How to transfer car ownership?

Transferring ownership of a car in New Zealand is required when buying or selling a vehicle. Both the buyer and the seller of a car are legally responsible for informing Waka Kotahi, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), of the sale or purchase. This is a quick and simple process that can be done online or in person by submitting a form. By completing this process, the vehicle’s ownership is officially updated in the Motor Vehicle Register (MVR) to reflect the new registered owner’s name. In this guide, we will learn how to transfer car ownership in New Zealand from both the buyer’s and seller’s perspectives, as well as common mistakes to avoid.

Changing ownership as a vehicle seller

When you sell your vehicle to a private buyer, salvage car buyer, dealership, or any other person or company, you need to submit a Notice of Disposal (MR13A). This is necessary and should be done immediately to avoid infringement fines, road user charges (RUC), or any other legal issues if your vehicle is involved in an accident after the sale.

This process is free of charge. Here are the responsibilities and requirements for sellers:

Notify NZTA immediately online or in person.
Must provide their driver’s licence, last name, date of birth, the vehicle’s registration plate, and the buyer’s full name and address.

The vehicle should have at least one month remaining on its Warrant of Fitness (WOF) or Certificate of Fitness (COF). Additionally, the vehicle’s registration (Rego) must be current. The seller is responsible for any outstanding fees associated with the period prior to the change of ownership.

Changing ownership as a vehicle buyer

The buyer of the vehicle needs to do the buyer’s transaction. The buyer needs to submit the Notice of Acquisition (MR13B). This can be done within 7 days to avoid penalties. This is also free of charge and can be easily done online. However, if you don’t have an NZ driving license, then you must go to an NZTA authorized agent like AA or VTNZ.

Here are the responsibilities and requirements for the buyers:

Notify NZTA immediately online or in person.
Need to share their full name, date of birth, address, driver’s licence, and vehicle’s number plate.

The buyer has the right to require that the car’s Warrant of Fitness (WOF) or Certificate of Fitness (COF) be less than one month old. If the buyer chooses not to make this insistence, they should confirm in writing to the seller that they accept the WOF and COF being older than one month.

Online ownership transfer

Ownership can be transferred online from anywhere, anytime. Here are the benefits of online transfer:

Convenient: You can transfer ownership from anywhere with internet access.
Fast: Generally faster, with immediate confirmation.
24/7 Availability: Because of online access, it is available 24/7 means it can be done anytime.

In-person ownership transfer

If you’re not sure about the process, you can choose an in-person transfer at an authorized agent such as AA, NZ Post, VINZ, or VTNZ. Here are the benefits of in-person transfer:

Immediate assistance: Staff helps you through the process and addresses any questions or concerns.
Verify: Documents are verified in person.
Accessibility: Helpful for those who do not use online services, have limited internet access, or prefer face-to-face interaction.

Common mistakes to avoid

Forgot to transfer ownership (for sellers): Do not forget to change ownership immediately after selling a vehicle for peace of mind that you’re not responsible if your vehicle is involved in future fines or accidents.
Ensure all details are accurate.
Update insurance (for buyer and seller): The buyer must arrange insurance, and the seller must inform their insurer about the vehicle sale.
Buyer must check the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) to make sure there are no security interests registered against the car.
Forget to remove Auto payments (for sellers): If you set up an auto payment option, make sure to remove it immediately after selling.
Don’t forget to change ownership; it must be done within seven days after buying a vehicle.

How long does online ownership transfer take?

Transferring ownership online is fast and can be completed within minutes from anywhere at any time.

What if the buyer does not complete the transfer?

If the seller submits the Notice of Disposal, but the buyer does not complete the transfer, the vehicle enters an “unconfirmed” status on the Motor Vehicle Register.

Can ownership be transferred without a licence?

Yes, ownership can be transferred without a New Zealand driver’s licence; however, the transaction must be completed in person at a NZ Transport Agency agent, such as VTNZ, AA, or Post Shop, rather than online. The buyer must provide alternative identification, such as a passport, to verify their identity.

What are the fees for transferring vehicle ownership?

Transferring vehicle ownership is free of charge in New Zealand.

Can I transfer vehicle ownership online?

Yes, you can transfer vehicle ownership online or offline, whichever you prefer.

What form do I need to submit to transfer ownership?

To transfer vehicle ownership in New Zealand, the seller must complete a Notice of Disposal (MR13A), and the buyer must submit a Notice of Acquisition (MR13B/Form) via Waka Kotahi NZTA.

Is a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) necessary for the ownership transfer?

Yes, a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) is generally required for the transfer of ownership.