- A duly completed application form RLV
- Acceptable identification of the title holder and owner
- The registration certificate concerned (obtained from the current title holder)
- The appropriate fee
- The following documents shall also be submitted as required by the situation:
- If the tare has changed due to any reason, a mass measuring certificate. Check with the registering authority for facilities from which these certificates are accepted.
- If the VIN/chassis number of the vehicle is not correct on the eNaTIS, go through the police clearance process before the registration is submitted. The completed form RPC must accompany the application for registration.
- If required by the registering authority, proof of the right to be registered as title holder of the motor vehicle concerned. Such proof may be an invoice, a sales agreement, etc. It is advised that you phone your nearest call centre or registering authority to establish whether they accept or require any other document as proof.
- The police clearance process works as follows:
- Request form RPC from the registering authority closest to the vehicle; this form is printed from the eNaTIS with the current vehicle details
- Take the vehicle and the RPC form to the police office indicated on the RPC form, make sure that the police complete their part of the RPC form
- VERY IMPORTANT: Take form RPC back to the authority that issued it, for completion of the process.
About changing owner or title holder particulars for a vehicle
Any changes to the particulars of the vehicle owner or title holder must be communicated to the appropriate registering authority within 21 days after such change. Use the notification of change of address or particulars of person or organisation (NCP) form.
When you sell your vehicle, you must notify your registering authority on the Notification of change of ownership/Sale of motor vehicle (NCO) form. The new owner must register the car in their name.
What you should do
- Go to your nearest registering authority.
- If you are changing your address, you must take along the following:
- A copy of your identity (ID) document if you are a South African citizen. If you are a foreign citizen, you must bring both the original and certified copy of your ID issued by your country of origin and your temporary residence permit.
- Proof of residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.
- If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your residential address
- If you are a South African citizen, you must complete and submit form NCP only. If you are a foreign citizen, you must complete the NCP form and the Notice in respect of traffic register number (ANR) form.
- If you are selling the vehicle:
- The seller must complete the NCO form and submit it to their registering authority.
- The seller must hand over the registration certificate to the buyer.
- The buyer must complete the Application for registration and licencing of motor vehicle form (RLV) for submission.
- The buyer must submit the vehicle registration certificate, if the vehicle was registered in South Africa.
- Provide a mass measuring certificate if the vehicle’s tare was changed.
- The buyer of the vehicle must submit the forms at the registering authority within 21 days of buying the vehicle, along with the registration form obtained from the seller and a roadworthiness certificate (it is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy).
- If the vehicle is registered under a company, you must also submit a certificate of incorporation or name change as issued in terms of the Companies Act or a founding statement.
- The registering authority assesses your application and you must pay the fees as prescribed by your province.
- If required by the registering authority you will have to provide proof of the right to be registered as the title holder of the motor vehicle concerned, e.g. an invoice or a sales agreement. If you do not have that, phone your nearest call centre or registering authority to establish whether they accept or require any other document as proof.
How long does it take
Applications are processed on the same day.
How much does it cost
Contact your local licensing office for the cost.
Forms to complete
- Notice of change of particulars (NCP)
- Application for registration and licensing (RLV)
- Notice of change of ownership/sale of motor vehicle (NCO)
- Notice in respect of traffic register number (ANR)
Forms are obtainable from the registering authority or you can download them from the eNaTIS website(link is external).
Tax and Insurance in South Africa: What You Need to Know in 2025
In South Africa, understanding the relationship between tax and insurance is essential for protecting your financial future and making the most of available tax benefits. Whether you're an individual, a freelancer, or a business owner, the smart use of insurance can help you reduce your tax liability and safeguard your assets.
Why Insurance Matters for Tax in South Africa
Insurance is more than just a safety net—it can also have a direct impact on your tax situation. From medical insurance to business insurance, certain premiums and policies may qualify for deductions or influence how you declare your income and expenses to SARS (the South African Revenue Service).
- Tax Deductions: Certain insurance premiums, especially related to medical schemes and business cover, may offer tax advantages.
- Asset Protection: Insurance helps manage risk, ensuring you’re financially secure when unexpected events occur.
- Estate Planning: Life insurance can play a key role in reducing estate duty and ensuring a smooth transfer of wealth.
Types of Insurance and Their Tax Implications
1. Medical Insurance (Medical Schemes)
If you're contributing to a registered medical aid, you're entitled to a Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit (MTC). This credit is a fixed amount per month for you and your dependents and reduces your overall tax liability.
2. Life Insurance
While life insurance pay-outs (on death) are generally not subject to income tax, they can be considered when calculating estate duty. Policies structured under a trust or with specific beneficiaries may help reduce the overall tax burden on your estate.
3. Short-Term Insurance (Vehicle, Home, Contents)
Personal short-term insurance is not tax-deductible for individuals. However, if you use part of your home or vehicle for business, the portion of insurance premiums related to business use may be claimed as a business expense.
4. Business Insurance
For companies and self-employed individuals, business insurance premiums—such as professional indemnity, commercial property cover, or key person insurance—are usually tax-deductible as operating expenses.
5. Disability and Income Protection Insurance
The tax treatment of disability insurance changed in recent years. Payouts from income protection insurance are now generally taxed as income, but premiums are not tax-deductible. Understanding this shift is important when planning your cover.
Tax Tips to Maximise Your Insurance Benefits
- Keep Detailed Records: Always keep documentation of insurance premiums, especially those linked to business or medical expenses.
- Consult a Tax Practitioner: SARS regulations around insurance and tax can be complex. A registered tax advisor can help ensure you claim all available deductions correctly.
- Review Policies Annually: Update your insurance portfolio regularly to ensure your cover aligns with your income, expenses, and current tax laws.
- Use Structuring Wisely: For high-net-worth individuals, structuring life insurance policies within a trust can reduce estate duty exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tax and Insurance in South Africa
Q: Can I deduct life insurance premiums from my South African taxes?
A: No, life insurance premiums are generally not deductible. However, they may play a key role in estate planning.
Q: Are medical aid contributions tax-deductible?
A: Not exactly. Instead, you receive a Medical Tax Credit—a fixed monthly rebate that reduces your tax payable.
Q: Can I claim car insurance as a tax deduction?
A: Only if the vehicle is used for business purposes. You can claim the business-use portion of your vehicle insurance.
Q: Is business insurance tax-deductible in South Africa?
A: Yes. Business insurance premiums related to company operations are generally tax-deductible.
Final Thoughts
In South Africa, insurance isn't just about protection—it's a strategic tool for managing your tax liability, preserving wealth, and supporting long-term financial stability. Whether you’re reviewing your medical insurance, planning your estate, or choosing the right business insurance, it’s essential to understand how these choices affect your tax outcomes.
With the right advice and a well-structured insurance portfolio, you can reduce your tax bill while ensuring comprehensive protection for yourself, your family, or your business.