What both buyer and seller need to do once a deal is done — ownership transfer, money owing, and paying safely.
Last updated 17 September 2026
Change of ownership — notify NZTA without delay
Ownership doesn't transfer just because you've agreed on a deal. The seller notifies NZTA of the sale (MR13A) and the buyer notifies NZTA of the purchase (MR13B). Until both notices are in, the registered person — usually the seller — stays liable for fines, road-user charges and licensing accrued by the new driver. Complete this on the same day.
Money owing and PPSR release
If the buyer is paying out the seller's finance as part of the deal, make sure the lender actually releases the security interest afterwards — otherwise the vehicle can still be repossessed (Personal Property Securities Act 1999, Part 5). Buyers should keep a PPSR search of the vehicle dated on or before the day of purchase as evidence it was clear (or note exactly what was registered).
Paying safely
NewRide never handles vehicle payment — arrange payment directly with the other party.
Pay when you collect the vehicle, and prefer a traceable method (bank transfer, meeting at the bank) over large amounts of cash.
Never pay a third-party 'shipping agent' or 'transport company' — that's the freight-forwarding scam.
Real NewRide email only comes from @newride.co.nz addresses, and we will never email asking you to pay for a vehicle.
Reviews
After a completed sale, both sides can leave a review within the 14-day review window. Keep it factual and about the trade — no personal information, no defamation (Defamation Act 1992).
Frequently asked questions
How do I transfer ownership after buying a car?
The seller notifies NZTA of the sale (MR13A) and the buyer notifies NZTA of the purchase (MR13B). Until both notices are in, the registered person — usually the seller — stays liable for fines, road-user charges and licensing accrued by the new driver. Do it the same day.
What if the car I bought still has finance owing on it?
If you are paying out the seller's finance as part of the deal, make sure the lender actually releases the security interest afterwards — otherwise the vehicle can still be repossessed. Keep a PPSR search dated on or before the day of purchase as evidence of what was registered.
What's the safest way to pay for a private car sale?
Pay when you collect the vehicle and prefer a traceable method — a bank transfer, or meeting at the bank — over large amounts of cash. Never pay a third-party 'shipping agent' or 'transport company'; that is the freight-forwarding scam.