- A duly completed application form RLV. Note the declaration at the signature – do not make yourself liable to prosecution for providing false information.
- Acceptable identification of the title holder as well as of the owner (only one set if it is only one person).
- A certificate issued by the manufacturer or importer of the motor vehicle on the official stationery of such manufacturer or importer OR the registration certificate (form RC1) issued to the manufacturer, builder or importer when they registered the vehicle into stock for the first time.
- The relevant fees as prescribed in the province of your appropriate registering authority (authority in whose area you reside).
About registering your motor vehicle
If you are a title holder of a new, pre-owned, built or re-built motor vehicle, you must register it at your relevant registering authority to get a registration certificate. If the vehicle is financed, the title holder will be the financing institution. When it has been registered and licenced, you will get a motor vehicle licence disc.
You must register and license your motor vehicle within 21 days after a change of ownership. If you do not register it, you will have to pay arrears and penalties. The motor vehicle registration is recorded on the national traffic information system (eNaTIS).
Your vehicle’s registration becomes null and void if:
- the vehicle licence disc has not been renewed for more than four years
- the vehicle was involved in an accident and has been declared permanently unfit for use
- you sold the vehicle (changed ownership)
- your vehicle has been repossessed for more than 31 days
- a deregistration certificate has been issued.
What you should do
Register a new vehicle:
- To register a new vehicle, go to your appropriate registering authority and submit the following:
- your identity document (ID)
- proof of residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.
- if you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your address
- the manufacturer’s certificate containing all the relevant details of the vehicle
- a roadworthy certificate, if the vehicle is a heavy load [or Road Transport Quality System (RTQS)] vehicle.
- Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form.
Register a used vehicle:
- To register a pre-owned (used) vehicle, the seller must first complete and submit a Notification of change of ownership (NCO) form, which gives notification of change of ownership
- Go to your relevant motor vehicle registration authority and submit the following:
- your identity document (ID)
- proof of residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.
- if you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your address
- the vehicle registration certificate (in the seller’s name)
- a certificate of roadworthiness if the current certificate is older than 60 days
- proof of purchase of the vehicle
- a valid motor vehicle licence (ensure that the licence fees for the vehicle are up to date).
- Complete the Application for registration and licensing of motor vehicle (RLV) form.
Register a vehicle built up from parts:
- To register a vehicle built up from parts, go to your nearest motor vehicle registration authority and submit the following:
- your identity document (ID)
- proof of residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.
- if you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your residential address
- an affidavit confirming where the parts came from and what was done to the car (form SOA)
- request for police clearance (form RPC)
- request for police identification (form RPI)
- de-registration certificate (if the vehicle was deregistered)
- a weighbridge (mass measuring) certificate
- proof of title ownership
- letter of authority (if applicable).
- The provincial helpdesk will then introduce the vehicle record on eNaTIS
- request for police clearance (form RPC) must then be submitted
- a roadworthy test must be performed on the vehicle.
- Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle form (RLV).
Register a modified vehicle:
- To register a modified vehicle, go to your nearest motor vehicle registration authority and submit:
- your identity document (ID)
- proof of residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.
- if you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your address
- an affidavit confirming where the parts came from and what was done to the car (form SOA)
- request for police clearance (form RPC)
- request for police identification (form RPI)
- de-registration certificate (if the vehicle was deregistered)
- a weighbridge (mass measuring) certificate
- proof of title of ownership
- roadworthy certificate
- letter of authority (if applicable).
- manufacturer’s certificate or previous registration certificate or affidavit if the registration certificate cannot be provided.
- Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle form (RLV).
How long does it take
The application will be forwarded to the provincial helpdesk.
The introduction of the motor vehicle record can take up to a few days. The applicant will be contacted when the record is on the system.
How much does it cost
Contact your local licensing office for the cost.
Forms to complete
Forms are obtainable at the motor vehicle registering authority or you can download them from the eNaTIS website.
Who to contact
Contact your local department of transport
Table of Contents
Related Resources
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.