Quick Answer: To change car ownership in New Zealand, both the seller and buyer must complete a Change of Ownership form (MR13B) and submit it to Waka Kotahi NZTA — either online or at an agent. The seller should also file a Notice of Disposal to protect themselves from future liability.
What’s in This Guide
- Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Car Ownership in NZ
- Online vs Paper: Which Method to Use
- Common Mistakes That Delay the Transfer
- Special Situations: Finance, Lost Paperwork, Deceased Estates
- Why Choose Cash 4 Cars Christchurch
- FAQs
Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Car Ownership in NZ
Changing car ownership in New Zealand is a legal requirement whenever a vehicle is sold, gifted, or otherwise transferred to a new owner. Both parties have responsibilities, and failing to complete the process correctly can leave you liable for fines, tolls, or infringements long after you’ve handed over the keys.
Here’s exactly what needs to happen:
Step 1: Seller Completes Their Section
As the seller, you need to fill out the seller’s portion of the MR13B (Change of Ownership) form. This includes your personal details, the vehicle’s registration number, and the odometer reading at the time of sale. You’ll also need to provide a valid form of identification.
Step 2: Buyer Completes Their Section
The buyer fills out their section of the same form, providing their name, address, contact details, and ID. Both the seller and buyer must sign the form.
Step 3: Submit to NZTA
The completed form must be submitted to Waka Kotahi NZTA within 7 days of the sale. This can be done online through the NZTA website, at an AA centre, or at a vehicle licensing agent such as a VTNZ or PostShop.
Step 4: Seller Files a Notice of Disposal
This is a critical step many sellers skip. Filing a Notice of Disposal with NZTA officially records that you no longer own the vehicle. Without it, you could be held responsible for any parking fines, tolls, or traffic offences committed by the new owner before they register the transfer.
You can file a Notice of Disposal online at the NZTA website for free — it only takes a few minutes and provides immediate peace of mind.
Online vs Paper: Which Method to Use
NZTA offers two ways to complete the change of vehicle ownership in New Zealand: online and paper-based.
Online Transfer: The fastest and most convenient option. Both the seller and buyer can complete their portions through the NZTA website using their RealMe login. The transfer is processed immediately, and both parties receive confirmation. This method is ideal when both people are comfortable with online systems and have their RealMe accounts set up.
Paper Form (MR13B): Available at any NZTA agent (AA, VTNZ, PostShop). Both parties fill in their details, sign the form, and submit it in person. Processing typically takes 1–3 business days. This is the better option if either party doesn’t have a RealMe login or prefers to handle things in person.
Regardless of which method you choose, the seller should always file a separate Notice of Disposal as a safeguard. The online option lets you do this immediately after the sale.
Common Mistakes That Delay the Transfer
The ownership transfer process is straightforward, but these common errors can cause delays or complications:
Not filing within 7 days: Both parties are legally required to notify NZTA within 7 days of the sale. Late submissions can result in a $200 infringement fee.
Mismatched details: If the name, address, or registration number on the form doesn’t match NZTA records, the transfer may be rejected. Double-check that all details are current before submitting.
Forgetting the Notice of Disposal: Many sellers assume the Change of Ownership form is enough. It’s not — until the buyer completes their side, you’re still listed as the registered person. The Notice of Disposal removes your liability immediately, regardless of what the buyer does.
Outstanding fines or fees: If there are unpaid registration fees, fines, or tolls linked to the vehicle, the transfer may be held up. Clear any outstanding obligations before selling.
Selling a car with finance owing: If there’s a loan secured against the vehicle, the ownership cannot legally be transferred until the finance is settled. The buyer could check the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) to confirm the car is clear of security interests.
Special Situations
Selling a Car With Finance Owing
You must settle the outstanding finance before transferring ownership. Contact your finance provider to get a payout figure, and arrange for the loan to be cleared as part of the sale. Some cash-for-cars services can handle this directly, paying off the lender and giving you the remaining balance.
Lost or Missing Paperwork
If you’ve lost the vehicle’s registration certificate or other documents, you can still proceed with the sale. NZTA can issue replacement registration documents, and the ownership transfer can be completed using your driver’s licence and the vehicle’s plate number. The process may take slightly longer, but it’s not a barrier to selling.
Deceased Estate Vehicles
Transferring a vehicle from a deceased estate requires additional documentation, including a copy of the death certificate and letters of administration or probate. The executor of the estate handles the transfer on behalf of the deceased owner.
Gifting a Vehicle
Even if no money changes hands, the ownership transfer process is exactly the same. Both parties must complete the MR13B form and submit it to NZTA within 7 days.
Why Choose Cash 4 Cars Christchurch
One of the biggest advantages of selling your car through a professional service is that the paperwork is handled for you. When you sell your car in Christchurch through Cash 4 Cars, we take care of the entire ownership transfer process — from completing the NZTA forms to filing the Notice of Disposal on your behalf.
There’s no need to visit an AA centre, set up a RealMe account, or chase the buyer to make sure they’ve done their part. We handle it all at the time of collection, so by the time we drive away with your vehicle, the transfer is already underway and your liability is removed.
Combined with free car removal, same-day pickup, and instant cash payment, it’s the simplest way to sell a car in Christchurch without worrying about the admin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to change car ownership in NZ?
Filing the Change of Ownership online is free. If you submit a paper form at an NZTA agent, there may be a small processing fee (typically around $9). The Notice of Disposal is free to file online.
Can I change car ownership online in NZ?
Yes. Both the seller and buyer can complete the transfer through the Waka Kotahi NZTA website using a RealMe login. The process is instant and is the recommended method for speed and convenience.
What happens if I don’t transfer ownership?
If you don’t notify NZTA of the sale, you remain the registered person for the vehicle. This means you could be liable for parking fines, toll charges, speed camera infringements, and registration fees incurred by the new owner.
How long does the ownership transfer take?
Online transfers are processed immediately. Paper-based transfers submitted at an agent typically take 1–3 business days to update in the NZTA system.
Do I need a WOF to transfer ownership?
No. A current Warrant of Fitness is not required to complete a change of ownership. The vehicle can be sold and transferred regardless of its WOF status.
What ID do I need to change car ownership?
You’ll need a valid form of photo identification, such as a New Zealand driver’s licence or passport. Both the seller and buyer must provide ID when submitting the form.
