How to check vehicle license status online in South Africa in 2024
Vehicle registration is a requirement for all vehicle owners in South Africa and you must register yours within the period outlined by the law. Registering your car proves you own it and checking the registration details of a used car you want to buy will help you know its previous owners. This article explains how to check a vehicle's license status online in South Africa.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- How to check a vehicle's license status online in South Africa
- South African vehicle registration
- How do you run a free vehicle number plate check in South Africa?
- How do you find out if your car was in an accident in South Africa?
- What is a VIN number?
- What is considered in a car valuation?
- What is NaTIS?
- How much do you pay to register a vehicle in South Africa?
- Is there a free vehicle registration check in South Africa?
- How to check license disc status online?
- How much does getting a license plate cost on average?
- Can you import an old car into South Africa?
- What side do South Africans drive on?
- How to check if a car is stolen in South Africa?
- How do you check your vehicle status in South Africa?
- How do you pay your car licence online in South Africa?
- What is the penalty for late car license renewal in South Africa?
- How long does it take for vehicle registration?
- How to trace vehicle owner by number plate in South Africa?
- Can a non-resident register a car in South Africa?
When buying a locally used vehicle, confirm its number plate to know whether it is duly registered. The process will help you obtain vital information about the car such as its accident history and ownership. If a car's registration license status does show its previous owners, it might be a sign that you are about to buy a stolen vehicle.
How to check a vehicle's license status online in South Africa
South Africa does not have a centralized information-sharing system for vehicle registration. Therefore, those doing registration or number plate checks use third-party service providers with access to the information. Here is how to check a vehicle's registration status online in South Africa.
1. Using the Vehicle Check website
Source: UGC
Vehicle Check is a South African car information portal for checking an automobile's registration status. The site provides information about the vehicle's outstanding finances, police interest, ownership status, model type, and accident history, among other details.
Here is how to check a car's registration online through the Vehicle Check site.
- Visit the Vehicle Check website.
- Enter your email address to log in.
- Agree with Vehicle Check's Terms of Service.
- Click on "Start Vehicle Check.
- Please ensure your browser is set to allow pop-ups.
- You will be asked to input your credit card details.
- Pay a service fee of R99 per report.
- You will receive an email from Vehicle Check that contains the car's registration status report.
It is worth noting that the portal only provides information about passenger vehicles. Still, it can also provide limited information about commercial automobiles, motorcycles, and trailers. Reports on these are almost always incomplete, though.
What information can you get with Vehicle Check?
Here are the details a car status report from the Vehicle Check website will show you. The results may vary depending on the information available:
- Accident indicator
- Body shape
- Body type
- Carbon emissions
- Color
- Engine number
- Engine size
- Financial history
- Fuel consumption
- Fuel type
- Intro year
- Manufacturer
- Mileage history
- Model type
- Police interest (if the car was stolen)
- Power
- Registration number
- Torque
- Transmission type
- VIN number
- Warranty start date
2. Using the VinDocs website
Source: UGC
VinDocs is another vehicle registration status check portal. It works almost the same way Vehicle Check does. The platform provides information about car registration, conditions, police interests, and accident history. Here is how to do a vehicle registration number lookup using VinDocs:
- Visit the VinDocs website.
- Input the vehicle's VIN number or License Plate.
- Click "Check Now."
- The site provides accurate and up-to-date car details, specs, and history.
What information can you get with VinDocs?
Here is all the information one can get from the First Check website in South Africa:
- Car maintenance history
- Hidden damages and previous repairs
- The vehicle's fair market value
- Mileage verification and history
- Registration number history
- Stolen interest information
- Complete vehicle specifications and equipment details
South African vehicle registration
In South Africa, all vehicle owners—whether the vehicle is new, pre-owned, newly built, or rebuilt—are required to register their vehicle and obtain a registration certificate from the appropriate registration authority.
This process must be completed within 21 days of acquiring the vehicle. Failure to do so within the specified timeframe will result in a fine. Once the vehicle is registered and licensed, a vehicle license plate will be issued.
What is needed to register a new car in South Africa?
Fill out an Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form at a motor vehicle registering authority or download it from the eNaTIS website. To register a new car, you will also need:
- Your identity document (ID)
- Proof of your permanent residential address or a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councilor (if you stay at an informal settlement)
- The manufacturer's certificate containing all the relevant details of the vehicle
- A roadworthy certificate (if it is a heavy load or RTQS vehicle)
What is needed to register a used car in South Africa?
To register a used car, the seller must first complete and submit a Notification of change of ownership (NCO) form notifying a change of ownership. Afterward, you should complete an Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form at a motor vehicle registering authority or download it from the eNaTIS website. You will also need:
- Your identity document (ID)
- Proof of your permanent residential address or a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councilor (if you stay at an informal settlement)
- The vehicle registration certificate (in the seller's name)
- A certificate of roadworthiness if the current certificate is older than 60 days, Proof of purchase of the vehicle
- A valid motor vehicle license (ensure that the licensee fees for the car are up to date)
Source: UGC
What is needed to register a vehicle built from parts?
To register a vehicle built from parts, visit your nearest motor vehicle registration authority and bring the following documents:
- A completed application form for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicles (RLV)
- Your identity card
- Proof of residential address, such as a utility bill
- An affidavit confirming the origin of the parts and details of the work done on the car (from SOA)
- A police clearance (Form RPC)
- A police identification (Form RPI)
- A weighbridge certificate
- Proof of title ownership
- A letter of authority (if applicable)
- If the vehicle is deregistered, the deregistration certificate
What is needed to register a modified vehicle?
To register a modified vehicle, you should visit the nearest vehicle registration authority and bring the following documents:
- A completed application form for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicles (RLV).
- Your identity card.
- Proof of residential address, such as a utility bill.
- An affidavit detailing the origin of the parts used and the modifications made to the vehicle (from SOA).
- Police clearance request (Form RPC).
- Police identification request (Form RPI).
- A weighbridge certificate.
- Proof of ownership title.
- Letter of authority (if applicable).
- Deregistration certificate, if the vehicle has been deregistered.
- Manufacturer’s certificate, previous registration certificate, or affidavit.
How do you run a free vehicle number plate check in South Africa?
You can confirm a car's number plate in South Africa through websites like Vehicle Check and VinDocs. You only need the car's VIN number and email address to check its number plate.
How do you find out if your car was in an accident in South Africa?
Go to websites like Vehicle Check and VinDocs where you can use the car's VIN number to determine if it was in an accident.
What is a VIN number?
A VIN is a 17-digit alphanumeric number often found on the license disc, driver's side door or even where the windshield and dash meet. It is regarded as one of the most important motor vehicle identifier codes.
What is considered in a car valuation?
Numerous factors determine a car's value. The most important ones include its year of manufacture, model, mileage, and condition.
What is NaTIS?
NaTIS is an acronym for the National Traffic Information System, which collects and stores information regarding vehicle registration & licensing, roadworthiness testing, and driver testing & licensing in South Africa.
How much do you pay to register a vehicle in South Africa?
Car registration costs an average of R330 to R530 in South Africa. The fees vary from one province to another.
Source: UGC
Is there a free vehicle registration check in South Africa?
All online service providers will charge you for this service. For only R99 per report, you can verify a car's registration on the Vehicle Check website using its VIN, year, make, model, variant, and other original specifications and features from the factory.
How to check license disc status online?
You can renews your vehicle license online in South Africa through the LIcenceZA website. Register on the website and link and upload all your vehicle, car, caravan, bike, or trailer details.
They will obtain your new vehicle license and deliver it to your preferred location. They will also provide you with an invoice, stating the amount payable, with payment options, and notify you when it's time to renew your license again.
How much does getting a license plate cost on average?
The price depends on the company that serves you and the province you are in. You can pay as low as R2,100 or as high as R113,619 to get a car license plate in South Africa.
Can you import an old car into South Africa?
You can only import a second-hand vehicle into South Africa if permitted by the relevant authorities. The importation of used cars is restricted to protect the local motor vehicle manufacturing industry.
What side do South Africans drive on?
South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road, and all signposts are written in English.
How to check if a car is stolen in South Africa?
To check if a car is stolen in South Africa, you can use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to conduct a search on the South African Police Service (SAPS) or the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) databases.
How do you check your vehicle status in South Africa?
For free online VIN number check in South Africa, you can visit the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) website and use the online vehicle enquiry service.
How do you pay your car licence online in South Africa?
You can pay for vehicle license discs through the National administration traffic information system (NaTIS) online platform. This service saves time and avoids long queues.
What is the penalty for late car license renewal in South Africa?
The penalty for late car license renewal in South Africa is a monthly fee of 10% of the annual licensing fee for each month the renewal is overdue. This penalty accumulates until the license is renewed.
How long does it take for vehicle registration?
After submitting the vehicle registration, you will receive the license plates within four to six weeks. If you are registering a brand-new car, you will be issued a temporary operating permit to use while waiting for the license plates.
How to trace vehicle owner by number plate in South Africa?
To run a number plate check in South Africa, you can use websites like Vehicle Check and VinDocs. You will need to provide the car's VIN number and your email address for the check.
Can a non-resident register a car in South Africa?
If you are a foreigner, you can register a car in South Africa with your permanent residence. Non-residents must register on the eNaTIS (National Transport Information System) and provide foreign identification documents or a traffic register number, with the application process typically taking about six weeks.
It is important to how to check a vehicle's license status online South Africa. Always confirm the number plate of a used car you want to buy to know who owns it and its accident history.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
Briefly.co.za published an article about the Driver license codes in SA. Knowing how to drive can help you land many job opportunities in SA and worldwide. For instance, you can be someone's chauffeur, drive a tourist vehicle, truck, or taxi business to make a living.
SA classifies driving licenses based on the European unified driving license system. Driver's license codes indicate to the authorities limitations or restrictions the driver has on the road.
Source: Briefly News
Peris Walubengo (Lifestyle writer) Peris Walubengo is a content creator with 5 years of experience writing articles, researching, editing, and proofreading. She has a Bachelor of Commerce & IT from the University of Nairobi and joined Briefly.co.za in November 2019. The writer completed a Google News Initiate Course. She covers bios, marketing & finance, tech, fashion & beauty, recipes, movies & gaming reviews, culture & travel. You can email her at perisrodah254@gmail.com.
Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Briefly.co.za, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
