How to Change Owner or Title Holder Particulars for a Vehicle in South Africa

if you find yourself in a situation where you need to change the owner or title holder particulars of a vehicle, it’s important to follow the proper procedures.

Any changes to the vehicle owner or title holder details should be reported to the relevant registering authority within 21 days of the change. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this:

1. Visit Your Nearest Registering Authority

The first step is to visit the nearest registering authority in your area. You’ll need to deal with this process in person, and they will provide you with the necessary forms and guidance. Make sure you bring all the required documents and forms with you.

2. Must Have Proof of Identity

If you are a South African citizen, you should bring a copy of your identity document (ID). For foreign citizens, you must provide both the original and a certified copy of your ID issued by your country of origin. Additionally, if you have a temporary residence permit, make sure to bring it with you.

3. Must Have Proof of Residential Address

You’ll need documentation that confirms your current residential address. This can typically be a utility bill. However, if the utility bill is not in your name, you’ll need to provide an affidavit from the bill’s owner, declaring that you reside at the address. The utility bill should be attached to this affidavit.

For residents of informal settlements, a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your residential address is necessary.

4. Complete the Required Forms

The specific forms you need to complete depend on your circumstances:

5. Selling the Vehicle

If the purpose of changing ownership details is due to a sale, follow these steps:

6. If the Vehicle is Registered to a Company

If the vehicle is registered under a company name, you must also submit a certificate of incorporation or a certificate of name change issued in terms of the Companies Act, or a founding statement.

7. Fee to be Paid

The registering authority will assess your application, and you will be required to pay the prescribed fees, which may vary depending on your province.

8. Additional Documentation

If requested by the registering authority, you may need to provide additional proof to establish your right to be registered as the title holder of the motor vehicle. This could include an invoice or a sales agreement.

If you do not have these documents, you can inquire with your nearest call center or registering authority to determine whether they accept alternative proof.

9. Processing Time

Applications for changing owner or title holder particulars are typically processed on the same day.

By following these steps and ensuring you have the necessary documentation, you can successfully change the owner or title holder particulars for a vehicle. Accurate and up-to-date ownership details are crucial for both legal compliance and personal peace of mind.