South Africa – Buying or Importing a Car

How do I buy a new car in South Africa as a foreigner?

Foreign nationals are entirely able to purchase a car in South Africa, though those on temporary visas will encounter a few additional steps compared with permanent residents. Public transport infrastructure is limited across much of the country — and largely absent in cities such as Johannesburg — making vehicle ownership essentially indispensable for most expats.

If you are a foreign national who has not yet been entered onto the eNaTIS (National Transport Information System) and you wish to buy or register a motor vehicle, you must present your foreign identification document to be loaded onto the system. If you do not hold a foreign identification document, you will need to apply for a Traffic Register Number (TRN), provided you can produce a valid passport, driving licence, or travel document confirming that you are lawfully present in South Africa.

When applying for a TRN as a foreign national, you must submit: a certified copy of your passport or a certified copy of your driver’s licence together with a temporary residence permit or travel document; two black-and-white ID photographs; and documentary proof of your residential address, such as a utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the account holder must provide an affidavit confirming that you reside at that address, with the bill attached as supporting evidence.

You will need to attend your nearest Registering Authority or Licensing Centre in person to complete the Traffic Register Number application form. Processing can take up to six weeks (as of 2024), so it is advisable to begin this step well before any planned vehicle purchase. If you are buying through a dealership, they will generally handle the registration process on your behalf, but they will need your TRN to record the vehicle in your name.

To purchase and register a vehicle as a foreign national, you must supply your visa alongside proof of identity and proof of residence — all of which are required for FICA compliance. Securing vehicle finance is considerably more difficult for foreign nationals, and a cash purchase is the approach most expats take. Those who hold permanent residence and have a South African tax number may have more scope to explore financing options, though criteria vary between lenders. Refer to the South African Government’s official TRN application guidance for the most current requirements.

How do I buy a used car in South Africa?

South Africa’s secondhand car market is large and active, with platforms such as AutoTrader and Cars.co.za carrying listings from both private sellers and dealers. Private sales offer fewer protections than franchised dealerships, so buyers should exercise caution and carry out thorough checks before committing.

When considering a used vehicle, always arrange an independent inspection. Companies such as DEKRA SA and AA Vehicle Inspection offer professional assessments covering mechanical condition and vehicle history. Prior to purchase, you should establish whether the vehicle carries any outstanding finance, has been involved in accidents, has unpaid fines registered against it, or has been reported stolen. Vehicle status can be verified through the eNaTIS portal, and additional services such as TransUnion’s Vehicle History Report or the Automobile Association’s vehicle check can provide further detail.

It is worth understanding how roadworthy certificates function in this context: while a seller is not legally obliged to provide one at the point of sale, a valid Roadworthy Certificate is required before ownership can be transferred and the vehicle registered in the new owner’s name. The vehicle must pass a roadworthy inspection before that process can be completed.

To register a secondhand vehicle, the seller must first complete and submit a Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) form. The buyer may then register the vehicle in their own name by presenting the registration forms together with a copy of their passport, their TRN, proof of address, the vehicle registration certificate in the seller’s name, a certificate of roadworthiness, proof of purchase, and a valid driver’s licence.

The buyer must lodge these documents at the relevant registering authority within 21 days of the purchase, along with the registration form received from the seller and the current roadworthy certificate. All necessary forms are obtainable from motor vehicle registration authorities or can be downloaded directly from the eNaTIS website.

Can I import a vehicle into South Africa, and how does the process work?

Importing a used vehicle into South Africa requires you to first obtain a permit authorising the importation. The process is tightly controlled in order to safeguard the domestic motor vehicle manufacturing sector, and permits are granted only in a defined set of circumstances — principally to returning South African nationals and immigrants who have been awarded permanent residence, who are bringing in vehicles that are registered in their names.

Other vehicle categories that may qualify for importation include racing cars, vintage passenger vehicles, specially constructed vehicles, and inherited vehicles. Brand-new vehicles may be imported with fewer restrictions but remain subject to all relevant duties and approval requirements. As South Africa is a left-hand traffic country, only right-hand drive vehicles may be registered and used on public roads — left-hand drive imports are not accepted for standard registration.

The principal government bodies involved in the vehicle import process are:

• International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) — responsible for issuing import permits for used vehicles via application form IE462.
• National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) — issues Letters of Authority (LOA) confirming that a vehicle satisfies South African safety standards.
• South African Revenue Service (SARS) — administers customs duty, VAT, and clearance procedures at the port of entry.

The step-by-step import process is set out below. Requirements are subject to change, so always confirm the latest documentation requirements with ITAC and SARS before proceeding.

1. Establish your eligibility. Permits are granted only in defined circumstances — primarily to returning South African nationals and immigrants holding permanent residence who are importing vehicles registered in their own names.
2. Secure a Letter of Authority (LOA) from the NRCS. Before shipping a used vehicle, goods vehicle, or trailer, you must obtain an LOA from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications. Applications are submitted on form LA01 and attract a non-refundable fee; for passenger vehicles and motorcycles the fee falls between ZAR 300 and ZAR 1,800 (as of the date published by the NRCS — consult the NRCS website for current figures).
3. Apply for an Import Permit from ITAC. Alongside the LOA, an import permit is mandatory for any secondhand or used vehicle. Apply to ITAC using form IE462. The documentation required differs depending on the applicant’s status — immigrants must provide, among other documents, a copy of their South African permanent residency certificate.
4. Arrange shipping. Engage a licensed freight forwarder to organise international transport. Ensure you have a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, and export documentation from the country of origin.
5. File a customs declaration. Submit the DA 185 Customs Declaration form to SARS within 30 days of the vehicle arriving in South Africa, and settle all duties electronically.
6. Receive the Customs Release Notification. Once the vehicle has passed through customs and all duties and taxes have been paid, SARS will issue a Customs Release Notification form.
7. Register the vehicle. Collect the vehicle from the port and complete registration within 21 days. Present the Customs Release Notification and the Application for Motor Vehicle Licence form (ALV) at your nearest vehicle licensing office. The vehicle must also pass a roadworthiness inspection before a licence disc will be issued.

Returning residents and immigrants may be eligible for an exemption from duty and VAT on one vehicle, but stringent conditions apply. To qualify, you must have owned and been registered as the vehicle’s owner for a minimum of 12 months before importation. Contact SARS and ITAC directly to verify whether you meet the qualifying criteria and to obtain the current conditions.

What are the costs involved in importing a car to South Africa?

Bringing a vehicle into South Africa involves multiple layers of cost. Unlike countries with relatively straightforward import procedures for compliant vehicles, South Africa’s protective tariff structure means the total landed cost of an imported car can substantially exceed the original purchase price overseas.

Import Duty: The import duty rate on light passenger vehicles stands at 25% and is scheduled to remain at this level through 2035. For vehicles under 20 years of age, customs duty can reach up to 36%; for older vehicles the rate is 20% (as of 2025 — always verify current rates with SARS). Vehicles imported from the EU benefit from a preferential duty rate of 18% under the applicable trade agreement.

Ad Valorem Duty: An additional ad valorem duty of between 0.75% and 20% applies based on the vehicle’s value (as of 2025). This is effectively a luxury excise charge that escalates progressively with the vehicle’s price, calculated using a formula based on the recommended retail price exclusive of VAT, reduced by 20%.

VAT: VAT is levied at 15% on the combined total of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value and applicable duties (as of 2025). The SARS formula is: [(Customs Value + 10% thereof) + (any non-rebated duties)] × 15% = VAT payable.

CO2 / Emissions Tax: The vehicle emissions tax on passenger cars was increased to R146 per g CO2/km with effect from 1 April 2024. As this figure is periodically revised, verify the current rate with SARS before finalising any import calculations.

NRCS Letter of Authority fee: For passenger vehicles and motorcycles manufactured and registered outside South Africa, the LOA application fee ranges from ZAR 300 to ZAR 1,800 (as of NRCS guidance — consult nrcs.org.za for up-to-date figures).

Compliance and homologation costs: Should the imported vehicle fail to meet South African compulsory specifications — such as lighting requirements, speedometer calibration in km/h, or mandatory safety equipment — modifications will be necessary before an LOA is granted and before the vehicle can be registered. The cost of such modifications varies considerably depending on the vehicle’s country of origin and original specification.

Shipping and port charges: Ocean freight costs from Europe or North America to South African ports such as Durban or Cape Town can vary significantly; request quotes from licensed freight forwarders. Port fees, customs processing charges, exchange rate movements, and inland transport from the port to your destination all add to the total cost and should be factored into your budget.

Registration and roadworthy fees: Following customs clearance, vehicle registration fees and a roadworthy inspection fee will be payable. Roadworthy testing fees are not nationally standardised and vary by vehicle category and testing station — confirm exact pricing with the relevant station before proceeding (as of 2025).

Given the frequency with which rates and levies change, always consult SARS and a licensed customs broker for a tailored cost estimate before committing to an import.

How do I register a vehicle in South Africa?

Vehicle registration and licensing in South Africa are recorded on the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS), which falls under the administration of the Department of Transport. All vehicle owners — whether acquiring a car locally or importing one — must register at a local motor vehicle registration authority, commonly referred to as a Registering Authority or Licensing Centre.

Any vehicle sold in South Africa must pass a roadworthy examination before it can be registered and licensed in the name of a new owner. While it is technically possible to register a vehicle without a roadworthy certificate in place, the licence disc will be withheld until a valid certificate is produced.

The roadworthy inspection is conceptually similar to the UK’s MOT or Germany’s TÜV in that it verifies a vehicle meets minimum safety standards — but unlike those schemes, it is not an annual requirement for private vehicles. Instead, it is triggered by events such as a change of ownership or a change in registration status.

A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is issued by a registered testing station and confirms that a vehicle is safe and fit for use on South African roads. It becomes a legal requirement whenever ownership changes hands, though private car owners are not subject to a recurring annual test cycle.

For private vehicles, the RWC is valid for 60 days from the date of issue — a window typically aligned with the sale or ownership transfer. Only government-registered Vehicle Testing Stations (VTSs) may issue certificates that are legally recognised; these include independent operators such as AVTS, Roadworthy Guy, and DEKRA SA. Your nearest registered facility can be located via the NaTIS website or your provincial transport department.

To register a new vehicle purchased locally, complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form and submit it to your nearest Registering Authority along with proof of identity (and your TRN if you are a foreign national), proof of address, and proof of purchase. For an imported vehicle, the Customs Release Notification issued by SARS must also be included.

Once your vehicle is registered, make sure to renew the vehicle licence annually. Current registration fees, which are set at a provincial level, can be confirmed through the eNaTIS website and your provincial transport authority.

What insurance do I need to drive legally in South Africa?

South Africa’s approach to motor insurance differs in important ways from the systems found in many other countries. Rather than requiring drivers to purchase a single mandatory third-party liability policy covering both personal injury and property damage through private channels, South Africa divides these two functions between a state-administered fund and the private insurance market.

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) provides financial compensation to those who sustain injuries in motor vehicle accidents, and also indemnifies the person responsible for an accident — whether a South African national or a foreign driver — against claims for bodily injury compensation. Contributions to the RAF are collected automatically each time you purchase petrol or diesel in South Africa, so no separate payment is required. Crucially, however, the RAF does not extend to third-party liability for damage to other vehicles or property.

South African law requires every vehicle on public roads — including those belonging to foreign nationals — to hold at minimum a Third Party Only insurance policy arranged through a private insurer. This policy covers damage caused to other people’s vehicles or property, filling the gap left by the RAF’s personal-injury-only mandate.

A number of established insurers offer motor insurance products to foreign nationals and expats. You can deal directly with an insurer or work through a broker who will compare options across multiple providers. Most drivers in South Africa opt for comprehensive cover, which additionally protects their own vehicle against theft, hijacking, and accidental damage.

Given South Africa’s elevated vehicle theft statistics, many insurers require the fitment of a tracking device — such as those provided by Altech Netstar — as a condition of comprehensive cover.

If you have an unblemished driving record in your home country, it is worth asking about transferring a no-claims bonus, as this may reduce your premium. Insurers differ in how they treat foreign claims histories, so comparing policies is worthwhile. For information on how insurance products are regulated in South Africa, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) oversees the market and can be a useful reference point.

What driving licence do I need in South Africa as an expat?

The majority of expats will not need to obtain a South African driving licence straight away. A valid foreign licence is perfectly acceptable to use in South Africa until permanent residence is granted, provided it is issued in one of the country’s 11 official languages (most commonly English), carries a photograph of the holder, and has not expired.

Once permanent residence has been obtained, the holder has one year in which to convert their foreign licence to a South African one. Contrary to a widely held assumption, an International Driving Permit is not required in addition to a foreign licence, unless that licence is not written in English.

Where a foreign driving licence is issued in a language other than English, obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) becomes necessary. Some insurers may also request an IDP at the time of a claim to establish regulatory compliance and facilitate the claims process smoothly, even if the foreign licence is in English.

Conversion of a foreign licence to a South African one is handled at a Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). You will generally be required to present your original foreign licence, your permanent residence permit, proof of identity, and proof of address. Depending on the country that issued your original licence, you may also need to pass an eye test and a learner’s theory test, and in some cases a practical driving assessment. Check with the Department of Transport and your provincial licensing authority for the current conversion requirements and any applicable bilateral agreements that may simplify the procedure.

How do I sell a car in South Africa?

Whether selling a vehicle privately or through a dealership, completing the correct paperwork is essential to ensure a clean transfer of ownership. If the transfer is not properly concluded, you may remain legally exposed for fines, accidents, or other liabilities arising after the sale.

The first step in transferring ownership of a used vehicle is for the seller to complete and submit a Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) form at the relevant motor vehicle registration authority. This submission serves as the official notification that ownership has changed hands and removes the seller’s name from the vehicle’s record on eNaTIS. Until this step has been completed and confirmed, the seller remains the registered owner in the eyes of the law.

A Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) is one of the most critical legal documents in any vehicle sale. Although the seller is under no legal obligation to provide one at the moment of sale, the buyer will need a valid RWC to register the vehicle in their own name. The certificate is valid for only 60 days from the date of issue for private vehicles, so if the transfer is not concluded within that window, a new certificate must be obtained before registration can proceed.

Before placing a vehicle on the market, confirm that the licence disc is current and that no outstanding traffic fines are registered against the vehicle — unpaid fines can complicate or prevent the transfer process on eNaTIS. Fines can be checked and settled through your municipal authority or via the AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) system.

From a tax perspective, privately owned vehicles are generally classified as personal-use assets. Under South African tax law, proceeds from the disposal of personal-use assets are ordinarily excluded from capital gains tax (CGT). However, if the vehicle is held as a business asset or if tax deductions have been claimed against it, different rules may apply. Seek advice from a qualified South African tax professional or consult the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for guidance specific to your situation, as the applicable rules may change over time.

What are the ongoing costs and obligations for vehicle ownership in South Africa?

Vehicle ownership in South Africa carries a number of recurring financial obligations. Having a clear picture of these from the outset will help with budgeting and keep you on the right side of the law.

Annual Vehicle Licence (Motor Vehicle Licence Disc): After registering your vehicle, you must renew its licence each year. This is South Africa’s equivalent of an annual road tax. The current renewal disc must be displayed on the windscreen at all times. Fee levels are determined at a provincial level and differ according to vehicle type and tare (unladen) weight — contact your provincial transport department for current rates.

Roadworthiness: Any private vehicle being registered in a new owner’s name must pass a roadworthy test before registration is completed. Vehicles used for public transport or classified as heavy-load vehicles (excluding buses) require an annual roadworthy test prior to renewing the motor vehicle licence; buses must pass one every six months. For ordinary private cars, however, a roadworthy test is not required on a fixed annual cycle as it is with the UK’s MOT or Germany’s TÜV — it is typically prompted by a change of ownership or a licensing event. This distinction is an important one for expats accustomed to annual vehicle inspection regimes in their home countries.

Fuel Levy (Road Accident Fund contribution): Each time you fill up with petrol or diesel in South Africa, a portion of the pump price automatically contributes to the Road Accident Fund. This levy is embedded in the fuel price rather than billed separately, but it represents a genuine ongoing cost of ownership that increases proportionally with usage.

Emissions: South Africa applies a CO2 emissions tax to new vehicle sales, which was raised to R146 per g CO2/km for passenger cars effective 1 April 2024. This is a one-off charge levied at the point of purchase of a new vehicle rather than an annual imposition on existing owners. There is no standalone periodic emissions inspection for private vehicles — emissions compliance is assessed as part of the roadworthy inspection process when that test applies.

Insurance: Although only third-party cover is a statutory requirement, comprehensive insurance is strongly recommended given South Africa’s high rates of vehicle theft and hijacking. Tracker or telematics subscriptions are frequently made a condition of comprehensive policies by insurers.

For the most up-to-date fee schedules and regulatory requirements, consult the Department of Transport, your provincial transport authority, and SARS.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a car in South Africa on a tourist visa?

Foreign nationals are permitted to purchase a vehicle in South Africa, but doing so on a short-stay tourist visa introduces additional complexity compared with permanent residency. You will still be required to obtain a Traffic Register Number (TRN) and be registered on eNaTIS, a process that can take up to six weeks. If your permitted stay is brief, this timeline can create practical difficulties. Check current requirements with your local traffic authority before proceeding.

What is a Traffic Register Number (TRN) and why do I need one?

The Traffic Register Number is an identifier assigned to users within the eNaTIS system and is recognised for vehicle registration and other traffic-related transactions on behalf of foreign nationals. In practice, it acts as a substitute for a South African identity number for road traffic purposes — without one, a vehicle cannot be registered in a foreign national’s name. Applications must be submitted in person at your nearest Registering Authority or Driving Licence Testing Centre.

Is financing a vehicle purchase possible for foreign nationals?

Securing vehicle finance as a foreign national in South Africa is considerably more difficult than for citizens or permanent residents, and most expats fund their purchase outright in cash — particularly those on temporary residence permits. Individuals holding permanent residence and a local bank account may find more options available to them, but should approach South African banks and vehicle finance providers directly for their current eligibility criteria.

Can I import any vehicle I own into South Africa when I relocate?

Importing a used vehicle requires you to hold a valid import permit. The importation of secondhand vehicles is restricted to protect the domestic motor vehicle industry, and permits are issued primarily to returning South African nationals and immigrants with permanent residence who wish to bring in vehicles registered in their names. Those who qualify may also be eligible for an exemption from duty and VAT on one vehicle, subject to strict conditions. Confirm your eligibility with ITAC and SARS before shipping.

Does South Africa accept left-hand drive vehicles?

South Africa is a left-hand traffic country and only permits right-hand drive vehicles to be registered and operated on public roads. Left-hand drive vehicles cannot be registered for standard road use. If you are planning to import a vehicle, verify that it is right-hand drive before making any shipping arrangements.

How long does a Roadworthy Certificate remain valid?

A Roadworthy Certificate issued for a private vehicle is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. For public transport and goods vehicles, validity extends to 12 months, after which annual renewal is required. Should a private vehicle transfer not be concluded before the certificate expires, the seller must arrange a new inspection before the registration process can continue. Confirm testing fees and procedures with your nearest registered Vehicle Testing Station.

Do I need to convert my foreign driving licence immediately when I arrive in South Africa?

Immediate conversion is not required for most expats. A valid foreign licence remains acceptable for driving in South Africa until permanent residence is granted, at which point there is a one-year window in which to convert to a South African licence. If your licence is not in one of South Africa’s official languages, you should also carry an International Driving Permit. Refer to the Department of Transport for current conversion requirements and any applicable bilateral agreements.

What is the Road Accident Fund and how does it affect my insurance needs?

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is a government-administered fund that compensates individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents on South African roads. Every time you purchase petrol or diesel, a levy embedded in the fuel price contributes to the fund automatically. However, the RAF provides no cover for damage caused to third-party vehicles or property. You must therefore arrange private third-party insurance — and ideally comprehensive cover — to protect against property damage liability and loss of or damage to your own vehicle. For further information on the RAF, visit raf.co.za.