Skip this one step and you can keep getting billed for a car you no longer own. Here's how to do it right.
The biggest mistake people make when getting rid of a car is handing over the keys without telling NZTA. Until the record is updated, you're still the registered person — and tolls, tickets and licensing fees can stay attached to your name. (General guidance — confirm current steps with NZTA Waka Kotahi.)
NZTA doesn't record who "owns" a car — it records the registered person responsible for it. That's the name fees and fines follow, so updating it promptly matters.
File a Notice of Disposal at the time of sale. You can do it online with a RealMe login (processed immediately) or at an NZTA agent such as AA, VTNZ or a PostShop (usually 1–3 business days). It's free.
A reputable scrap car buyer can lodge the disposal for you. We complete the NZTA paperwork at pickup, free — but it's smart to confirm the registered person has updated afterwards.
Neither affects the change of registered person. If the car can't be driven, see our no-WOF, no-rego guide.
If a car is off the road you can put its licence on hold, but backdated fees apply if it's driven again. Disposing of it removes that cost entirely. Diesel vehicles and light EVs also carry Road User Charges (RUC) — make sure any RUC is settled.
You stay the registered person, so the next person's fines, tolls and fees can come back to you. Filing the Notice of Disposal prevents this and is free.
Yes — we complete the disposal notification at pickup, free. It's still wise to confirm it's gone through afterwards.
No. Neither is required to change the registered person or dispose of the vehicle.
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