Overview: Why Paperwork Matters When Selling Your Car
Whether you're selling an accident-damaged car, a non-runner, or a standard used vehicle in South Africa, handling the correct paperwork is essential for a legal and hassle-free transaction. Proper documentation protects sellers from future liability, enables the buyer to register the car in their name, and ensures that deregistration or salvage status is processed correctly. This guide covers the paperwork needed to sell any car-private, fleet, or salvage-across South Africa's provinces.
Tip for sellers: Missing or incomplete paperwork can result in fines, delays in payment, or legal problems. Secure each document before the handover or collection.
Key Paperwork Required to Sell a Car in SA
- Original South African ID (seller's and, if applicable, co-owners')
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (NATIS, also known as a logbook)
- Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) Form (form yellow, government reference: NCO/Yellow)
- Proof of Address (not older than 3 months)
- Settlement Letter (only if vehicle is under finance)
- Roadworthy Certificate (if the car is to be relicensed by the buyer; damaged or non-running cars may be exempt if sold for salvage or parts only)
- Signed sales agreement or offer acceptance (with business sellers or professional buyers like Sell Your Damaged Car)
Document Table: Summary and When Each Applies
| Document |
Who Provides |
Always Needed? |
SA Notes |
| ID Document |
Seller, Buyer |
Yes |
Clear copy required, co-owners must sign |
| Registration Certificate (NATIS) |
Seller |
Yes |
Must be the latest issued by licensing office |
| NCO Form |
Both |
Yes |
Notifies eNatis. Seller and buyer both sign |
| Proof of Address |
Seller, Buyer |
Yes |
Utility bill/bank statement, not older than 3 months |
| Settlement Letter (if financed) |
Bank/Finance House |
If financed |
All payments/clearance must be complete |
| Roadworthy Certificate |
Seller (or buyer) |
Depends |
Required if car will be relicensed by buyer |
Special Considerations: Written-Off, Salvage or Damaged Vehicles
- Selling for scrap or salvage: Roadworthy certificate not needed; deregistration required.
- Vehicles under finance: Obtain a settlement letter and confirmation of finance clearance before transfer; banks may require direct payment.
- Fleet or company vehicles: Additional company resolution or letter of authority might be required. Contact your licensing authority for corporate procedures.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Paperwork Process
- Gather all required documents: Secure your ID, current registration, address proof, and finance settlement letter (if necessary).
- Fill out the NCO form: Both the seller and buyer complete and sign the Notification of Change of Ownership form. This is critical for eNatis notification and to absolve seller liability.
- Hand over or scan documents: For online services or established buyers like Sell Your Damaged Car, you may be able to submit digital scans/photos.
- Arrange vehicle collection/delivery: If using a buyer with free towing and paperwork assistance, they will guide you through vehicle handover, paperwork check, and immediate payment.
- Deregister the vehicle if it's being scrapped: The seller must submit a deregistration form at their licensing centre or via the buyer's admin team (for non-running or salvage cars).
How Professional Buyers Simplify the Paperwork
Specialist services such as Sell Your Damaged Car manage most of the legal paperwork on your behalf, including: Sell Damaged Car with Bank Settlement in South Africa - Fast, Clear Process
- Assisting with NCO forms and seller signatures
- Administering deregistration for salvage or written-off vehicles
- Guiding through finance or company sales scenarios
- Providing secure proof of sale and official documents for peace of mind
Note: Always verify that your buyer is reputable, with a traceable business registration and positive client feedback.
Paperwork Pitfalls and South African Context
- Selling without completing NCO forms or deregistration may leave you liable for traffic fines or fees after the sale.
- For non-running or accident-damaged cars, specialist buyers can help access deregistration routes if the car will not return to public roads.
- Payments are typically processed electronically; always wait for payment clearance before finalising handover. How to Sell a Car with Outstanding Finance in South Africa - What You Need to Know
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