Good news: scrapping a car needs far less paperwork than people expect. Here's the complete list.
One of the most common worries is paperwork — people assume they need the original registration papers, a current WOF, or a stack of forms. You don't. Here's all that's actually required.
That's the core of it. You do not need a current WOF or registration, and a lost registration certificate doesn't stop the sale.
When the car leaves you, NZTA needs to be told it's been disposed of, so it comes off your name. The steps:
Always confirm it's gone through. Until the registered person is updated, fines, tolls and licensing fees can still attach to you. See our change-of-ownership guide.
Selling a car on finance or an estate vehicle needs a little extra — we cover those in their own guides.
Just photo ID (a NZ driver licence) and the plate number or VIN. You don't need a WOF, current rego, or the original registration papers.
No. A lost registration certificate doesn't stop the sale — it can be completed with your driver licence and the plate number.
A Notice of Disposal is filed with NZTA. We complete it for you at pickup, but always confirm it's gone through.
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