Summary
🚘 You can transfer car ownership online via NZTA or in person at AA, VTNZ, or NZ Post.
🚘 Both buyer and seller must complete their side of the transfer, the seller files an MR13A, and the buyer files an MR13B.
🚘 The transfer should happen immediately after sale to avoid fines or liability.
🚘 Ownership transfers can be done even if the car has no WOF or isn’t running, as long as it’s still registered.
💡 Licensed car buyers like CashForCar.nz handle the whole process for you, including the paperwork and instant payment.
Introduction
If you’re selling or buying a car in New Zealand, changing the ownership is one step you don’t want to miss. It’s quick, easy, and essential to protect both buyer and seller from future fines or liability.
In this practical guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to change car ownership in NZ, what it costs, and what forms you’ll need, whether you’re doing it online via Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) or in-person at an agent like VTNZ or AA.
We’ll also clear up who’s responsible for what, highlight common mistakes Kiwis make, and show you how CashForCar.nz can make the whole process smoother when you’re ready to sell your vehicle.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re selling your car to a licensed buyer like CashForCar.nz, they’ll handle the entire transfer on your behalf, fast, legal, and stress-free.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Car Ownership in New Zealand
Option 1: Change Ownership Online (via NZTA website)
- The vehicle’s registration number
- Your NZ driver licence number
- A credit/debit card to pay the ownership transfer fee
- Go to the official NZTA Ownership Transfer page.
- Select whether you’re the buyer or seller.
- Enter the registration plate and your driver-licence details.
- Pay the fee – $9.00 (for online transfers).
- You’ll receive instant confirmation that ownership has changed.
Option 2: Change Ownership In-Person (AA, VTNZ or NZ Post)
Prefer face-to-face service? You can do it at your local agent.
What to bring:
- Completed MR13A (form for sellers) or MR13B (form for buyers)
- Photo ID (driver licence, passport, etc.)
- $13.00 fee (in-person transfer)
Both parties should visit on the same day, but it’s not mandatory. The key is that both complete their side of the transfer to make it legal.
Example: You sell your car in Hamilton on a Saturday. The buyer collects it, but forgets to register it until Tuesday. Any speeding ticket over that weekend is still your responsibility, unless you’ve completed your MR13A online.
Costs & Required Forms
| Type of Transfer | Method | Fee (NZD) | Forms Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Transfer | NZTA Website | $9.00 | None – digital form only |
| In-Person Transfer | AA, VTNZ, NZ Post | $13.00 | MR13A (seller) + MR13B (buyer) |
Where to get forms: You can download them from NZTA’s forms page or pick them up at any licensing agent.
Who is Responsible - Buyer or Seller?
Both parties have distinct legal duties:
Seller’s Responsibilities
- File an MR13A or complete the transfer online as soon as the car is sold.
- Remove the number plates only if the car is being wrecked or scrapped.
- Provide a receipt or sale agreement showing buyer details (name + licence number).
Buyer’s Responsibilities
- Complete an MR13B or the online buyer transfer before driving the car away.
- Pay the transfer fee.
- Ensure the vehicle has a current WOF and rego.
Failing to complete the transfer can result in fines or registration issues.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the buyer will do it: Always file your side of the transfer as soon as you’ve sold the car.
- Not getting buyer details: Keep a record of their name, licence number and contact info.
- Forgetting to remove plates on scrap cars: If you’re disposing of a vehicle, return plates to the NZTA and cancel rego to avoid future fees.
- Selling a car without a WOF: It’s legal but must be clearly declared as “sold without WOF or COF”.
- Delaying the process: Tickets and liabilities remain with the registered owner until the transfer is logged.
💬 Quick Tip: Licensed buyers like CashForCar.nz handle ownership transfers instantly, you get paid on the spot, and they take care of all the paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I change ownership if the car has unpaid fines or rego fees?
Yes, but the new owner inherits those costs. It’s best to clear any outstanding balances before the sale to avoid delays with NZTA.
2. Can I transfer ownership if the car is not running?
Yes. As long as the vehicle has a registration number, you can change ownership online or in-person. CashForCar.nz often buys non-runners and handles the paperwork for you.
3. Do I need a WOF to change ownership?
No, but the buyer should be aware if the car doesn’t have a current WOF. You can still transfer ownership of a car sold “as-is.”
4. Can I keep my number plates when selling my car?
Generally, the plates stay with the vehicle. You can retain personalized plates by transferring them to another vehicle before completing the sale.
5. What if I sell to a dealer or car removal service?
Licensed buyers like CashForCar.nz are required by law to handle ownership transfers correctly, you’ll get proof of transfer and instant payment, saving you the hassle of doing it yourself.
Conclusion
Changing car ownership in New Zealand is simple when you know the steps, and doing it right protects you from future headaches. Whether you’re selling privately on Trade Me, trading in at a dealership, or using a licensed buyer, always complete the transfer as soon as the sale happens.
If you’d rather skip the paperwork altogether, CashForCar.nz makes it easy. We buy cars anywhere in New Zealand from Hamilton to Tauranga to Christchurch, and handle all ownership transfer and legal forms for you.
👉 Get a free no-obligation car valuation today and see why so many Kiwis trust CashForCar.nz for a fast, fair, and hassle-free sale.
