How to Check Vehicle Registration in South Africa

Checking Vehicle Registration

Verifying vehicle registration is essential before any vehicle transaction. This guide explains what to check and why it matters.

What to Check

When verifying registration, confirm:

Registration status: Is it currently valid?
Vehicle details: Make, model, year, colour
VIN match: Does documentation match the vehicle?
Owner information: Is the seller the registered owner?
Licence disc: Is it current?

Why Registration Checks Matter

Registration verification helps:

Confirm legal ownership
Detect stolen vehicles
Identify cloned plates
Verify vehicle specifications
Support compliance requirements

Step-by-Step Process

A typical verification includes:

Obtain the registration number
Perform a lookup query
Review returned information
Compare to physical vehicle
Verify VIN and engine number
Check for encumbrances

Red Flags to Watch

Be cautious if:

Information doesn't match vehicle
Seller isn't the registered owner
VIN appears altered
Registration recently changed
Outstanding finance exists

Documentation

Keep records of:

Verification date and time
Results obtained
Staff who performed check
Any discrepancies noted

Conclusion

Checking vehicle registration is a fundamental step in protecting yourself during vehicle transactions. Always verify before committing to any purchase.