Registering an old car without papers in South Africa can be a complex process, as it requires additional steps to establish ownership and prove the legality of the vehicle. Here are the general steps you can follow:
- Confirm ownership: If you have an old car without papers, you first need to confirm your ownership of the vehicle. This can be challenging without the necessary documentation. If you purchased the car from someone else, try to gather any evidence of the transaction, such as a sales agreement or proof of payment.
- Obtain an affidavit: Visit a police station and request an affidavit for the lost or missing registration papers. Explain the situation and provide any information you have about the car, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, and previous owner details if known. The affidavit will serve as a legal statement about the ownership situation.
- Identify the vehicle: If the car does not have a VIN or it has been tampered with, contact the South African Police Service (SAPS) for assistance in identifying the vehicle. They may conduct investigations to verify the vehicle’s legitimacy and check for any reported theft or criminal activity.
- Vehicle clearance: To ensure the car is not stolen, you need to obtain a police clearance certificate from the SAPS. The vehicle will undergo a thorough inspection to verify its authenticity and ensure it is not wanted for any criminal activities.
- Obtain a roadworthy certificate: Once the police clearance is obtained, you need to have the car inspected to determine its roadworthiness. Take it to a registered roadworthy testing station, where they will assess the vehicle’s condition and issue a roadworthy certificate if it meets the required standards.
- Complete the registration form: Obtain the registration form (Form RLV) from the nearest Department of Transport office or download it from their official website. Fill out the form accurately, providing all the required information.
- Submit the application: Prepare a comprehensive application package that includes the completed registration form, the police clearance certificate, the roadworthy certificate, and any other supporting documents you have. Submit the package to the Department of Transport, paying any applicable fees.
- Follow up on your application: Inquire about the processing time and any additional steps you may need to take. Keep any receipts or documents you receive as proof of submission.
Please note that registering an old car without papers can be a challenging and time-consuming process. It is highly recommended to consult the South African Department of Transport or visit their offices for specific guidance and to ensure you fulfill all the necessary requirements.