Changing Ownership & Cancelling Rego in NZ — Canterbury Guide

Whether you sell, gift, or scrap a vehicle in Canterbury, the rules are the same: NZTA must be told it has changed hands. Skip that one step and you can keep getting billed and fined for a car you no longer have. Here’s how to do it properly. (This is general guidance — always confirm current steps and fees with NZTA Waka Kotahi.)

The Mistake That Costs Sellers the Most

The most common error is assuming that once money changes hands and the keys are handed over, the job is done. It isn’t. Until the change is recorded with NZTA, you are still the registered person — and tolls, speeding and red-light tickets, parking fines, and licensing fees can all stay attached to your name.

Registered Person vs Owner — an Important Distinction

NZTA doesn’t actually record who legally “owns” a vehicle. It records the registered person — the individual or organisation responsible for it on the Motor Vehicle Register. That’s the name fines and fees follow, which is why updating it promptly after any sale matters.

If You’re the Seller: File a Notice of Disposal (MR13A)

Notify NZTA straight away, at the time of sale. You can do it two ways:

• Online with a RealMe login — processed immediately. You’ll need your NZ driver licence and the buyer’s full name and address.
• In person at an NZTA agent (AA, VTNZ, or a PostShop) — typically updated within 1–3 business days.

It’s free either way. It’s also wise to check the buyer has put the vehicle in their name before you hand over the keys — you can confirm the registered person online.

If You’re the Buyer: Complete the MR13B

The buyer completes the change of registered person (MR13B) — online via RealMe or at an agent. The buyer must sign their own part; the seller can’t do it for them. Both sides should keep their confirmation.

Selling or Scrapping to a Wrecker — Who Does the Paperwork?

A registered motor vehicle trader can lodge the disposal notification on your behalf. When you sell to us, we complete it at pickup at no charge — but it’s always sensible to confirm the registered person has been updated afterwards, just as you would with any sale.

You Don’t Need a WOF or Current Rego to Transfer

A current Warrant of Fitness is not required to change the registered person, and expired rego doesn’t block it either. If you’re selling a car that can’t be driven, our no-WOF, no-rego selling guide covers exactly how that works.

Stop Paying for a Car You No Longer Drive

If a vehicle is off the road, you can put its licence (rego) on hold so you’re not paying for road use you’re not making — but note that backdated fees apply if it’s used on the road again. If the car is being scrapped, disposal removes that ongoing cost entirely. Remember diesel vehicles and light EVs also carry Road User Charges (RUC), so make sure any RUC is settled.

Special Canterbury Cases

• Lost registration certificate — the transfer can still proceed using your driver licence and the plate number; a replacement can be issued.
• Deceased estate — the executor handles the transfer, with a copy of the death certificate and probate or letters of administration.
• Gifting a car — even with no money changing hands, the same MR13B process applies, and NZTA should be notified within 7 days.

Quick Checklist

1. Agree the sale and record the odometer reading and date.
2. Seller files the Notice of Disposal (MR13A) immediately.
3. Buyer completes the MR13B in their own name.
4. Both confirm the registered person has updated on NZTA records.
5. Settle any outstanding rego or RUC if the car stays on the road.

Selling to a wrecker rolls most of this into one visit — call 0800 450 521 and the disposal is handled when we collect the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change car ownership in New Zealand?

The seller files a Notice of Disposal (MR13A) and the buyer completes a change of registered person (MR13B). Both can be done online via RealMe — processed immediately — or in person at an NZTA agent such as AA, VTNZ, or a PostShop, which takes about 1–3 business days.

What happens if I don't tell NZTA I sold my car?

You remain the registered person on record, so the new driver's tolls, fines, licensing fees, and RUC can come back to you. Filing the Notice of Disposal at the time of sale prevents this and is free.

Do I need a WOF or current rego to change ownership?

No. A current WOF is not required to transfer a vehicle, and expired registration does not block the change of registered person.

How do I stop paying rego on a car I no longer use?

If it's off the road you can put the licence on hold, though backdated fees apply if it's driven again. If the car is being scrapped, completing the disposal removes the ongoing cost. Diesel vehicles and light EVs also need any Road User Charges settled.

How is a deceased estate vehicle transferred in Canterbury?

The estate's executor handles the transfer using a copy of the death certificate plus probate or letters of administration. The standard MR13B process then applies.