Tips: How to change ownership of a vehicle

How to change ownership of a vehicle: Picture: Stock.

FAQS: CHANGE OWNERSHIP OF A VEHICLE

As much as we’d like it to be, buying or selling a vehicle isn’t as simple as a handshake and an exchange of money. The paperwork needs to be order or you could face some unpleasant surprises a few months down the line.

First things first, there’s a strict 21-day timeline you need to adhere to, says the Gov.za website. Run over or let your documentation lapse, and the task becomes much more complicated and expensive.

Now let’s talk about the documents you will need:

1. A Notice of Change of Particulars of person or organisation (NCP) form. Download it HERE.

2. The new owner must register the car in their name with the Notification of Change Ownership form (NCO), otherwise known as a change of ownership form. Download it HERE.

3. If you are the person selling the vehicle you will need to complete the NCO form first and then submit it to the traffic department. The NCP must then be complete by the new owner.

4. There is a registration fee for the new owner to pay, but note, if this is not completed within 21 days there will be additional penalties.

5. The new owner will also pay the relevant license fee. This depends on the tare of the vehicle and the province you’re in. We’ve explained the whole breakdown of fees HERE.

6. If a vehicle is financed, the original title holder (seller) must register first and then the new owner must license the vehicle.

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WHAT ELSE WILL I NEED TO CHANGE OWNERSHIP?

Both the buyer and seller will need a copy of their identity (ID) document if South African citizens. Foreign citizens must bring both an original and certified copy of their ID issued by your country of origin and a temporary residence permit.

Both the buyer and seller must supply a proof of residential address e.g. utility account with their name on it. If you stay in an informal settlement, a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councilor confirming your residential address will suffice.

SO HOW’S THE DEAL DONE?

Once the seller has completed the NCO form and submitted it, the seller must hand over the registration certificate to the buyer/new owner.

The buyer must complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle form (RLV) for submission. Download it HERE.

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The new owner/buyer must then submit the vehicle registration certificate to authorities. And also provide a mass measuring certificate if the vehicle’s tare (weight) was changed. Download it HERE.

Even after the sale of the vehicle, the seller remains responsible for license fees and any fines obtained until it is registered in the new owners’ name. Make sure this is done to avoid any nasty surprises months down the line.

WHAT ABOUT A ROADWORTHY CERTIFICATE?

Good question. Depending on the state of the car this can be tricky. When you submit the forms at the registering authority you will need to submit an Application for Certification of Roadworthiness (ACR). Download it HERE.

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This is important. It is the responsibility of the BUYER to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy, not the SELLER. A valid roadworthy certificate from the seller is only valid for 60 days. Thereafter, if the buyer drags his or her heels beyond the 60-day period, they will need to have the roadworthy done again.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Applications are processed on the same day and you can contact your local licensing office for the fees and cost involved.

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