Vehicle Registration Process South Africa

Registering a vehicle is mandatory when buying a new or used vehicle in South Africa. Understanding the registration process, required documents, fees, and requirements helps you complete vehicle registration successfully. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about vehicle registration in South Africa.

When Registration Is Required

Registration Requirements

Registration Required For:

• New vehicle purchase
• Used vehicle purchase
• Imported vehicle
• Change of ownership
• Vehicle transfer
• Re-registration

Important:

• Must register within 21 days of purchase
• Cannot drive unregistered vehicle
• Registration certificate required
• License disc required

Required Documents

Essential Documents

1. Identity Document

• Original ID of new owner
• Certified copy of ID
• Must be valid and current

2. Proof of Address

• Utility bill or bank statement
• Not older than 3 months
• Shows owner's name and address

3. Vehicle Registration Certificate

• From previous owner (if used vehicle)
• Or from dealer (if new vehicle)
• Must be signed over to new owner

4. Roadworthy Certificate

• Required for vehicles over certain age
• Typically 5+ years old
• From authorized testing station
• Must be valid

5. Sales Agreement

• Purchase agreement
• Or invoice from dealer
• Shows vehicle details and price

6. Payment

• Registration fee
• License disc fee
• Check current fees

Registration Process

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Gather Documents

• Collect all required documents
• Get roadworthy if needed
• Ensure documents are current
• Prepare payment

Step 2: Visit Traffic Department

• Go to nearest traffic department
• Queue at registration counter
• Present all documents
• Complete registration form

Step 3: Submit Application

• Submit all documents
• Complete registration form
• Pay registration fees
• Provide fingerprints (if required)

Step 4: Receive Documents

• Get new registration certificate
• Receive license disc
• Verify all details are correct
• Keep documents safe

Registration Fees

Current Fees (2026)

Registration Fees:

• New Registration: R500-R800
• Change of Ownership: R500-R800
• License Disc: R600-R800 (annual)
• Total: R1,100-R1,600

Fee Factors:

• Vehicle type
• Province
• Registration type
• Additional services

Change of Ownership

Transferring Ownership

Process:

1. Seller signs registration certificate
2. Buyer completes transfer form
3. Submit to traffic department
4. Pay transfer fee
5. Get new registration certificate
6. Update license disc

Required:

• Signed registration certificate
• Roadworthy certificate (if required)
• ID of both parties
• Proof of address
• Payment

Online Registration

Online Services

Available Online:

• Some provinces offer online registration
• Check provincial websites
• May require in-person visit
• Faster processing

Limitations:

• Not all services online
• May need to visit for documents
• Check availability

Common Issues

Registration Problems

Issue: Missing Documents

• Get required documents
• Roadworthy if needed
• Proof of address
• Complete application

Issue: Outstanding Fines

• Pay outstanding fines
• Clear vehicle record
• Then proceed with registration

Issue: Vehicle History

• Check vehicle history
• Verify no outstanding issues
• Resolve before registration

Tips for Registration

Best Practices

1. Register Promptly: Register within 21 days
2. Prepare Documents: Gather all documents first
3. Get Roadworthy: Get roadworthy if required
4. Check Fees: Know fees before visiting
5. Verify Details: Check all details are correct
6. Keep Documents Safe: Store registration certificate safely

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register a vehicle?

Gather required documents (ID, proof of address, registration certificate, roadworthy if needed), visit traffic department, complete registration form, pay fees, and receive new registration certificate and license disc.

What documents do I need?

Required documents include: ID, proof of address, vehicle registration certificate, roadworthy certificate (if required), sales agreement, and payment.

How much does vehicle registration cost?

Registration fees range from R500-R800, plus license disc fee of R600-R800 annually. Total cost is approximately R1,100-R1,600.

How long does registration take?

Registration typically takes 1-2 hours at traffic department. You receive registration certificate and license disc immediately.

Do I need a roadworthy certificate?

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

Conclusion

Vehicle registration requires gathering documents (ID, proof of address, registration certificate, roadworthy if needed), visiting traffic department, completing registration form, paying fees (R500-R800 registration + R600-R800 license disc), and receiving registration certificate and license disc. Register within 21 days of purchase, prepare all documents, get roadworthy if required, and verify all details are correct. Understanding the registration process helps you complete vehicle registration successfully and legally.