- A duly completed application form RLV. Note the declaration at the signature – do not make yourself liable to prosecution for providing false information.
- Acceptable identification of the title holder as well as of the owner (only one set if it is only one person).
- A certificate issued by the manufacturer or importer of the motor vehicle on the official stationery of such manufacturer or importer OR the registration certificate (form RC1) issued to the manufacturer, builder or importer when they registered the vehicle into stock for the first time.
- The relevant fees as prescribed in the province of your appropriate registering authority (authority in whose area you reside).
About registering your motor vehicle
If you are a title holder of a new, pre-owned, built or re-built motor vehicle, you must register it at your relevant registering authority to get a registration certificate. If the vehicle is financed, the title holder will be the financing institution. When it has been registered and licenced, you will get a motor vehicle licence disc.
You must register and license your motor vehicle within 21 days after a change of ownership. If you do not register it, you will have to pay arrears and penalties. The motor vehicle registration is recorded on the national traffic information system (eNaTIS).
Your vehicle’s registration becomes null and void if:
- the vehicle licence disc has not been renewed for more than four years
- the vehicle was involved in an accident and has been declared permanently unfit for use
- you sold the vehicle (changed ownership)
- your vehicle has been repossessed for more than 31 days
- a deregistration certificate has been issued.
What you should do
Register a new vehicle:
- To register a new vehicle, go to your appropriate registering authority and submit the following:
- your identity document (ID)
- 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 address
- the manufacturer’s certificate containing all the relevant details of the vehicle
- a roadworthy certificate, if the vehicle is a heavy load [or Road Transport Quality System (RTQS)] vehicle.
- Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form.
Register a used vehicle:
- To register a pre-owned (used) vehicle, the seller must first complete and submit a Notification of change of ownership (NCO) form, which gives notification of change of ownership
- Go to your relevant motor vehicle registration authority and submit the following:
- your identity document (ID)
- 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 address
- the vehicle registration certificate (in the seller’s name)
- a certificate of roadworthiness if the current certificate is older than 60 days
- proof of purchase of the vehicle
- a valid motor vehicle licence (ensure that the licence fees for the vehicle are up to date).
- Complete the Application for registration and licensing of motor vehicle (RLV) form.
Register a vehicle built up from parts:
- To register a vehicle built up from parts, go to your nearest motor vehicle registration authority and submit the following:
- your identity document (ID)
- 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
- an affidavit confirming where the parts came from and what was done to the car (form SOA)
- request for police clearance (form RPC)
- request for police identification (form RPI)
- de-registration certificate (if the vehicle was deregistered)
- a weighbridge (mass measuring) certificate
- proof of title ownership
- letter of authority (if applicable).
- The provincial helpdesk will then introduce the vehicle record on eNaTIS
- request for police clearance (form RPC) must then be submitted
- a roadworthy test must be performed on the vehicle.
- Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle form (RLV).
Register a modified vehicle:
- To register a modified vehicle, go to your nearest motor vehicle registration authority and submit:
- your identity document (ID)
- 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 address
- an affidavit confirming where the parts came from and what was done to the car (form SOA)
- request for police clearance (form RPC)
- request for police identification (form RPI)
- de-registration certificate (if the vehicle was deregistered)
- a weighbridge (mass measuring) certificate
- proof of title of ownership
- roadworthy certificate
- letter of authority (if applicable).
- manufacturer’s certificate or previous registration certificate or affidavit if the registration certificate cannot be provided.
- Complete the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle form (RLV).
How long does it take
The application will be forwarded to the provincial helpdesk.
The introduction of the motor vehicle record can take up to a few days. The applicant will be contacted when the record is on the system.
How much does it cost
Contact your local licensing office for the cost.
Forms to complete
Forms are obtainable at the motor vehicle registering authority or you can download them from the eNaTIS website.
Who to contact
Contact your local department of transport
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.