Selling a Car in NZ: The Paperwork (MR13B Explained)

Selling a car in New Zealand isn't complicated, but getting the paperwork wrong can leave you liable for a vehicle you no longer own — unpaid rego, parking fines, even towing costs. Here's the plain-English version of what's involved, and exactly what we handle for you.

The key form: NZTA MR13B

When a vehicle changes hands in NZ, the sale is recorded with NZTA (Waka Kotahi). The seller notifies NZTA that they've sold or disposed of the vehicle — historically via the MR13B "notice of person selling or disposing of a motor vehicle" — and the buyer notifies NZTA that they've acquired it. Once that's done, the vehicle comes off your record and onto the new owner's.

This matters because until NZTA is notified, you are still the registered person — responsible for the vehicle's rego, and on the hook for anything it accrues. Completing the change of ownership properly is what protects you.

What you need to sell

• Photo ID — an NZ driver licence is ideal.
• Proof of ownership — registration papers, a previous sale invoice, or similar. If you can't find the papers, don't panic — it rarely blocks a sale.
• The vehicle's details — plate number, or VIN, or make and model.

You do not need a current WOF or registration to sell an unwanted or scrap vehicle to a wrecker. A car that's failed its WOF, is deregistered, or hasn't moved in years can still be sold and removed.

How we handle it for you

When we collect your vehicle, we bring the change-of-ownership form and complete it with you on-site. You sign, we lodge our side, and the vehicle is properly transferred out of your name. If the car needs deregistering (permanently taking it off the road, which is normal for scrap and end-of-life vehicles), we take care of that too. You just need to be there with your ID.

Deregistration vs. change of ownership

There's a difference worth knowing. A change of ownership transfers the vehicle to a new keeper. Deregistration permanently retires the vehicle from the road — appropriate when a car is being scrapped rather than driven again. For most cars we buy for scrap or dismantling, deregistration is the right path, and it's part of what we handle.

A few things to do before we arrive

• Remove your belongings — check the glovebox, boot, under the seats and door pockets.
• Cancel your insurance on the vehicle once it's sold, so you're not paying premiums on a car that's gone.
• Keep any personalised plate you want to retain — arrange to transfer or hold it before the car leaves, as it's much harder afterwards.
• Have your ID ready for the transfer.

That's genuinely all there is to it. We keep the paperwork side simple so selling your car is a five-minute job, not an afternoon of forms. Questions? Call 079 292 332.