Correct as at 29th March 2024. It may be superseded at any time.

Extract taken from: Vehicle Inspection Portal > VIRMs > Entry certification > Inspection and certification > Required documentation and registration > Re-registering a vehicle

1-2 Re-registering a vehicle

If a vehicle has previously been registered in New Zealand, evidence of this (eg a certificate of registration or a LANDATA record) must be provided. The person presenting the vehicle for re-registration must be the same as the person shown on the evidence of previous registration, or must be able to provide a clear ownership trail linking themselves to the vehicle.

All vehicles presented for re-registration must have a VIN assigned to allow the vehicles to be recorded in LANDATA for tracking and enforcement purposes, even if appropriate documentation is not provided. Entry certifiers must carefully check the VINs for any signs of tampering, by visually inspecting the vehicle identifier and surrounding area from behind. If this is not possible, the entry certifier may chemically remove the paint from the vehicle identifier and surrounding area for inspection purposes with the vehicle owner’s permission. If the vehicle owner refuses, the entry certifier must contact the Transport Agency to consider alternative options. A vehicle must not be certified if the vehicle identifier has not been inspected for signs of tampering.

If signs of tampering are detected, the vehicle must not be certified. The entry certifier must advise the NZ Police and Waka Kotahi immediately, and attach suitable notes to the vehicle record using the ‘notes’ screen.

To carry out re-registration, the entry certifier must certify the vehicle in accordance with applicable requirements and complete an LT4085U, provided that proof the vehicle was previously registered in New Zealand is presented and no modifications or repairs that affect compliance with applicable requirements have been carried out.


1.1 Proof of previous New Zealand registration unavailable

In cases where the vehicle owner is not able to provide a certificate of registration or LANDATA record to verify that the vehicle was previously registered in New Zealand:

The vehicle owner must provide satisfactory evidence of previous registration in New Zealand, such as:

If there is a possibility that the vehicle is a replica, a used import or a vehicle assembled from parts, particularly if it is a higher value, classic or collectable vehicle, do not continue (Note 1).

If you have any doubt, do not continue (Note 1). Refer the vehicle owner to Waka Kotahi, Exemptions and Registers Integrity Team for a decision.

Note 1

A VIN must still be affixed to the vehicle if appropriate. A vehicle record must be created or updated in LANDATA, including notes explaining why the inspection and certification has not continued.

1.2 Entitlement to register

The following documents may be used as proof of a clear ownership trail for a vehicle undergoing the re-registration process:

1. ‘Solemnly and sincerely declare/affirm that’, and

2. ‘I make this solemn declaration conscientiously declaring the same to be true and by virtue of the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957’.

In all cases the person presenting the vehicle for re-registration must be the person listed on the supplied documentation and the following information must also be listed:

Note 2

If the vehicle was written off for body or structural damage, the vehicle must be inspected using the same structural inspection process as for a post-1991 vehicle.

Note 3

If there is proof from the insurance company that the vehicle was written off for reasons other than body or structural damage, no referral to a repair certifier is required unless the structural condition of the vehicle exceeds the threshold for requiring repair certification.

2 Re-registration of pre-1991 vehicles

If a light vehicle was manufactured before 1991 and first registered in New Zealand before 1 January 1991, the vehicle does not need to undergo the same inspection and certification process as a vehicle being registered for the first time in New Zealand. Provided the vehicle meets applicable requirements for structural condition as detailed in 3-4 Vehicle structure – Threshold for requiring repair certification, and has not been de-registered as a result of a write-off for insurance purposes, the vehicle may be inspected according to current in-service procedures.

3 Re-registration of post-1991 vehicles

If a vehicle was manufactured after 1 January 1991 and previously registered in New Zealand, or manufactured before 1 January 1991 but not registered in New Zealand until after this date, the vehicle must undergo a full structural inspection with trim removal and an invasive brake inspection as part of the inspection and certification process.

Note 4

If there is proof from the insurance company that the vehicle was written off for reasons other than body or structural damage, no referral to a repair certifier is required unless the structural condition of the vehicle exceeds the threshold for requiring repair certification.

4 Re-registration of class LA, LB vehicles (mopeds)

4.1 Re-registration of pre-1 July 2011 mopeds

If there is evidence that a moped has been previously registered in New Zealand before 1 July 2011 then the vehicle does not need to undergo the same inspection and certification process as a vehicle being registered for the first time in New Zealand. All that is required is proof of previous registration and proof of ownership. There is no requirement to inspect the vehicle.

4.2 Re-registration of post-1 July 2011 mopeds

If a moped that was first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2011 is presented for re-registration, it must under go the inspection and certification process to ensure that it is safe to be operated.

Note 5

Refer to Technical bulletin 35 for certification requirements for new, used and re-registered mopeds.

5 Inspection requirements for a vehicle changing class

If a vehicle is being registered as a different class, the vehicle may be inspected according to current in-service procedures, provided it meets applicable in-service requirements for structural condition and has not been de-registered as a result of a write-off for insurance purposes. Re-certification of specialist certification may be required as a result of this inspection.

6 De-modified vehicles

If an entry certifier is presented with a vehicle that has been modified back to original specifications, it should be checked by a low volume vehicle certifier to confirm that it has been correctly restored to original specifications. The LVV certification plate must be removed and returned to the Low Volume Vehicle System Administrator. The de-modification must be noted in LANDATA.

Page amended 1 July 2013 (see amendment details).