally responsible for your vehicle. It's also the process through which we issue your number plates.
more
Vehicle registration and licensing fees
Check the current fees for registering and licensing your vehicle.
more
Your responsibilities as an owner
Registered vehicle owners are responsible for meeting the legal requirements for using their vehicle on the road - like keeping it safe, warranted and licensed.
more
Road user charges
Most road users pay levies in the prices of their fuel. Others, like drivers of diesel-powered or electric vehicles, and heavy vehicles, pay through road user charges.
more
Trade plates
Some businesses can apply to use trade plates on unregistered vehicles to show they can lawfully drive them on the road.
more
Explore this section
Licensing your vehicle
Vehicle licensing is the regular process through which you pay to use your vehicle on public roads. It's also the process through which we issue your licence label.
more
Where to go to register and license your vehicle
Find your nearest registration and licensing agents.
more
Your personal information
How personal information on registered vehicle owners is held in the Motor Vehicle Register.
more
Buying and selling
Some easy steps to take when buying or selling a vehicle to ensure you don't get caught with other people's unpaid licence fees and fines.
more
Exemptions
You may not have to register your vehicle; you may not have to pay registration and licensing fees; and you may not have to pay certain levies.
more
Motor vehicle traders
You play an important role in ensuring vehicles on our roads are safe and legal. Learn about your responsibilities and how we can help.
more
Explore this section
© 2009 NZTA. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Legal disclaimer | Copyright
