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 authorised 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.