Car Selling Documents in Western Cape: What You Need for a Smooth, Legal Sale

Essential Documents to Sell Your Car in the Western Cape

When you sell a car in the Western Cape-whether your vehicle is damaged, non-running, or written off-having the correct car selling documents is crucial to ensure a legal, stress-free transaction. Proper paperwork protects both seller and buyer and is a requirement under South African law. This guide, written for Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Paarl and surrounds, lists each document you need, explains the process, and highlights common pitfalls.

The Basic Paperwork Checklist

• Original Vehicle Registration Certificate (NaTIS, known as the 'logbook')
• Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) form (yellow form, SAPS 334)
• Proof of identity (ID book or card)
• Roadworthy Certificate (if required; not always needed for salvage sales)
• Proof of residential address (recent utility bill)
• Settlement letter & bank details (if vehicle is under finance)

How the Car Selling Document Process Works

The Western Cape Provincial Administration requires certain steps and documentation, whether you sell privately, to a dealership, or to a service like Sell Your Damaged Car. Here is the sequence:

1. Complete the NCO form together with the buyer.
2. Hand over the original NaTIS registration document to the buyer.
3. If the vehicle is sold as 'non-runner', 'damaged', or written-off, note this clearly during the sale, including on supporting forms.
4. Submit the change of ownership at your nearest licensing office or online (if available in your municipality).

Comparing Required Documents: Standard vs Salvage Sales

*For accident-damaged cars being sold for salvage, a roadworthy certificate is not always necessary. Confirm with your buyer and the Western Cape Traffic Department.

Paperwork Pitfalls & How to Avoid Liability in the Western Cape

• Always complete the Notification of Change of Ownership as soon as the car is sold. This prevents fines or licence fees being charged to you after the sale.
• Keep copies (scans/photos) of all forms submitted, including proof of handover or deregistration-especially when dealing with damaged vehicles.
• If selling to a business (like Sell Your Damaged Car), confirm they'll handle deregistration and final paperwork on your behalf.

Special Situations: Settled Finance, Deregistration & Non-Runner Cars

• Car Under Finance: The finance house must supply a settlement letter, and the titleholder (usually the bank) will manage the NaTIS paperwork. No sale can occur without bank release, so plan ahead.
• Non-Running or Accident-Damaged Cars: If your car is deregistered due to being unfit for the road, provide the deregistration document along with the original NaTIS and NCO form. Services like Sell Your Damaged Car can assist with this process and collect the car at no fee.

Car Document Support For Cape Town, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Beyond

Whether you're a private seller or a small business with multiple damaged vehicles, ensuring you have all car selling documents means a clean, speedy transfer with no liability risk. The right buyer will walk you through each step, confirm proof of collection and issue a transaction record for your peace of mind. For a sample process, see our "Sell Damaged Cars" or "Sell Non-Running Car" pages.

Sources

• Western Cape Provincial Department of Transport & Public Works - Official Vehicle Registration Services
• SARS Guide to Driving Licences and Vehicle Registration
• eNaTIS - Registration of Motor Vehicle
• Sell Your Damaged Car - About Our Hassle-Free Process