Short answer: yes – but you can’t drive it on public roads until it’s registered and licensed. Below is a plain guide that covers rules, how much to register a deregistered car in NZ (what costs exist and why they vary), and exactly how to sell unregistered car without hassle.
Deregistered vs Unregistered (what do they mean?)
Registered vs licensed (“rego”): Registration puts a vehicle on the Motor Vehicle Register and issues plates (one-off). Licensing (often called “rego”) is the ongoing road-use fee.
Unregistered: never registered, or registration cancelled.
Unlicensed: registered but licence expired (not currently licensed).
You can sell in any of these states – you just shouldn’t drive the vehicle until it meets road-legal requirements.
But can you actually sell in NZ?
Selling a Deregistered Car?
Yes, selling a deregistered car is legal. Standard practice is to tow or trailer it (don’t drive it). Both seller and buyer should complete the change of registered person with the transport agency.
Selling an Unregistered Car
Also yes. The same principles apply. If the car is unregistered or unlicensed, move it by towing/transport, not under its own power.
How much to register a deregistered car in NZ?
There isn’t one fixed price – it depends on your vehicle’s type (e.g., petrol, diesel, electric), engine size, weight, condition, and whether it needs repairs or additional certifications to be road-legal. Costs are set by Waka Kotahi NZTA (as of October 2025) and inspection providers, with variations for location and provider. For many older or damaged cars, these can total $200–$500+ (excluding major repairs), often making selling a more economical option than re-registering.
Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for re-registering a standard private passenger car (light vehicle under 3.5 tonnes). These include GST where applicable; always check the NZTA vehicle fees page for your exact vehicle details.
| Cost Component | Typical Amount (NZD) | Notes |
| Warrant of Fitness (WoF) Inspection | $50–$80 | Required for most light vehicles to confirm roadworthiness. Set by inspection stations (e.g., VTNZ, AA); averages $60–$70 in 2025. Free re-inspection within 28 days if repairs are done. CoF (for commercial/rental vehicles) is $100–$200. |
| Vehicle Licensing (Rego) Fee (12 months) | Petrol: $144.22 Diesel/Electric: $212.84 | Ongoing road-use fee, paid at registration. Shorter durations available (e.g., 6 months: Petrol $76.44; Diesel $110.76). Hybrids follow petrol/diesel rates. |
| Vehicle Registration Fee | $10–$20 (admin included) | One-off fee to re-activate on the Motor Vehicle Register. Often bundled into licensing transaction. |
| Entry/Compliance Certification (if needed) | $37.29 | For modified, imported, or repaired vehicles to verify compliance. Not always required for standard local deregistered cars. |
| Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Levy (if applicable) | $55.90 | For vehicles with certain air conditioning refrigerants (e.g., HFC-134a in older models). |
| Administration & Other Fees | $9.10–$14.92 | NZTA processing fee; plus ~$4 for WoF label. Tyre stewardship fee ($38.24) may apply for first-time registrations. |
| Repairs & Certifications | $0–$2,000+ | Variable based on condition (e.g., brakes, tyres, rust). Common for deregistered cars; get a pre-inspection quote to avoid surprises. |
Total Estimate: For a basic petrol passenger car in good condition, expect $200–$300 (WoF + rego + admin). Add $100–$600 for compliance/repairs on older vehicles. Use NZTA’s online calculator or visit an agent for a personalised quote. If costs seem high, selling as-is (via towing) avoids these entirely – get a free quote from Cash for Car NZ.
Get a free no-obligation quote now
How to sell unregistered car (simple 3-step process)
- Get a quote: share plate/VIN, make/model/year, overall condition, and pickup location/access.
- Confirm & book pickup: choose a time; use towing/transport (no road driving).
- Hand-over & notify: show ID, complete the change of registered person; get a receipt. Payment method is typically instant transfer (or as agreed).
Selling a deregistered car vs re-registering: quick decision lens
- Time: Re-registration can take days–weeks (inspection, repairs, re-checks). Selling is typically same-day/next-day pickup once an offer is accepted.
- Cash outlay: Re-registering requires up-front inspection/repair costs; selling doesn’t.
- Risk: Re-reg can uncover hidden issues; selling eliminates that repair risk.
- Goal: If your goal is to use the car again, re-register. If you want a fast exit or repairs look uneconomic, sell.
Paperwork needed in NZ
▶ ID: valid photo ID for the seller.
▶ Change of registered person: both parties notify the transport agency at time of sale.
▶ Plates & “personalised” plates:
▶ If you’re cancelling rego because the car won’t return to the road, hand in standard plates.
▶ Personalised plates can be kept or transferred — handle this before pickup.
Vehicles with finance owing (PPSR)
You can sell, but any registered security interest must be cleared. Typical flow: request a payout letter from the lender; with the seller’s consent the buyer can pay the lender directly and remit any remainder to the seller.
Moving an unregistered/deregistered vehicle legally
Don’t drive it on public roads. Use a tow truck or trailer. (Licensed traders have limited use of trade plates, but private sellers should rely on transport.)
FAQs About Selling Deregistered or Unregistered Cars in NZ
1. Can you sell a deregistered car?
Yes, you can sell it, but don’t drive it on the road until it’s registered and licensed again.
2. Selling a deregistered car vs selling an unregistered car – any difference?
In practice, you’ll follow the same steps: get a quote, book towing, complete change-of-registered-person.
3. How much to re-register a deregistered car in NZ?
Costs vary. Budget for inspection(s), any repairs or certifications, and registration/licensing fees. For many older or damaged vehicles, selling is often more economical.
4. Can you sell an unregistered vehicle if it’s a non-runner or missing parts?
Yes. Just disclose condition so transport can be arranged safely; it may affect the offer and timing.
5. How to sell unregistered car fast?
Have plate/VIN and location ready; include photos to speed appraisal; book transport; complete hand-over and notifications at pickup.
