How to re-register your car after it has lapsed over 12 months

Re-registration of a vehicle is required to ensure your vehicle is legally roadworthy in New Zealand, and those who have allowed their registration to lapse for 12 months or more will need to have their vehicle go through a re-registration certification process. Passenger vehicles can only remain unlicensed for 12 months. If you’re a motor vehicle trader, you have 24 months to re-license your vehicles. However, any non-passenger vehicles such as trailers can also remain unlicensed for 24 months.

The re-registration certification is a rigorous process and ensures that vehicles are safe to be driven on the road by fellow kiwis. One of the most common questions we’re asked is: “How much does it cost to re-register a car?” The estimated cost is around $750+GST per vehicle, though this can vary depending on the vehicle's condition and any repairs needed.

A Simplified 5-Step Process for Re-Registering Your Vehicle:

1. Visit an entry certifier, such as Fasttrack Compliance or VINZ.‍

2. Trim removal: Remove inside trim to reveal the vehicle's structural components.‍

3. Inspection by NZTA entry certifiers, covering:

a. Brake

b. Doors

c. Exhaust condition

d. Fuel system

e. Tints

f. Lighting performance and condition

g. Safety belts

h. Speedometer

i. Steering and suspension

j. Structural condition (including welds and repair quality)

k. Wheel and tyre condition

l. Windscreen washers and wipers

4. Certification outcome: If your vehicle passes, great! If it fails, the issues should be fixed and re-inspected.

5. Upon passing, you will receive a new MR2A form and number plates to complete your re-registration.

Re-Registration vs. WOF, Why It’s More Intensive

Many individuals find re-registering a vehicle intimidating, it's not as simple as obtaining a Warrant of Fitness (WOF). Remember, this process assures that your vehicle fulfils all legal and safety criteria following a lapse.

One-Stop Compliance and Mechanical Workshops

Fasttrack streamlines the re-registration process by providing Compliance, Re-registration Services, WOFs, and any necessary repairs in one place. If your vehicle fails inspection, the experts can typically complete the job on-site, saving you the hassle of taking it elsewhere. If you're wondering how much it costs to re-register a car, this should help. If your registration has lapsed, contacting Fasttrack Automotive Compliance is a good place to start.