1. Home
  2. FAQs: Motor Vehicle Administration

FAQs: Motor Vehicle Administration

Services
driving licence_carousel.jpg

The Western Cape Mobility Department (WCMD) offers various motor vehicle administration services to the citizens of the Western Cape.

Note: Motorists must verify all personal and address particulars with any motor vehicle or driving licence transaction.  These documents can be used as proof.

Here are the most frequently asked questions.

Licence Number FAQs

Application Questions

What Are Your Contact Details?

Tel: 0860 212 414
SMS and Please Call Me: 079 769 1207
Fax: 021 483 7216
E-mail: service@westerncape.gov.za
Twitter: @WCGov_Mobility

 How Do I Apply to Register and License a New Motor Vehicle in My Name?

  1. Complete an application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle form (RLV) and submit to your appropriate registering authority.
  2. The cost of the registration fee is R270 only if the registration takes place within 21 days after the date of liability. The licence fee depends on the tare of the vehicle. It is calculated at the registering authority. If a vehicle is financed, the title holder must register first and then the new owner must license vehicle.
  3. The documents required include a manufacturer's certificate the applicant's ID and proof of address. The Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW) is only required if it is a RTQS vehicle.

How Do I Apply to Register and License a Used Motor Vehicle in My Name?

  1. Complete an application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form and submit to your appropriate registering authority.
  2. The cost of the registration fee is R270 only if the registration takes place within 21 days after the date of liability. The licence fee depends on the tare of the vehicle. It is calculated at the registering authority. If the licence has expired, the licence fees, arrears and penalties must be paid. 
  3. The documents required include a registration certificate in the seller's name,completed Notice of Change of Ownership / Sale of Motor Vehicle (NCO) form a copy of the seller and buyers ID, proof of address for the buyer , the Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW) if current CRW is older than 60 days. The applicant can register and licence a vehicle without a CRW.
  4. The appropriate registering authority can calculate fees. 

How Do I Apply to Register and License a Built-Up Motor Vehicle in My Name?

  1. Complete an application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form and submit to your appropriate registering authority.
  2. The cost of the registration fee is R270. The licence fee depends on the tare of the vehicle and is calculated at the registering authority.
  3. The documents required include a

    • deregistration certificate,

    • Request to introduce a motor vehicle / update motor vehicle particulars (RIM) from

    • a copy of applicant’s ID,

    • Mass Measuring Certificate / Weight Certificate,

    • Confirmation of Information by Examiner of Motor Vehiles if vehicle is a trailer

    • SOA (if built up from parts),

    • Receipts of chassis, engine and parts purchased

    • RPI or RPC if vehicle is on the system.  

  4. The vehicle must be registered and licensed in the buyer's name within 21 days after acquisition of a stamped RPC from South African Police Service (SAPS) clearance.

How Do I License My Motor Vehicle with a MVL2 Renewal Notice?

  1. Go to the appropriate registering authority.
  2. Only submit an MVL2 form if still within the 21-day grace period.
  3. The cost to license the motor vehicle will be reflected on the renewal notice. To check the amount of the renewal you can go to your appropriate registering authority or call the City of Cape Town's Call Centre at 0860 103 089. You can also visit the RTMC website at www.rtmc.co.za or the Western Cape Mobility Department.

How Do I Renew My Motor Vehicle Licence without a Renewal Notice?

  1. Go to the appropriate registering authority.
  2. Complete an Application for Licensing of a Motor Vehicle ALV form. 
  3. Pay appropriate licence fee according to the tare of the MV.
  4. You need to present your ID and proof of address.

How Do I Obtain Information about a Motor Vehicle?

  1. The information is confidential.
  2. Details can only be confirmed. You can apply to the registering authority using an ACV application form and your ID.
  3. The cost is R22 per record.

How and Where Do I Change My Address or Person's Particulars?

  1. Submit a completed NCP application form to the appropriate registering authority.
  2. You need to present your ID.
  3. Proof of residence will be required in the form of a utility bill for change of address.

How Do I Apply for a Duplicate Registration/Deregistration Certificate?

  1. A completed Application for Duplicate Registration/Deregistration Certificate (DRC) form needs to be submitted at the appropriate registering authority.
  2. You need to present your ID and proof of residential and postal address.
  3. The applicant must be the title holder and must apply in person at the appropriate registering authority.
  4. The cost is R165 if the original is lost, destroyed or stolen, and R33 if the original registration document is submitted to the registering authority.

May I Apply for a Duplicate Registration/Deregistration Certificate if I'm Not the Title Holder?

  1. Yes, if permission was granted by the province and the title holder. An application letter to the province and the title holder's ID is required.

  2. What forms do I complete and what documents do I need?

    • You must apply using the Application for Duplicate Registration / Deregistration Certificate (DRC) form,
    • The title holder must state in a letter the reason(s) why he/she cannot apply for the duplicate registration certificate in person and must be companied by the relevant proof.  This can be in the form of a medical certificate, stamped passport to proof the person is abroad, proof of incarceration, etc),
    • A letter from the titleholder of the vehicle authorising the person to apply for the duplicate registration certificate, 
    • A certified copy of the titleholder's ID,
    • ID of the person collecting the authorisation letter for the duplicate registration certificate, and
    • A letter from the authorised person who is going to obtain the registration certificate with their contact details.  The authorised person must take the original authorisation letter and their ID to the Appropriate Registering Authority of the Title Holder for processing. 

  3. Where do I go?

  4. What is the cost?
    • R165.00 if the original cannot be presented.  R33.00 if the original registration certificate is submitted to registering authority.

An appointed executor or executrix may apply at the appropriate registering authority of the deceased for a duplicate registration certificate.

How Do I Deregister (Scrap) My Motor Vehicle?

  1. An Application for Deregistration of a Motor Vehicle (ADV) form needs to be completed and submitted to the appropriate registering authority.
  2. Your ID and the original registration certificate (if lost, a duplicate at the cost of R165 needs to be applied for).
  3. The cost depends on the expiry date of the licence. There is no cost if the licence is valid. If the licence expired, the cost is one month arrears plus one month penalties for every month after expiry date.
  4. All arrear fees must be paid in full before deregistration can take place.

What Must I Do if I Sold or Disposed of My Motor Vehicle?

  1. You give notice to the appropriate registering authority.
  2. The cost depends on the expiry date of the licence. The vehicle must be sold with a valid licence. The grace period of 21 days does not apply for the selling of a motor vehicle which implies that the vehicle must be sold on or before the licence expiry date.
  3. Your ID is required.
  4. You need to submit a completed and signed (seller and buyer) NCO application form.

In the event when the buyer has failed to sign the NCO, the seller may do a SAPS Affidavit whereby he/she will indicate to whom the vehicle was sold as well as specify the date sold.  Name(s), Surname and identification number of the buyer is mandatory.

How Do I Test My Motor Vehicle for Roadworthiness?

  1. You need to go to a vehicle testing station.

How Do I Obtain Vehicle Clearance if the Car's Engine or Chassis Number has Changed?

  1. Apply at the appropriate registering authority for a Request for Police Clearance (RPC) form.
  2. You need to complete an HD/APC or CNV application form.
  3. Vehicle clearance can be obtained at the closest vehicle clearance unit/office in Cape Town:
    • Address: 5 Osbourne Street, Bellville South
    • Tel: 021 905 1120

    or

    • Address: C/o La Belle Road and Watt Street, Stikland
    • Tel: 021 945 3898
  4. There is no cost involved only if a new chassis or engine number needs to be embossed.

Where Do I Take My Car to be Weighed?

  1. A scrapyard or any registered outlet.
  2. The cost is determined by the weighbridge centre.

Complete the Mass Measuring Certificate (MMC) and identify the chassis of the vehicle in question.

How Do I Change My Motor Vehicle Particulars (Description and Category)?

  1. Documents you need to complete include:
    • Change of Particulars and Notice in respect of the Motor Vehicle (CNV) form.
    • Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW) or confirmation from examiner of vehicles (form HD/ER).
    • A weighbridge certificate (MMC).
    • In the case of modifications, a certificate of compliance by a registered manufacturer, importer or builder (MIB) will have to be submitted.
  2. Submit forms to appropriate registering authority.
  3. A duplicate registration certificate with the amendments must be requested at the appropriate registering authority at a cost of R33 if the applicant is in possession of a current registration certificate. If not, the cost is R165.

How Do I Apply for Special Classification?

  1. Documents that need to be submitted include a completed ELF1 form and your ID. Vintage motor vehicles must have a letter from the vintage club if manufacturer does not exist and if the vehicle was manufactured before 1965.
  2. You can apply at the appropriate registering authority.
  3. If the application is approved the annual licence fees will be R90.

How Do I Register a Vehicle if I have Imported the Vehicle from a Neighbouring Country?

  1. You need to complete and submit an application for Registration and Licensing of a Motor Vehicle (RLV) form. You can apply at the appropriate Registering Authority.
  2. To register the vehicle, you need a SAD 500, SAPS identification (RPI), Weighbridge Certificate, LOA and a Foreign Registration Certificate.

Licence Number FAQs

Provincial Helpdesk

  1. Tel: 021 483 5995
  2. Email: tal.clientservices@westerncape.gov.za
  3. Fax: 021 483 7332

How Do I Apply for a Special Licence Number?

  1. You need to complete an SLN1 form and submit a copy of your RSA ID. If it is a business, a business registration certificate and proxy's ID. If it is a trust or a non-profit organisation, a copy of the Traffic Register Number and a copy of the proxy's RSA ID.
  2. Applications can be posted or faxed to the Transport Administration and Licensing directorate within the Department of Transport and Public Works or emailed to tal.numberplates@westerncape.gov.za.

How Do I Apply for Replacement (lost or damaged) Special Number Plates?

  1. Complete and submit an SLN1 form.
  2. Cost is determined by the authorised number plate manufacturer.
  3. Applications can be posted or faxed to the Transport Administration and Licensing directorate within the Western Cape Mobility Department.

How Do I Apply for a Duplicate Personalised Licence Number Registration Certificate?

  1. Complete and submit a SLN1 form and a certified copy of your RSA ID. If it's for a business, you must submit a business registration certificate and a copy of the proxy's ID. If it is a trust or non-profit organisation, you must submit a copy of the Traffic Register Number and a copy of the proxy's RSA ID.
  2. The cost is R165. The application can be posted, faxed or emailed.

How Do I Transfer a Licence Number from One Vehicle to Another in the Same Owner's Name?

  1. Complete and submit a SLN2 and RLV form if it is not registered in the same owner's name and your ID or business certificate to the appropriate registering authority.
  2. Applicable licence fees are payable and a R50 allocation fee.

How Do I Surrender a Special Licence Number?

  1. You need to complete and submit an SLN1 form and a Personalised Licence Number Certificate (PLN2).
  2. Number plates must be returned to the Transport Administration and Licensing directorate within the Department of Transport and Public Works.
  3. No cost

How Do I Get My Licence Number back if I Sold/Deregistered My Motor Vehicle?

  1. You need to complete and submit an SLN2 form and your RSA ID to the Transport Administration and Licensing directorate within the Western Cape Mobility Department.
  2. If approved, the cost is R100.

How Do I Change My Licence Number if Somebody Else is Illegally Using Duplicate Number Plates?

  1. You need to complete and submit an SLN2, supporting documentation and present a copy of your RSA ID to the Transport Administration and Licensing directorate within the Western Cape Mobility Department.
  2. Only a pro-rata licence fee is payable at the appropriate registering authority.
  3. The cost of the new number plates is for the applicants account.

Application Questions

What Forms and Documents Do I Need to Complete for the Consideration for Cancellation of Outstanding Licence Fees?

  1. A letter detailing the chain of events leading up to the vehicle being unlicensed. The letter must reflect the vehicle identifiers as well as the applicant's particulars.
  2. The financial report in reference to motor vehicle licence fee debtors and the application for the writing off of arrear motor registration fees and penalties or arrear licence fees and penalties must be completed by the applicant.
  3. These forms can be obtained at the registering authorities or at the Western Cape Mobility Department.
  4. The relevant substantiating proof must accompany the application.
  5. The final decision for the consideration of the removal of the fees is made by the Branch Adjudicating Committee (BAC).

Which Forms and Documents Do I Need to Complete for a Refund of Licence Fees?

  1. A RLF application form and a Credit Order Instruction form.
  2. The owner of the vehicle's ID or the proxy's ID and the business registration certificate (if business).
  3. The refund will only be considered if the Credit Order Instruction form is signed and stamped by the bank.
  4. The unused licence disc must be attached.
  5. The money can only be paid into a bank account.
  6. If the applicant doesn't have their own bank account then he/she can use someone else's account but this is done at his/her own risk.
  7. Forms may be obtained at the appropriate registering authority after which the completed forms must be submitted to the Western Cape Mobility Department.

How Do I Register as a Motor Dealer and/or Apply for Trade Plates?

  1. You need to complete and submit an MTN1 form for registration as a motor dealer and to obtain a Motor Trade Number (Trade Plates) as well as temporary permits. Complete an ADS form for registration as a motor dealer only.
  2. Other documents required include a letter describing the nature of the business. A Business registration Certificate (CK1 or a certificate issued by CIPRO) or Traffic Register Number Certificate is required for a one-man business. A copy of the proxy and representative's ID must be attached.
  3. Submit to the appropriate registering authority.
  4. The cost is R100 for the application in respect of each motor trade number. R753 for one set of plates in respect of each motor vehicle. R153 for one set of plates in respect of motor cycle.
  5. Business must be registered with the SAPS as a 2nd hand goods dealer.

What is the Difference between Trade Plates and Temporary Permits?

  1. What is the purpose of a Trade Plate     

    It is used by a registered Motor Dealer to deliver motor vehicles within the Republic, sale, exchange, repair or building of a permanent structure on such motor vehicle.

    There are 2 types of permits:    

  • Special Permit (3 Day Permit): Valid for 3 days (motor dealers are not allowed to issue special permits) No passengers.  Used to proceed or return from a place of repair, reach an examiner of vehicles or a mass measuring apparatus.
  • Temporary Permit (21 Day Permit): Used to deliver a motor vehicle within the Republic by or to such person.  Delivered within the Republic by or to a motor dealer. Valid for 21 days from date of issue.  In the case of a used motor vehicle, such vehicle must have a valid Certificate of Roadworthiness (CRW)

Blank Temporary Permit Books

  1. Only ten blank permits per book will be issued to motor dealers. The counterfoils of these permits must be duly completed by the motor dealer and returned to the registering authority before they may be issued with another book.
  2. Expired Trade Plates
    • If an application for licensing of a Motor Trade Number (MTN) is not received within three months from date of expiry , the MTN will be cancelled. The applicant therefore has to apply for a new MTN.
  3. Change of Details of Business
    • Should an applicant wish to amend particulars of his/her business such as a proxy, representative or address a notice in reference of change of particulars (NCP) must be completed together with all applicable source documents to effect the change.
  4. In the event an administration mark has been placed either on the person's record or motor vehicle, the applicable authority concerned must be contacted.