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Documents Needed for Buying Used Cars in South Africa - Checklist & Tips

Overview: Why documents matter when buying a used car in South Africa

When you buy a used car in South Africa, the paperwork is as important as the mechanical check. Proper documents prove legal ownership, reveal finance or lien status, confirm roadworthiness, and make transfer smooth. This guide lists the documents needed for buying used cars South Africa buyers should request, what each document tells you, and practical steps to reduce risk when completing the sale.

Key documents to request

Proof of identity for seller and buyer (national ID or passport).
Vehicle registration document (the official registration certificate / log book).
Roadworthy certificate (issued by an accredited testing station where required for transfer).
Proof of address for both parties (utility bill or bank statement dated within 3 months).
A clear written sales agreement or invoice showing price, vehicle details (VIN/chassis number), and signatures of both parties.
If sold by a dealer: VAT invoice or declaration (if the dealer is a VAT vendor).
If the vehicle was financed: a written statement confirming settlement of finance or a clearance letter from the finance company.
Service history and receipts (if available) to corroborate mileage and repairs.

Document checks to perform on the spot

Match the VIN/chassis number on the vehicle to the registration document and service records.
Verify the seller's ID against the name on the registration certificate.
Confirm vehicle licence disc or e-version is current and that outstanding fines or e-toll issues are disclosed.

Note: If you see discrepancies (mismatched VIN, missing registration, or the seller cannot provide proof of settled finance), pause the transaction and seek verification from the finance provider or the registering authority.

When to sell vs repair (reframed for buyers: buy repaired or buy for repair?)

Buyers often face a choice: purchase a vehicle that appears repaired after an accident, or buy a damaged/non-running car to repair. Your document checklist differs depending on which route you take.

Buying a repaired car

Request full repair invoices and parts receipts to confirm the quality and scope of work.
Ask for a pre-sale inspection report or professional mechanic’s assessment.
Verify whether the vehicle was written off previously - this can affect insurance and resale value.

Buying a car to repair

If you're buying a non-running or damaged car, you should additionally request clear photos of damage, any salvage paperwork, and accurate details on outstanding finance. For guidance on selling or disposing of non-running vehicles, see our Sell Non-Running Car page for an example of how buyers might check salvage paths.

How the process works (from documents to transfer)

A typical used-car purchase in South Africa follows these document-driven steps:

Agree sale terms and sign a written sales agreement quoting vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN) and price.
Seller provides registration papers and a roadworthy certificate if required by the registering authority.
Both parties provide ID and proof of address to the licensing office or an authorised agent to complete the transfer.
The purchaser pays transfer fees and any applicable charges; the registration is updated to the buyer’s name.

For an overview of services that can assist with collection and paperwork when vehicles are non-running or damaged, our About / How it works page explains practical options for buyers and sellers handling difficult vehicles.

Repair cost (est.)	Typical value retained after repair
Minor cosmetic: R2,000-R8,000	High (80-95%)
Moderate structural/engine repair: R10,000-R40,000	Moderate (50-75%)
Severe damage / salvage rebuild: R40,000+	Low (below 50%)

These ranges are illustrative for South African conditions and depend on vehicle age, model, and local labour and parts costs. Always verify with a qualified mechanic and request written invoices for any completed repairs.

Legal & paperwork in SA: compulsory checks and tips

In South Africa, transfer of ownership must be lodged with the registering authority. Key legal and paperwork points to verify:

Outstanding finance: confirm with the finance company that any loan secured against the vehicle has been settled. If finance remains, get written confirmation of clearance on transfer.
Written-off or salvage history: ask whether the vehicle was declared a write-off previously - this affects insurance and future resale value.
Stolen vehicle checks: obtain a police clearance or check with recognised vehicle history services where possible.
Transfer documents and fees: keep receipts for transfer fees and ensure the new registration document is issued in the buyer’s name.

What to do if the vehicle is under finance

If the seller’s vehicle is still financed, a settlement figure from the finance provider is required. Many buyers avoid transactions where finance is unresolved because the lender can repossess the vehicle. If a sale proceeds, record the finance clearance in writing and ensure the registration office notes full settlement before transfer.

Tips to maximise buyer protection

Get documentation in writing: always use a signed sales agreement that lists vehicle condition and included items.
Use a licensed agent or do the transfer at your local registering authority to avoid fraud.
Request original documents rather than photocopies where feasible. Record the seller’s contact details and ID number.
Consider a professional vehicle inspection and a vehicle history check for reassurance on mileage and accident history.

Damage type	Typical impact on buyer considerations
Minor dents / cosmetic	Low impact if repaired professionally; request receipts.
Structural/frame damage	High impact; get structural report and confirm alignment/insurance history.
Flood or fire damage	Significant risk to electronics and insurance; full disclosure and specialist checks recommended.

What happens after transfer and practical next steps

Once transfer is lodged and fees paid, the registering authority will issue a new registration certificate in the buyer’s name. Keep copies of all documents: sales agreement, proof of payment, and transfer receipt. If you plan to insure the vehicle immediately, insurers will request proof of ownership and may request the registration certificate and roadworthy certificate.

For buyers dealing with damaged or non-running stock, services that specialise in handling difficult vehicles can be helpful; for example, our Sell Damaged Cars page explains common documentation and collections for cars sold in poor condition, which can guide buyers evaluating salvage purchases.

Quick buyer checklist

ID and proof of address for both parties.
Original vehicle registration and roadworthy certificate (where required).
Signed sales agreement with vehicle details and seller signatures.
Written proof of finance settlement if applicable.
Service history, invoices, and independent inspection report if possible.

Documents Needed for Buying Used Cars in South Africa - Complete Checklist

Essential Documents

Check for Finance & History

Transfer Best Practice

Overview: Why documents matter when buying a used car in South Africa

Key documents to request

Document checks to perform on the spot

When to sell vs repair (reframed for buyers: buy repaired or buy for repair?)

Buying a repaired car

Buying a car to repair

How the process works (from documents to transfer)

Legal & paperwork in SA: compulsory checks and tips

What to do if the vehicle is under finance

Tips to maximise buyer protection

What happens after transfer and practical next steps

Quick buyer checklist

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What documents do I need to sell my damaged car?

What documents do I need to sell my damaged car?

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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?

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

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