Vehicle Ownership Transfer Guide

Transferring vehicle ownership is required when buying or selling a vehicle in South Africa. Understanding the transfer process, required documents, fees, and responsibilities helps you complete ownership transfer successfully. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about vehicle ownership transfer.

Transfer Process

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Seller Signs Registration Certificate

• Seller signs registration certificate
• Complete seller's section
• Date signature
• Provide to buyer

Step 2: Buyer Completes Transfer

• Buyer visits traffic department
• Submits signed registration certificate
• Provides required documents
• Pays transfer fee

Step 3: Traffic Department Processes

• Traffic department processes transfer
• Updates ownership records
• Issues new registration certificate
• Updates license disc

Step 4: Buyer Receives Documents

• New registration certificate
• Updated license disc
• Verify details are correct
• Keep documents safe

Required Documents

Seller Requirements

Seller Must Provide:

• Signed registration certificate
• Roadworthy certificate (if required)
• Vehicle license disc
• ID document (for verification)

Buyer Requirements

Buyer Must Provide:

• Signed registration certificate (from seller)
• ID document
• Proof of address
• Roadworthy certificate (if required)
• Payment for transfer fee

Transfer Fees

Current Fees (2026)

Transfer Fees:

• Ownership Transfer: R500-R800
• License Disc: R600-R800 (if renewing)
• Roadworthy: R300-R500 (if required)
• Total: R500-R2,100 (depending on requirements)

Responsibilities

Seller Responsibilities

Seller Must:

• Sign registration certificate
• Provide roadworthy if required
• Clear outstanding fines
• Transfer ownership promptly
• Provide vehicle documents

Buyer Responsibilities

Buyer Must:

• Complete transfer within 21 days
• Pay transfer fees
• Get roadworthy if required
• Update ownership records
• Pay license disc if needed

Common Issues

Transfer Problems

Issue: Outstanding Fines

• Seller must clear fines
• Or buyer pays and deducts from price
• Clear before transfer

Issue: Missing Roadworthy

• Get roadworthy if required
• Required for vehicles 5+ years
• Get before transfer

Issue: Incorrect Details

• Verify all details
• Correct any errors
• Ensure accuracy

Tips for Transfer

Best Practices

1. Transfer Promptly: Complete within 21 days
2. Clear Fines: Clear outstanding fines first
3. Get Roadworthy: Get roadworthy if required
4. Verify Details: Check all details are correct
5. Keep Documents: Store new documents safely

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transfer vehicle ownership?

Seller signs registration certificate, buyer visits traffic department with signed certificate, required documents, pays transfer fee, and receives new registration certificate.

What documents are needed?

Seller provides signed registration certificate and roadworthy (if required). Buyer provides signed certificate, ID, proof of address, roadworthy (if required), and payment.

How much does ownership transfer cost?

Transfer fee is R500-R800, plus license disc (R600-R800 if renewing) and roadworthy (R300-R500 if required). Total: R500-R2,100.

How long do I have to transfer ownership?

Buyer must complete transfer within 21 days of purchase. Transfer promptly to avoid penalties.

Do I need a roadworthy certificate?

Roadworthy certificate is required for vehicles over certain age (typically 5+ years) when transferring ownership.

Conclusion

Vehicle ownership transfer requires seller to sign registration certificate, buyer to visit traffic department with signed certificate and documents, pay transfer fee (R500-R800), and receive new registration certificate. Complete transfer within 21 days, clear outstanding fines, get roadworthy if required, and verify all details. Understanding the transfer process helps you complete ownership transfer successfully and legally.