Sell your car in New Zealand

Step by step

1. Get a recent Warrant of Fitness (WoF) Required by law

   The vehicle must have a WoF issued no more than 1 month before the date you hand it over to the buyer.

   govt.nz - Selling a vehicle
2. Let the buyer check for money owing Recommended Buyer

   If there is finance registered against the car it can be repossessed, so buyers search the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) by plate, VIN or chassis number before paying. Having no money owing makes the sale easier.

   NZD 2 + GST per PPSR motor vehicle search

   PPSR (Companies Office) - Searching for a motor vehicle
3. Write and sign a sale receipt in duplicate Recommended Seller and buyer

   Make two copies describing the car, the price, the date and the names and addresses of both parties, signed by both. If a deposit is paid, also record the agreed price, the deposit, the deadline for full payment and any conditions.

   AA New Zealand - Selling a car
4. Ask the buyer for proof they notified NZTA before handing over Recommended Seller and buyer

   Before giving the keys, ask the buyer to show they have registered the purchase with NZTA (online, or the receipted customer section of form MR13B from an NZTA agent). The buyer's online notice is free.

   govt.nz - Selling a vehicle
5. Notify NZTA that you sold the vehicle Required by law

   Do it as soon as you sell, online with 'Sold or disposed of a vehicle' (you need your NZ driver licence, the plate number and the buyer's full name and address) or on form MR13A at an NZTA agent. Any licensing fees owing are invoiced to the registered person.

   NZTA Online Services - Sold or disposed of a vehicle
6. Buyer registers the change of ownership Required by law Buyer

   The buyer must also notify NZTA, within seven days to avoid fines or infringements. Online it needs an NZ driver licence and the plate number and has no fee; companies and buyers without an NZ licence go to an NZTA agent.

   Free online

   NZTA Online Services - Bought a vehicle
7. Remove the car from your toll account and transfer personalised plates Recommended

   If the car is linked to your tolling account, log in and remove it. If you leave personalised plates on the car, you and the buyer must complete a Transfer of Entitlement form (LicenSys/KiwiPlates).

   govt.nz - Selling a vehicle

Documents checklist

Tick what you already have. This stays on your device, and none of it is needed to post your car.

• Warrant of Fitness (WoF)Issued no more than 1 month before handover.Required by law
• Seller's notice of disposal (online, or form MR13A)Online needs the seller's NZ driver licence, the plate number and the buyer's full name and address.Required by law
• Buyer's notice of acquisition (online, or form MR13B)Completed by the buyer; online needs an NZ driver licence and the plate number, no payment required.Required by law
• Sale receipt (two signed copies)Car description, price, date, names and addresses of both parties.Recommended
• Transfer of Entitlement form (personalised plates only)Only if personalised plates stay on the car; signed by seller and buyer and sent to LicenSys NZ.Recommended

Stay safe when buyers contact you

• Do not accept a personal cheque; direct credit is the usual method, and be wary of buyers (especially overseas) who overpay and ask for a refund of the difference.
• Let test drivers drive only after seeing their licence, and check your insurance covers them.
• Consumer Protection warns that the Consumer Guarantees Act does not cover private sales, and that some dealers pose as private sellers to offload bad cars.