Selling a car — change of ownership.
Selling a vehicle in South Africa? Both you and the buyer must take specific steps within 21 days of the sale to transfer ownership properly and stop fines or fees accruing to the seller's name.
What the seller must do — within 21 days
By law, the seller of a motor vehicle in South Africa must notify the licensing authority of the sale within 21 days of the date of sale. Failure to do so means licence fees, fines and even traffic offences may continue to accrue against the seller's name long after the vehicle has been handed over.
- Complete Form NCO (Notification of Change of Ownership). Download it from our forms library, or pick one up at any DLTC or participating post office.
- Sign the form in front of a Commissioner of Oaths. Most police stations and post offices offer this for free.
- Submit the NCO at a DLTC or participating post office together with a copy of your ID and a copy of the new owner's ID.
- Keep proof. Take a date-stamped photo of the receipt — you'll need it if any fines come through afterwards.
What the buyer must do — within 21 days
The buyer must register the vehicle in their name within 21 days of taking possession. Failure to do so means the vehicle remains registered in the seller's name and any fines incurred could be the seller's problem to dispute.
- Complete Form RLV (Registration and Licensing of a Motor Vehicle) — available from our forms library.
- Submit at a DLTC together with: the signed NCO from the seller, your ID, proof of residence, the original RC1 (registration certificate), a roadworthiness certificate if the vehicle is being registered for the first time in your name in a new province, and payment.
- Pay the registration fee plus the annual licence fee. See our fees page for current provincial tariffs.
- You'll receive a new RC1 in your name plus a new licence disc.
Documents the buyer should ask for from the seller
- Original RC1 registration certificate (not a copy)
- Signed NCO (Notification of Change of Ownership)
- Copy of seller's ID
- Service history (good practice, not required)
- Roadworthiness certificate if the vehicle is changing province
Common pitfalls
"My buyer never registered the car"
This is the most common dispute. Without the buyer registering in their name, the vehicle stays in yours. Any fines, licence arrears or even crimes traced via the licence plate land at the previous owner. Always submit the NCO yourself within 21 days — that's your protection.
"The car was sold years ago and is still in my name"
Visit a DLTC with your stamped NCO (if you have it) or a sworn affidavit detailing the sale, plus any evidence (sale agreement, photos of the receipt, bank deposit). The licensing officer can update the system.
"Outstanding fines are blocking the buyer's registration"
In some provinces, outstanding fines on the vehicle can block a change of ownership. Resolve them before the buyer attempts to register, or include this in the negotiated sale price.
Skip the queues for future renewals
Once the vehicle is in your name, our partner ChatBack handles ongoing annual licence renewals on WhatsApp. Learn more →