What documents do I need to sell my damaged car?

You will normally need the vehicle registration certificate (logbook), your South African ID or passport, and proof of ownership. If the logbook is missing you can provide a sworn affidavit and Sell Your Damaged Car will guide you through replacement documentation.

My car still has a finance bond or outstanding loan - can you buy it?

Sell Your Damaged Car can purchase vehicles with outstanding finance, but the bond holder must be settled before ownership can transfer. We can obtain settlement figures and coordinate payment to the lender as part of the sale process.

How do you handle transfer of ownership and deregistration for non-running or written-off vehicles?

We prepare and submit the required transfer forms, collect the necessary signatures, and lodge paperwork with the relevant licensing authority (eNaTIS or municipal licensing office) to complete transfer and, where applicable, deregistration. You will receive written confirmation of the transfer and payment once the process is complete.

Are there tax or VAT obligations I should be aware of when selling my damaged car?

Private sellers are generally not required to charge VAT on a single private vehicle sale, but businesses or VAT-registered sellers must account for VAT. For income tax or capital gains considerations, consult a tax advisor for advice specific to your circumstances.

What happens if my car is part of an insurance claim or a police case?

If the vehicle is subject to an insurance claim or police investigation we will require written clearance from the insurer or police before transfer can proceed. Disclose any open claims or cases up-front so we can advise on the documents needed to lawfully complete the sale.

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Cost to Renew Expired License Disc for Scrap Cars - South Africa Guide

Cost to Renew Expired License Disc for Scrap Cars in South Africa - What You Need to Know

Learn about the cost, process, and legalities of renewing expired license discs vs. deregistering scrap cars in SA. Avoid penalties and make the best choice.

Published:January 14, 2026

4 min read

Overview: What Happens When a License Disc Expires on a Scrap Car?

If your car is no longer running or is destined for scrap, you may be wondering whether you must renew the expired license disc - and what's involved. In South Africa, every vehicle on the road must have a valid license disc, but the rules change for damaged, accident-written-off, or non-operational vehicles you're planning to deregister or sell for salvage.

For many owners in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and nationwide, an expired license disc on a scrap car raises crucial questions about penalties, legal obligations, and costs. Understanding the basics can save you unnecessary expenses - or help you avoid complications at the time of sale or deregistration.

When Do You Need to Renew vs. Deregister?

If you intend to keep or drive the car, renewal (and payment of all arrears/penalties) is mandatory.
If the car is no longer roadworthy and will be scrapped, consider deregistering as "permanently unfit for use" to avoid further fees.
If you wish to sell to a scrap or salvage buyer, a valid license is often preferred, but not always strictly required.

Navigating these choices involves balancing cost, legal requirements, and the sale or scrapping process. Let's compare the numbers and outline your best options.

Table: Cost Breakdown - Renew vs. Deregister for a Scrap Car (2024 Estimates)

Option	Typical Costs per Year (est.)	Other Fees	Legal Impact
Renew License Disc	R600 - R1,500 (private vehicles, varies by province/weight)	Penalty for each expired month: ~R27-50 (accumulates), admin fee R72+	Keeps vehicle "active" on eNaTIS, but you're liable for all future fees unless deregistered
Deregister as Scrap	R0 (No annual renewal needed post-deregistration)	Potential admin fee (~R180), outstanding fees/penalties may be payable	Vehicle removed from system (no future costs or liabilities)

Consideration: If your vehicle is beyond repair, scrapping and deregistering is usually more cost-effective than renewing an expired license disc, especially if considerable arrears or penalties have accrued.

Process: Renewing an Expired License Disc vs. Deregistration in South Africa

To renew an expired license, you typically need to settle all outstanding fees and penalties at your provincial licensing department, provide a valid ID and proof of address, and complete the renewal application. For cars that are being scrapped, you should submit a deregistration application instead, often with supporting documentation from a scrap dealer or buying service and a police clearance in cases of accident-write-off.

Key Tips to Manage Expired Discs for Scrap Cars

Don't ignore license disc arrears: Penalties grow monthly and you remain legally liable until you deregister the vehicle.
Talk to your scrap/Salvage buyer first: Some buyers, like Sell Your Damaged Car, can assist with deregistration or take vehicles with expired licenses (though deductions or paperwork needs may apply).
If the car is under finance: You usually need bank consent (often a settlement) before deregistration or sale for scrap.
Provide a police affidavit/statement: Required if the vehicle is a write-off or permanently unfit for use.
Keep paperwork: Copies of deregistration and sale documents for future reference or proof to avoid ongoing charges.

SA-Specific Note: Salvage & Scrap Market Practices

In South Africa, many buyers and official scrap yards prefer a clear paper trail. Renewing an expired license disc can make a private sale easier, but isn't legally required for vehicles being permanently scrapped or deregistered - especially when you use a reputable service that manages documentation and deregistration on your behalf, as Sell Your Damaged Car does nationwide (Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and more).

What Happens After Selling or Deregistering?

Your liability for future license fees and penalties ends once the car is deregistered as scrap.
If you sell to a licensed salvage buyer, get confirmation that ownership and deregistration are completed in your name.
Keep your proof of sale, deregistration, and any police clearance for peace of mind.

Practical Example: A Cape Town owner with a 2012 sedan and two years of arrears faces R2,000+ in penalties if renewing the license disc, versus a one-off admin fee to deregister for scrap and avoid escalating costs.

Cost to Renew Expired License Disc for Scrap Cars in South Africa - What You Need to Know

Overview: What Happens When a License Disc Expires on a Scrap Car?

When Do You Need to Renew vs. Deregister?

Table: Cost Breakdown - Renew vs. Deregister for a Scrap Car (2024 Estimates)

Process: Renewing an Expired License Disc vs. Deregistration in South Africa

Key Tips to Manage Expired Discs for Scrap Cars

SA-Specific Note: Salvage & Scrap Market Practices

What Happens After Selling or Deregistering?

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What documents do I need to sell my damaged car?

What documents do I need to sell my damaged car?

My car still has a finance bond or outstanding loan - can you buy it?

My car still has a finance bond or outstanding loan - can you buy it?

How do you handle transfer of ownership and deregistration for non-running or written-off vehicles?

How do you handle transfer of ownership and deregistration for non-running or written-off vehicles?

Are there tax or VAT obligations I should be aware of when selling my damaged car?

Are there tax or VAT obligations I should be aware of when selling my damaged car?

What happens if my car is part of an insurance claim or a police case?

What happens if my car is part of an insurance claim or a police case?

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