How to Register Your Custom or Rebuilt Vehicle in New Zealand
David Sims
| Last Updated: September 2023 - How to Register a Custom or Rebuilt Vehicle in New Zealand?
- STEP 1: Get the vehicle inspected by an entry certifier.
- STEP 2: Get your entry and LVV certification.
- STEP 3: Receive and fill out the registration application form (MR2A).
- STEP 4: Submit the registration form.
- STEP 5: Receive your Certificate of Registration.
- FAQs about registering a custom or built vehicle in New Zealand
Whether you’ve given your vehicle a unique transformation or meticulously restored it, registering a custom or rebuilt vehicle in New Zealand ensures its compliance with safety standards and legal requirements.
Read on, and we’ll walk you through the steps to successfully register your custom or rebuilt vehicle, making your journey towards road legality a smooth and informed one.
How to Register a Custom or Rebuilt Vehicle in New Zealand?
To register a custom or rebuilt vehicle in New Zealand, you need to follow a specific process that includes an inspection and submitting a registration application form (MR2A).
However, this is just an overview of the entire process. To provide you with comprehensive guidance, we have prepared a step-by-step guide for you to follow.
STEP 1: Get the vehicle inspected by an entry certifier.
The initial step in registering your custom or rebuilt vehicle in New Zealand involves a thorough inspection by an entry certifier. This essential process ensures that your vehicle complies with the country’s vehicle standards.
Here’s how it usually goes:
- Inspection and Certification: The entry certifier will thoroughly inspect your vehicle and certify that it meets the required standards. They will assess various aspects of the vehicle’s safety, emissions, and overall condition.
- Fees: You will be charged a fee for the inspection and certification services provided by the entry certifier.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): If necessary, the entry certifier will assign a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to your vehicle. This unique identifier helps track and register the vehicle.
Here’s a quick link to find an approved entry certifier: Find an entry certifier near you
For vehicles with modifications or rebuilds, like yours, the entry certifier will refer you to a specialized LVV (Low Volume Vehicle) certifier for further assessment.
This is necessary because the vehicle owner must also provide evidence of LVV certification, regardless of the date when the modifications were completed, in order to register the vehicle.
What is the role of a LVV certifier?
LVV certifiers play a crucial role in assessing modified vehicles and ensuring they adhere to New Zealand’s vehicle standards.
They will conduct a comprehensive examination of your vehicle, scrutinizing the modifications made. This meticulous assessment ensures that all alterations align with the necessary safety and compliance standards.
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about locating an approved LVV certifier. If your vehicle has been customized or rebuilt, your chosen entry certifier will likely refer you to an LVV certifier.
STEP 2: Get your entry and LVV certification.
After your custom or rebuilt vehicle has undergone meticulous inspections by both the entry certifier and the specialized LVV (Low Volume Vehicle) certifier, the next imperative step is to obtain the Entry and LVV certifications.
The process for receiving your Entry and LVV certifications generally follows these steps:
- Notification: Once your vehicle passes the inspections, the certifiers will notify you of the successful outcome. This notification could be through email, phone call, or in-person communication.
- Document Issuance: The certifiers will prepare the Entry and LVV certifications, each confirming your vehicle’s compliance with specific standards.
- Certificate Collection: You will be provided with physical copies of the certifications. This could be during an in-person visit to the certifier’s office or through mail delivery.
The ultimate aim of this step is to pass both the entry and LVV certifications, demonstrating your vehicle’s adherence to New Zealand’s standards.
If your vehicle successfully passes, congratulations! You’re well on your way to confidently continuing with the registration process.
What if your vehicle doesn’t pass inspection standards?
If your vehicle falls short of meeting the standards during inspections, here’s what you should do:
Entry Certification: If your vehicle doesn’t meet the entry certification standards, the certifier will provide recommendations for necessary modifications or repairs. Address these recommendations to ensure your vehicle’s compliance.
LVV Certification: Similarly, if your modifications do not align with LVV certification requirements, the LVV certifier will suggest appropriate changes. Adhering to these recommendations is vital for ensuring your vehicle meets the necessary standards.
Maintain secure custody of both your Entry and LVV certifications. These documents are pivotal and must be submitted alongside your registration form.
STEP 3: Receive and fill out the registration application form (MR2A).
Upon successful completion of the inspections and obtaining the necessary certifications, your entry certifier will provide you with a crucial document – the registration application form (MR2A) for your vehicle.
It’s important to note that this form may not be available for download from the NZ Transport Agency’s website or other sources.
When your vehicle meets the required standards during the certification process, the entry certifier will provide you with a printed copy of the MR2A form along with your entry certification.
Completing the MR2A Form
The MR2A form is a comprehensive two-page document designed to capture essential details for your vehicle’s registration. This includes critical information such as:
- the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- make of the vehicle
- results of the entry and LVV certification inspection
- and the signature of the entry certifier (which will be provided by the entry certifier)
To ensure accurate and thorough completion of the MR2A form, follow these instructions, which outline the typical information required:
- Provide Your Information: Fill in your personal details, including your full name and complete address, in the designated fields on the form.
- Enter Inspection Date: Record the dates of both the entry certification inspection and the LVV certification inspection on the form. This includes the dates when your vehicle successfully met the required standards during the inspections.
- Owner’s Name and Signature: In the specified section of the form, append your name and provide your signature. This acts as your acknowledgment of the accuracy and completeness of the provided information.
Remember to retain this form alongside your entry and LVV certifications, as these documents collectively serve as vital components of your registration application.
STEP 4: Submit the registration form.
Once you have completed the form, you should provide it to the registration agent.
Here’s a quick link to find an approved registration agent: Find a registration agent near you
When you present your completed MR2A form to the registration agent, it serves as a formal declaration of your vehicle’s compliance and readiness for registration.
The agent will carefully review the information you’ve provided and cross-reference it with the entry and LVV certifications. This ensures that all necessary documentation is in place, creating a seamless transition toward your vehicle’s official registration.
What should I bring to the registration agent?
In addition to the MR2A form, entry, and LVV certifications, you must also bring a valid identification document confirming your date of birth, full name, and signature when meeting with the registration agent.
The following identification documents are accepted for an individual vehicle registration application:
- A New Zealand photo driver’s license
- Full birth certificate and Eftpos or credit card (for the signature)
- A valid New Zealand temporary driver license (valid for 21 days from the date of issue). Note: Some temporary driver’s licenses are not valid forms of ID; your license card will specify this.
- Overseas driver’s license
- New Zealand passport
- Overseas passport
Bringing the required identification document along with your completed MR2A form and certifications ensures a smooth and efficient interaction with the registration agent.
STEP 5: Receive your Certificate of Registration.
After handing in your completed MR2A form and the entry and LVV certifications, the registration agent takes charge. They review your information and ensure it matches the certifications, ensuring your vehicle meets safety standards and regulations.
The registration agent works closely with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), which manages vehicle registrations. Once everything checks out, your vehicle’s registration is processed in the NZTA system, confirming it complies with the rules.
Here’s how the certificate arrival process usually goes:
1. Agent Notification: Once your vehicle’s registration is successfully processed, the registration agent will notify you. This notification could be through a call, email, or physical mail.
2. Certificate Dispatch: After the registration agent’s notification, the NZTA will typically send your Certificate of Registration to the address you provided. This official certificate is tangible proof that your custom or rebuilt vehicle is officially registered and roadworthy.
3. Safekeeping and Use: Keep your Certificate of Registration in a safe place. It’s an important legal document that you’ll need to show if requested by authorities or for any future transactions involving your vehicle.
Receiving your Certificate of Registration signifies the triumphant completion of the registration process. It means your custom or rebuilt vehicle is officially recognized by the authorities, and you’re all set to embark on journeys across New Zealand’s roads with confidence.
