Ask an expert

I am negotiating to buy a hobby vehicle which has the registration on hold.

How is the change of ownership handled?

Russell

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

I don't see too many problems providing you complete the MR3 change of ownership form and have (and retain) evidence of proof of ownership.

No doubt you will draft up a letter of purchase and get the signature of the seller to confirm the sale.

The ownership papers sent to you from LTNZ are a paper trail of ownership more than a legal document.

Be careful though, and be aware if the registration is on hold and the vehicle has an expired Warrant of Fitness then the WoF must be obtained before the registration can be reinstated.

Also ask for proof the registration has been placed on hold. You could do an AA Vehicle History Report for example to check the registration history.

Failure to place the registration on hold correctly could mean the vehicle has to undergo a full compliance check before it can be warranted and registered.