Re-register your car

What is re-registration?

If your vehicle registration has been expired for more than 12 months (and if you haven't put it on hold), NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will cancel your registration. You’ll need to re-register it to legally drive on public roads. If your car has been de-registered after being written off or stored, you will need to go through re-registration.

Re-registering a vehicle involves:

1. Making a booking at an NZTA approved site like an AA Vehicle Testing site.
2. Proving ownership and previous registration.
3. Passing an entry compliance inspection (this safety inspection is different from a WOF).
4. Paying the applicable fees to re-register your car and get new licence plates.

Am I eligible to re-register my vehicle?

You can re-register your vehicle if:

• Your vehicle has been registered in NZ before
• The vehicle is in roadworthy condition and meets current safety requirements

How to re-register your vehicle at an AA Vehicle Testing/Compliance site:

STEP ONE: Find a location near you and contact them to make a booking.

STEP TWO: Pay the inspection fee and bring the required documents:

• Proof of vehicle ownership - this can be in the form of the original registration certificate or a bill of sale back to the last registered owner in NZ.
• Proof of previous ownership - if you have bought an unregistered vehicle.
• Valid photo ID - driver’s license or passport.

STEP THREE: The vehicle inspection is carried out. The inspection outcome will determine whether further repairs are necessary or not.

STEP FOUR: When your vehicle passes the inspection, it will be eligible for registration. You will receive the required documentation to register your vehicle at a vehicle licensing agent.

STEP FIVE: Some AA inspection sites are vehicle licensing agents where you will be able to register your vehicle immediately after passing the inspection and receive new plates to attach to your vehicle.

For all other locations, after passing the inspection, you will need to go to a driver & vehicle licensing agent to register your vehicle and receive new plates.

Find AA Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agent

Locations for vehicle re-registration

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the costs of re-registering a vehicle?

The price will vary depending on the make, model, year and condition of your vehicle. We can quote you on the price when you contact us to make the booking. 

How do I get my unregistered vehicle to the inspections site?

You cannot legally drive an unregistered vehicle on public roads. You will need to bring it on a trailer or fill in a conditional permit and safety check sheet and have them with you when you drive the vehicle to the inspection site.

Conditional permit for uncertified vehicles

Vehicle safety check sheet

Please read the conditions for the conditional permit carefully. We strongly recommend having the vehicle insured before driving it on public roads. 

What happens if my vehicle fails the inspection?

If your vehicle does not pass the entry compliance inspection, you'll need to make the necessary repairs and bring the vehicle back for a re-inspection. Common reasons for failure include worn brakes, faulty lights, or structural rust.