Fires, floods, theft, forgetfulness—these things happen. But if you find yourself without your car’s registration documents, all is not lost—here's what to do!
By Ané Albertse
Published: 16 January 2024, 13:17
Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes
Do you want tosell it but can't find the certificate of registration? Below are a few ways in which you could get your NaTIS document for your car and get back on your search for a car on AutoTrader.
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My certificate of registration (NaTIS document) is gone. What now?
All is not lost! We show you what to do if you've lost your car's documents.
You can apply for a duplicate at the traffic department, at your local motor vehicle registration authority.
1. Go to your nearest registering authority (this is a must, as your car will only be registered here!)
2. Bring along your identity document, and
3. Complete the DRC (Application for Duplicate Registration/Deregistration Certificate in Respect of Motor Vehicle) form and,
4. Complete the DCT (Declaration in Respect of Lost Documents) form.
You can download these two forms here:
Just bear in mind that only the title holder can request a duplicate. It costs in the region of about R150, and the price will differ from province to province. Pick up the phone and find out the correct pricing before you hit the queues. Again, the amount of time it takes can vary from getting it on the spot (we're lucky in Cape Town!) to 6 weeks in other provinces.
Did you manage to throw this away? These things happen and can be rectified!
My car is paid in full; will the bank have my papers?
Not necessarily. You have to make a point of requesting the car’s registration documents and doing a transfer of ownership from the finance house so that you are registered as the title holder. But we suggest making a call to the bank or finance house even before queuing at the traffic department, just to be sure.
Related: Can you cancel your finance agreement early?
A visit to the bank may be necessary to get what you need, but some banks can be emailed for a settlement letter.
My bank did send me the registration papers, but now they’re also lost.
If the bank sent you these and you put off registering yourself as the title holder, you may need to call the bank again. This time, they may not help you for free, though, and it may take a bit of time.
This time, ask the bank for all four documents for the transfer of ownership and request a new settlement letter. If you did not register the car in your name within those 21 days of the date on the letter, you could be liable for a hefty penalty.
The settlement letter: Be sure to keep it somewhere safe.
Make certified copies
The photocopier is your friend. Now go and get those copies certified!
Our advice would be to make certified copies of all of your car’s documents and give a set of each to your mom, best friend, or both. Rather have it and not need it than the other way around!
