Obtain motor vehicle ownership details - govt.nz - Connecting you to New Zealand central & local government services

Obtain motor vehicle ownership details - govt.nz - Connecting you to New Zealand central & local government services

Who owns that vehicle?

If a vehicle is sold in New Zealand, you can approach the Govenment Vehicle register and ensure it is owned by the seller selling the vehicle. The Government charges for this service.

If you end up buying a vehicle that was stolen during its history, you may end up losing the vehicle. The police should present an online license search where you put in both the persons' name, your own name and drivers license number, and the licence plate. It can then tell you if it is a valid transaction.

The current setup is rather silly, easily and cheaply remedied. Fixing it would make private sales of vehicles safer.