Registering a Vehicle In South Africa
1.
Know which scenario you’re in
A. Brand-new car from a dealer (first registration):
Dealers typically do the first registration and licensing for you. If they don’t, you (or the dealer on your behalf) must register the vehicle at your local Registering Authority (RA) where you live or do business, and then license it.
You’ll use form RLV and the manufacturer/importer’s certificate plus your ID and proof of address (Bank Statement should work as proof of address).
B. Used car bought privately or from a dealer (change of ownership):
Seller must submit a Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) to their RA (Registering Authority) within 21 days and hand you the original Registration Certificate (RC1).
Buyer must register and license the car in their name at their RA within 21 days using RLV form, with a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR), your ID and proof of address.
Tip: Registration and licensing usually happen together at the counter. The old licence disc becomes invalid once ownership changes (you’ll get a new one in your name).
2.
Documents & forms checklist (take originals + copies)
For all buyers (new or used):
Completed RLV: Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle. (Available at the RA counter or some licensing businneses)
Proof of identity (one of): SA ID or business registration details if registering to a company, along with a letter of proxy/representative. Take proof of address (utility bill/bank statement not older than 3 months).
Extra for brand-new vehicles:
Manufacturer/Importer certificate or NaTIS registration documentation provided by the dealer.
Extra for used vehicles (change of ownership):
RC1 (Registration Certificate) from the seller.
NCO form (seller fills A & C; buyer fills B).
CoR (roadworthy Certificate) if required ; if used, the CoR must be not older than 60 days on the day you register/licence it.
If the car was financed:
You’re the owner, responsible for licensing, but the original RC1 (Natis) is held by the bank, after settlement of loan they release it and you update the title holder to yourself (Change of ownership).
If you’ve lost the RC1:
Apply for a duplicate registration certificate using the DRC form at the RA (your local Registering Authority).
If you are a foreign national (no SA ID):
First apply for a Traffic Register Number (TRN) at a DLTC/RA, then you can register and license the vehicle. Take passport, proof of address, photos, etc.
3.
Roadworthy: when you need it (and how it works)
Needed for change of ownership of a used vehicle (Code 2), unless specific exemptions apply (not required for a brand-new vehicle from a dealer)
The CoR must be no older than 60 days when you register/license it. Do the test at an accredited vehicle testing station. (Fees vary by province/station.)
4.
Where to go & what happens at the counter
Go to your local Registering Authority (often inside your municipality’s licensing offices).
Take all documents above, plus money/card for fees.
Complete RLV form, submit documents and they’ll capture the change of ownership/first registration.
Pay: registration fee (once-off), annual licence fee (based on vehicle tare and province), plus plate costs if you need new plates.
You receive:
RC1 (or a print acknowledging registration if title holder is a bank), and
Licence disc (stick it to the lower left inside of your windscreen).
5.
Deadlines & penalties (don’t miss these)
Within 21 days of sale/transfer:
Seller must lodge NCO;
Buyer must register (and license) the vehicle in their name. Late registration and late licensing can attract penalties.
6.
Number plates: when you need new ones
If you register the car in a different registering authority/province, you’ll usually be issued a new registration number, so you’ll need new plates made at an approved plate outlet (take your ID and the new license/authorization).
7.
Special cases (only if they apply)
Rebuilt/built-up vehicles or VIN/engine changes: You may need SAPS police clearance using an RPC process before registration/licensing.
Imported or rebuilt vehicles: Often require a Letter of Authority (LOA) from the NRCS before first registration.
Moving provinces later: Update address/particulars at the new RA; you may be issued a new number.
Need to drive an unlicensed/unregistered car to testing/repairs: apply for a temporary (21-day) or special permit.
8.
How the costs are calculated (and an example)
Your final till-slip at the RA will include some or all of:
Registration fee (once-off for first-time registration in your name).
Licence fee for 12 months: based on vehicle tare and your province’s current tariff schedule (published by each province).
Number plates (only if your registration number changes or you need new ones).
Roadworthy test (only if applicable) – paid at the testing station, not the RA.
Where to find the exact licence fee: Provinces publish their tariff tables in gazettes (e.g., Western Cape’s “Registration and Licence Fees for Motor Vehicles Regulations, 2025” commenced 1 Aug 2025). Use your vehicle’s tare (on the RC1) to match the correct line in your province’s annexure.
Law Library
Illustrative walk-through (not a quote):
Car: small hatch, tare ±1 150 kg.
Province: Western Cape.
Using the previous (2024) Western Cape schedule as a worked example only (new 2025 fees apply from 1 Aug 2025), the registration fee line showed R282, and the licence fee for 1 001–1 250 kg was R462. Your actual 2025 fee may differ—always use the current 2025 table at your RA.
Law Library
9.
Quick step-by-step (used car, private sale)
Before money changes hands
Check the RC1 details (VIN/engine numbers match the car).
Agree who will arrange roadworthy (usually buyer).
On handover day
Seller gives you: signed RC1 + signed NCO (seller A & C; buyer B).
You both record the date of sale—this starts the 21-day clock.
Within 21 days
Go to your RA with: RLV, your ID + proof of address, RC1, NCO, and CoR (≤60 days old).
Pay registration (if first in your name) + license fee (12 months).
Collect your license disc; fit new plates if you were assigned a new number.
FAQs people ask at the counter
Do I need insurance to register? Not legally required for registration/licensing, but strongly recommended.
Who is “owner” vs “title holder”? If financed, bank = title holder, you = owner. After settlement, update title holder to yourself and get the RC1 from the bank.
What if the car isn’t roadworthy yet? Register it (so ownership is correct) but you can only license it for road use after passing roadworthy; or use a temporary/special permit for limited movement.
Official references you can show at the counter
Register a motor vehicle (new & used): required forms, 21-day rule, CoR ≤60 days.
NCO form (21-day rule for seller & buyer): official PDF.
NaTIS FAQs: acceptable ID, RLV, police clearance and other edge cases.
Traffic Register Number (foreign nationals): where/how to apply.
Temporary/Special permits: when you need them.
Western Cape license fee regulations: 2024 annexure (figures) and 2025 update (effective 1 Aug 2025). Your province will have its own current notice.