Don't get stung! Notify change of ownership

Complete the paperwork within 7 days

When a vehicle is bought or sold privately, both the seller and the buyer must independently notify Land Transport New Zealand of the change of ownership within seven days of the sale.

Seller must see proof of transfer

If you sell a vehicle privately, don't hand over the vehicle until the buyer shows you the change of ownership transfer receipt — this is proof that they have changed the vehicle into their name. If you hand over the vehicle and the buyer hasn't completed their paperwork, you could get lumped with their fines and fees!

Why buyers and sellers need to notify change of ownership

If you don't notify that there's been a change of ownership, you may receive the other party's:

• speed camera fines (up to $630 per offence)
• parking tickets (unlimited amounts)
• vehicle licensing fees for up to 12 months (up to $300)
• fines for not displaying a vehicle licensing label ($200)
• fines for not displaying a current warrant of fitness ($200).

If fines go unpaid, a debt collector could be sent to recover them.

If new owners don't notify a change of ownership, they may not be eligible for vehicle insurance or a parking permit.

How to notify change of ownership

Follow these easy steps to notify change of ownership.

What the seller must do

Fill in the change of ownership section for sellers on the vehicle's Certificate of Registration and send it to Land Transport New Zealand's Transport Registry Centre.

If you can't find the Certificate of Registration, follow the steps below:

1. Get a seller's change of ownership form (MR 13A) from a Land Transport New Zealand agent.
2. Complete the form and send it in to the Transport Registry Centre.
3. Don't let your vehicle out of your sight until the person you've sold it to has a recipt showing that they've completed a change of ownership form.

What the buyer must do

Fill in the change of ownership section for buyers on the vehicle's Certificate of Registration. Take it into a Land Transport New Zealand agent. You'll have to produce identification that includes your full name, date of birth and signature. You'll have to pay a fee of $9.20.

The seller will have the Certificate of Registration. If they can't find it, follow the steps below:

1. Get a buyer's change of ownership form (MR 13B) from a Land Transport New Zealand agent.
2. Complete the form and hand it in at the agent. You must show them some identification and pay a fee of $9.20.

Note: If you sold or purchased a vehicle commercially through a vehicle dealer/trader, they should have notified the change of ownership for you. However, it's in your best interest to follow through and confirm that they have done this.

Complete the change of ownership online

Buyers and sellers can complete the change of ownership online at Land Transport New Zealand's Transaction Centre. Buyers need a Visa or Mastercard credit card.

What the Certificate of Registration means

After the paperwork is completed, the buyer receives a Certificate of Registration. Note that this is not a legal title for the vehicle. It merely records the details of who is responsible for the vehicle — and who is liable for the licensing fees.

Why both the seller and the buyer need to notify a change of ownership

The seller can't confirm all the buyer's details — especially when they may not know the person. Also, they can't provide identification for them. This is why the buyer has to provide their own details.

Find out more

For more information:

• Read Factsheet 41 Buying and selling: How to advise change of ownership of a vehicle.
• Read our tips for people buying or selling a vehicle.
• Phone our Motor Registration Call Centre on 0800 108 809.

Page updated: 2 August 2005
Page created: 4 October 2004