Seller or owner
Part A records the seller or owner's identification and contact particulars. It also includes space for an executor, organisation's proxy or representative where relevant, followed by the seller-side declaration and signature.
Vehicle paperwork guide
How to complete the NCO form in South Africa.
A field-by-field guide to the Notification of Change of Ownership or Sale of Motor Vehicle form, who completes each section, what the seller submits and the mistakes that can leave a sold vehicle linked to the previous owner.
The NCO process in one minute
For a normal vehicle sale, the official form instructions say the seller completes Parts A and C, while the buyer completes Part B. Both declarations should be checked and signed, and the seller submits the NCO notification to the seller's appropriate registering authority within 21 days of the sale.
The NCO does not register the car in the buyer's name. The buyer separately applies for registration and licensing using the RLV form, normally within the same 21-day period, with the current registration certificate and supporting documents.
What is the NCO form?
NCO stands for Notification of Change of Ownership or Sale of Motor Vehicle. It is the form used to notify the vehicle registering authority that a vehicle has been sold, disposed of or otherwise changed owner.
It is sometimes informally called the “yellow form” because the official printed form has historically been labelled Yellow/Geel. The important point is the form code and purpose, not the colour of a downloaded or photocopied version.
The NCO is the seller's notification, not the buyer's registration application.
Submitting the NCO helps record that the seller has disposed of the vehicle. The buyer must still complete the separate RLV registration and licensing process. One form does not replace the other.
Who completes Parts A, B and C?
Buyer
Part B records the buyer's identification, contact and address details, together with any relevant proxy or representative details. The buyer signs a declaration confirming acquisition or delivery of the vehicle described in Part C.
Vehicle and transaction
Part C identifies the vehicle using details such as the licence number, vehicle register number where available, VIN or chassis number, make, odometer reading, reason for the change and date of change.
How to complete and submit the NCO form
Confirm that the seller is entitled to dispose of the vehicle
Check the original registration certificate and identify the registered owner and titleholder. If a finance institution remains the titleholder, resolve the settlement and document-release process before treating the vehicle as ready for a normal private sale.
Use a current form accepted by the registering authority
Obtain the NCO from a motor vehicle registering authority or an official government or municipal website. Avoid relying on an unclear photograph or a version with missing pages. Confirm local acceptance if the form was downloaded from another province or municipality.
Complete Part A using the seller's official details
Select the correct identification type and enter the identification number, name and contact information exactly as they should appear for the registered seller or organisation. Complete proxy, representative or executor details only where relevant.
Copy the buyer's details directly from acceptable identification
The buyer completes Part B. The seller should check the buyer's identification number and name against acceptable identification rather than relying on details sent informally in a message. Complete the buyer's postal, street and contact details carefully.
Match Part C to the vehicle and registration documents
Enter the licence number, vehicle register number where available, VIN or chassis number and make. Check the VIN against the vehicle and registration certificate. Record the odometer reading if available and select the correct reason for the ownership change.
Use the actual transaction date consistently
The date of change in Part C should align with the signed sale agreement, payment and handover records. Inconsistent dates can create confusion over the 21-day period and responsibility for the vehicle.
Read, sign and date both declarations
The seller and buyer declarations confirm the transaction and state that the information supplied is true and correct. Check the entire form before signing. Do not leave signature, place or date fields incomplete.
Make a complete copy before submission
Keep a readable copy or scan of every completed page, together with the sale agreement, proof of payment, buyer's verified details and any registration or settlement documents. A blank form is not evidence that the completed notification was lodged.
The seller lodges the NCO and keeps proof
The seller should submit the completed notification to the appropriate registering authority within 21 days. Many municipal authorities instruct sellers to lodge the form in person. Confirm the local procedure and retain a receipt, stamped copy or other proof of submission where available.
The buyer completes the separate RLV process
The seller hands the current original registration certificate to the buyer when the transaction and title position allow. The buyer then applies to register and license the vehicle using the RLV form and required documents within 21 days of acquisition.
NCO form field-by-field checklist
| Form area | What it asks for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Part A: identification type | Traffic register number, RSA ID, foreign ID or business registration number. | Mark one correct category and enter the matching number accurately. |
| Part A: seller details | Name or organisation name, email and daytime telephone number. | Use the registered seller's official details, not a nickname or unrelated contact. |
| Part A: representative | Executor, organisation proxy or representative details where applicable. | Only complete this section when someone is legally acting for an estate or organisation. |
| Part A: declaration | Seller or owner declaration, signature, place and date. | Choose the correct role, read the declaration and complete every signature field. |
| Part B: buyer identification | Identification type, number, country of issue where relevant and buyer name. | Copy the details from acceptable identification and check every digit. |
| Part B: addresses | Postal address, street address and address for service of notices. | Complete all required address lines and mark the correct service address. |
| Part B: buyer declaration | Declaration of acquisition or delivery, signature, place and date. | Make sure the buyer signs and that the date is consistent with Part C. |
| Part C: vehicle identity | Licence number, vehicle register number where available, VIN or chassis number and make. | Match the details to the original certificate and the physical vehicle. |
| Part C: odometer | Odometer reading if available, or indication that no odometer exists. | Record the reading at or near handover and keep it in the sale agreement too. |
| Part C: reason and date | Reason for change, such as sold, repossessed or deceased estate, and date of change. | Select the true reason and use the actual transaction or change date. |
What should the seller take when submitting the NCO?
National guidance identifies the completed NCO as the seller's notification. Local registering authorities may request supporting identification and transaction information, and some municipal guidance expressly refers to identification for both seller and buyer. Before visiting, confirm the exact originals, copies and proof required by the office that will process the form.
Practical seller file
- The fully completed and signed NCO form.
- Acceptable identification for the seller.
- The buyer's verified identification details and any copy the local office requires.
- A copy of the signed sale agreement or receipt.
- Vehicle registration and licence details.
- Copies of the completed form for your own records.
- Any mandate, proxy, company or estate documents relevant to the transaction.
Check the local submission process before travelling.
Offices can differ on appointments, proof of address, certified copies, proxy documents and whether the seller must appear personally. Confirm the current requirements with the registering authority where the seller will lodge the notification.
Common NCO mistakes to avoid
- Giving the completed NCO to the buyer and assuming the buyer will submit the seller's notification.
- Missing the 21-day seller deadline.
- Using buyer details that were not checked against acceptable identification.
- Entering a VIN, licence number or identification number incorrectly.
- Leaving declarations, signatures, place or date fields blank.
- Using different sale dates on the NCO, sale agreement and handover receipt.
- Submitting the form without retaining a full copy and proof of lodging.
- Trying to sell a financed vehicle without first resolving the finance institution's titleholder and document-release requirements.
- Assuming that submitting the NCO automatically registers and licenses the vehicle in the buyer's name.
What if the vehicle is still financed?
A finance institution is generally recorded as titleholder while vehicle finance remains outstanding. The private seller may therefore not hold the original registration certificate or have authority to dispose of the vehicle through an ordinary cash-sale process. Obtain a current settlement position and follow the finance provider's written settlement and document-release instructions.
Read How to Sell a Financed Car in South Africa and use the Settlement Shortfall Calculator before agreeing the payment route.
Special cases
The NCO form also provides reasons such as repossession and deceased estate. These cases may require additional legal, estate, finance, proxy or authority documents. Do not treat them as ordinary private sales without confirming the process with the registering authority and any institution or executor involved.
Frequently asked questions
Who submits the NCO form?
The seller submits the NCO notification to the seller's appropriate registering authority. The buyer completes Part B but separately uses the RLV form for the buyer's registration application.
How long does the seller have to submit it?
The official form states that the seller must provide the notice within 21 days after the date on which the vehicle was sold. Submit it promptly rather than waiting for the buyer's registration process.
Does the buyer need to sign the NCO?
The official form assigns Part B to the buyer and includes a buyer declaration and signature area. Both parties should complete and check their respective sections before the seller lodges the form.
Is the NCO the same as the RLV?
No. The NCO notifies the authority of the ownership change or sale. The RLV is the buyer's Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle.
Can I download the NCO form?
Yes. Official government and municipal websites publish downloadable versions, and registering authorities provide the form. Check that your local office accepts the version you plan to use and print every page clearly.
Should I keep a copy?
Yes. Keep the completed form, sale agreement, proof of payment and proof that the seller lodged the notification. A copy helps document what information was supplied and when the transaction occurred.
Related guides and tools
- Change of Ownership Guide
- NaTIS Vehicle Documents Guide
- Roadworthy Certificate Guide
- How to Sell a Financed Car
- Sell My Car Enquiry Builder
Official sources
- South African Government: Change owner or titleholder particulars
- South African Government: Register a motor vehicle
- Department of Transport: Register motor vehicle
- City of Ekurhuleni: Official NCO form PDF
- Western Cape Government: NCO form listing
- Drakenstein Municipality: Change of ownership guidance
Last reviewed: 21 July 2026. This guide provides general information only and is not legal advice. Form versions, supporting documents and submission procedures can change or differ by registering authority. Confirm the current requirements with the authority processing the notification before acting.