Everything you need to know to register a used vehicle in your name. Picture: Stock.

EXPLAINER: How to register a used vehicle in your name

Everything you need to know to register a used vehicle in South Africa.

by Ray Leathern

27-06-2023 08:16

in Motoring

Everything you need to know to register a used vehicle in your name. Picture: Stock.

The way to register a used vehicle in your name begins with a Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form, which you must submit to your nearest registering authority. We’ve created a list with hyperlinks of registering centres per province. You can find them at the bottom of this article …

HOW TO REGISTER A USED VEHICLE

You have 21 days to register a used vehicle in your name. There is a standalone registration fee of R270. This fee is over and above the license renewal fee which you must pay.

Vehicle license fees are determined by vehicle tare and differ from province to province. We created an article on license renewal fees which you can click below.

SEE HERE: Vehicle license renewal fees EXPLAINED

It is important to note if you drag your heels and do not register a vehicle in your name within the 21-day period, you will be subject to penalties based on the amount of time the renewal is overdue.

So, best to complete it as soon as possible. Also, any other outstanding vehicle registrations on your name must be settled before you can register a vehicle in your name.

MUST I REGISTER A USED VEHICLE MYSELF?

If you purchase a used car through a reputable dealer, the roadworthy certificate, registration of the car and licensing will most likely be done by a representative of the dealership.

ALSO READ: 2023 tax season will be ‘smoother than ever,’ says SARS

This is one of the advantages of buying through a dealership – they take care of the hassle for you. If you do have any license renewals outstanding, as mentioned earlier, they will not be able to settle that for you. Only you will be able to pay any overdue penalties on your name.

An organisation like WeBuyCars does not register a used vehicle on your behalf. This is because the company operate as an auction house – their cars are bought and sold ‘as is,’ unlike a dealership – which means you are responsible to register a used vehicle purchased from them.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I REQUIRE?

To register a used vehicle in a private sale, there are a number of documents you will have to submit:

The most important document you need to secure is the registration form, the RC1 or Certificate of Registration GET IT HERE.
You must obtain copies of the seller’s ID document.
Seller’s proof of address, eg. a utility bill with your name on it.
An invoice or proof of payment stating that you have paid for the car in full.
Your ID.
Your proof of address, eg. a utility bill with your name on it.
A Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW) is only required if it is a RTQS vehicle.

If a vehicle is financed, the title holder (seller) must register first before the new owner can license the vehicle. We’ve explained this process in another article which you can view below …

WHAT IF THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE A ROADWORTHY CERTIFICATE?

For older vehicles this is a common occurrence. You can visit a private testing centre (make sure they’re endorsed by the National Traffic Authority) or public roadworthy centre. Private-run ones will cost you more but are generally quicker.

Download the ACR (Application for Certification of Roadworthiness) HERE. It is important to present your vehicle in a decent condition. Check for bald tyres, etc. If you are failed on certain items these will need to be rectified before resubmitting for certification.

Once passed, a roadworthy is valid for a period of 60 days.

WHAT IF MONEY IS OWING ON THE VEHICLE?

Paying with cash or through a bank transfer is certainly the easiest. You become the owner or title holder of the vehicle immediately.

If you purchase the vehicle through a finance arrangement – typical financing schemes range from 36 to 72 months – then the bank/finance company is the title holder.

ALSO READ: How do I change ownership of a vehicle?

You are only listed as the owner on the registration certificate until such time as the vehicle is fully paid for. Such an arrangement prevents the sale of the vehicle before all financing charges have been settled with the finance house.