How to check vehicle license status online in South Africa in 2024

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.

How to check vehicle registration status online in South Africa
Photo: canva.com (modified by author)
Source: UGC

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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.

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Using the Vehicle Check website

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.

How to check a vehicle's license status
A screenshot of the Vehicle Check website. Photo: vehiclecheck.co.za
Source: UGC
  • Enter the car's VIN number.
  • Enter your email address.
  • 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.

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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

Using the VinDocs website

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:

How to check vehicle license status online
A screenshot of the Vehicle Check website. Photo: vindocs.co.za
Source: UGC
  • 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.

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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

How do you run a 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.

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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.

how to check a vehicle's license status online
A Land Rover vehicle driving off the road. Photo: pexels.com, @Mike B
Source: UGC

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.

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)

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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)

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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.

How to check vehicle license status online
An Audi car entering the road. Photo: pexels.com, @Mike B
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 do you renew your license disc 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.

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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.

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.

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Briefly.co.za published an article about the African countries with the best road networks. Roads are essential aspects of a country's infrastructure and are often the foundation on which other economic sectors are based.

Developed countries typically have excellent road networks, enabling the easy and efficient movement of goods across the country. Several African countries have made huge strides and boast excellent road networks.

Source: Briefly News

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