Vehicle registration (rego) and warrant of fitness (WoF)

NZ Transport Agency Waka KotahiVerified 14 Oct 2026Official pages checked daily

To drive on New Zealand roads, your vehicle needs a valid rego and a valid WoF. Rego is the vehicle licence, the label on your windscreen, and you pay to renew it regularly. A WoF (warrant of fitness) is a regular safety check. Diesel, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles also need RUC (road user charges). Important: from 1 November 2026, WoF frequency changes a lot. Many light vehicles aged 4–14 years will need a WoF only every 2 years.

Key facts

What rego is: The vehicle licence, the label on your windscreen, usually called rego. A vehicle must have rego before you use it on a public road.³
What you need before you can get rego: The vehicle must have a current WoF or CoF before it can be licensed and used on the road (a few vehicles, such as mopeds, are exceptions).³
How long you can renew rego for: Up to 12 months. You can choose any period up to 12 months.⁴
What the rego fee includes: A licence fee and ACC accident insurance levies. A licence is not issued for any period when the ACC levies have not been paid.⁴
Where to put the rego label: On the inside of the windscreen, as close as possible to the bottom right corner when you look at the vehicle from directly in front (this is the vehicle's left side, the passenger side). You can put a new label on up to one month before it starts.⁴
Putting rego on hold (exemption from continuous licensing): You can apply if you expect not to use the vehicle for at least 3 months in a row. Each exemption lasts 3 to 12 months and can be renewed. You pay an application fee, and NZTA may ask you to return the number plates.⁴
Applying for a hold long after rego has expired: If you apply more than 60 days after your last licence or exemption ended, you must pay licence fees for that period, plus an application fee.⁴
Driving without current rego: Infringement fee: NZ$100 (individuals).⁴
How WoF frequency is worked out: It is based on when the vehicle was first registered (in New Zealand or overseas), and also on the vehicle's weight, class or age.¹
Current WoF periods (until 31 October 2026): newer vehicles: Brand-new vehicles never registered before: 3 years. WoF done when first registered less than 2 years ago: valid until the third anniversary of first registration. First registered 2 to 3 years ago: 12 months.¹
Current WoF periods (until 31 October 2026): older vehicles: First registered more than 3 years ago and on or after 1 January 2000: 12 months. First registered before 1 January 2000 and less than 40 years old: 6 months. Vintage vehicles (at least 40 years old) and veteran vehicles: 12 months.¹
From 1 November 2026: new vehicles: The second WoF changes from 3 years to 4 years.²
From 1 November 2026: light vehicles aged 4–14 years: Changes from every year to every 2 years. Vehicles registered on or after 1 November 2019: applies from 1 November 2026. Vehicles registered between 1 November 2013 and 31 October 2019: applies only from 1 November 2027.²
From 1 November 2026: light vehicles aged 14–26 years: No change. Still every year.²
From 1 November 2026: light vehicles over 26 years old (registered before 1 January 2000): Changes from every 6 months to every year (motorcycles registered before 1 January 2000 also change to every year).²
From 1 November 2026: new WoF check: The inspector checks that systems such as automatic emergency braking (AEB) and Lane Keep Assist (if the vehicle has them) are not showing a warning or fault light.²
Fine for a WoF expired more than two months: From 1 November 2026, increases from NZ$200 to NZ$350. The fine for defective tyres and wheels increases from NZ$150 to NZ$350 (a court can impose up to NZ$1,000).²
How much a WoF costs: There is no set price. Each inspection station sets its own. A basic WoF for a light vehicle is usually between NZ$50 and NZ$90. Repairs needed after a fail cost extra.¹
Do you lose time if you renew your WoF early?: If you get your WoF within 14 days before it expires, the new WoF starts from the old expiry date, so you do not lose any days.¹
When a WoF recheck is free: If you go back to the same inspecting organisation within 28 days of the first fail (for a chain, you can go to a different branch).¹
Can you drive after failing a WoF?: Only to get it repaired or to go to the recheck, and only if it is safe to drive.¹
Which vehicles need RUC: Vehicles powered by diesel or electricity (including plug-in hybrids that also use petrol). Ordinary hybrids that cannot be plugged in, and light electric vehicles under 1000 kg (such as electric motorcycles and e-mopeds), do not need RUC.³
How to buy RUC: You buy it by distance. 1 unit = 1000 km, and the minimum is 1 unit. You need the plate number, the current odometer reading and a payment method.³
RUC rates (light two-axle vehicles under 3500 kg): Diesel, fully electric and similar vehicles: NZ$76 per 1000 km. Plug-in hybrids: NZ$38 per 1000 km (both include GST).⁵

Who is this for, and what are the requirements?

Motor vehicles used on New Zealand public roads generally need a current rego and a current WoF (heavy trucks, taxis, buses, rental vehicles and similar need a CoF instead of a WoF).
The registered person (the vehicle's registered owner) is responsible for renewing the rego. After a vehicle is sold, the new owner is responsible.
Owners of diesel, fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles must also buy RUC.

How do I do it? Steps and process

Check your expiry dates
Your windscreen has two labels: the rego label and the WoF label. Both show an expiry date. If you are not sure when your vehicle was first registered, you can ask for its details on the NZTA website (Request for motor vehicle details).
Get your WoF on time
Book with a local inspecting organisation or garage. If you go within 14 days before expiry, the new WoF starts from the old expiry date. From 1 November 2026, many vehicles change to a WoF every 2 years. Check the old and new periods above. The expiry date on your current WoF does not change. The new frequency applies from your next inspection.
If it fails, fix it and get a recheck
The inspector tells you what failed. After repairs, a recheck at the same organisation within 28 days is free. Until you have a new WoF, you can drive the vehicle only to get it repaired or rechecked.
Renew your rego
Before it expires, renew online on the NZTA website (renew your vehicle licence online), or go to an NZTA agent. You need a current WoF or CoF. You can choose how long to renew for (up to 12 months). The fee depends on vehicle type, use and fuel. Check the amount shown on the NZTA website.
Put the new label on
When you get the printed label, put it on the inside of the windscreen, low down on the left side (the passenger side).
Diesel and electric vehicles: buy RUC
Buy RUC (a distance licence) on the NZTA website. Have your plate number, odometer reading and bank card ready. Put the RUC label on your windscreen. Buy more before you reach the end of the kilometres you paid for.
Not using the car for a long time: put rego on hold
If you expect not to drive the vehicle for at least 3 months (for example, while you go back home for a while), you can apply to NZTA for an exemption from continuous licensing. Each one lasts 3 to 12 months. If you do not apply, your rego is treated as continuous, and you will have to pay the missed fees later.

What documents do I need?

Plate number
A current WoF or CoF (needed to renew rego)
Bank card (debit or credit card)
For RUC: the current odometer reading

What should I watch out for?

Rego and WoF are different. Rego is a fee. WoF is a safety check. You need both to be current to drive legally.
For used vehicles imported from countries such as Japan, the vehicle's age is based on when it was first registered overseas, not when it arrived in New Zealand.
With a WoF only every 2 years, check your tyres, brakes and lights yourself between inspections. From 1 November 2026, the fine for defective tyres and wheels increases to NZ$350.
From 1 November 2026, if you are caught with a WoF expired more than two months, the fine is NZ$350. Do not delay.
Rego fees, RUC administration fees and other charges can change. Check the NZTA website before you pay.
This page summarises public information and is not legal advice. For your own situation, follow what NZTA tells you.

What has changed recently?

2027-11-01
Light vehicles registered between 1 November 2013 and 31 October 2019 now change to a WoF every 2 years (before this, they still needed one every year). Coming soonSource: vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz ↗
2026-11-01
WoF frequency changes begin: the second WoF for new vehicles is now at 4 years; light vehicles registered on or after 1 November 2019 now need a WoF every 2 years; older vehicles and motorcycles registered before 1 January 2000 change from every 6 months to every year; CoF for light rental vehicles changes to every year. The WoF now includes checking warning lights for driver assistance systems (ADAS). Current WoF expiry dates do not change. The new frequency applies from the next inspection. Coming soonSource: vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz ↗
2026-11-01
Fines change: driving with a WoF expired less than 2 months is still NZ$200; expired 2 months or more increases to NZ$350; defective tyres and wheels increases to NZ$350. Coming soonSource: legislation.govt.nz ↗
2026-05-19
The Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Act 2026 is in force. The law now allows vehicle licences (rego) to be electronic (electronic licence), so windscreen labels may not be needed in future. NZTA will announce when printed labels end. If you get a printed label now, you must still display it as required.Source: legislation.govt.nz ↗

Common questions

What is the difference between rego and WoF in NZ? Do I need both?

Yes, you need both to be current to drive legally. Rego is the vehicle licence, a fee you renew regularly, shown by a label on your windscreen. A WoF (warrant of fitness) is a regular safety check. Your vehicle must have a current WoF or CoF before you can renew its rego.

How often does my car need a WoF?

It depends on when your car was first registered, in New Zealand or overseas. Until 31 October 2026, a car first registered more than 3 years ago and on or after 1 January 2000 needs a WoF every 12 months. A car first registered before 1 January 2000 and less than 40 years old needs one every 6 months. A brand-new car's first WoF lasts 3 years. From 1 November 2026, many cars change to every 2 years.

WoF is changing to every 2 years. When does this start for my car?

If your light vehicle was registered on or after 1 November 2019, it starts from 1 November 2026. If it was registered between 1 November 2013 and 31 October 2019, it starts only from 1 November 2027. Your current WoF expiry date does not change, and the new frequency applies from your next inspection. For imported used cars, age is based on when the car was first registered overseas.

My car failed its WoF. What do I do, and do I pay again for the recheck?

Get the faults repaired, then go back for a recheck. The recheck is free if you return to the same inspecting organisation within 28 days of the first fail. For a chain, you can go to a different branch. Until you have a new WoF, you can drive only to get repairs or the recheck, and only if it is safe.

Can I drive with expired rego? What is the fine?

No. A vehicle must have current rego before you use it on a public road. The infringement fee for driving without current rego is NZ$100 for individuals. Renew online on the NZTA website or at an NZTA agent before it expires.

I'm going overseas for a few months. Can I put my rego on hold?

Yes, if you expect not to use the vehicle for at least 3 months in a row. Apply to NZTA for an exemption from continuous licensing. Each exemption lasts 3 to 12 months and can be renewed. You pay an application fee, and NZTA may ask you to return the number plates. If you do not apply, you will have to pay the missed fees later.

Do I need to pay RUC for an electric or diesel car? How much is it per 1000 km?

Yes, diesel, fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles need RUC. For light two-axle vehicles under 3500 kg, it is NZ$76 per 1000 km for diesel and fully electric vehicles. For plug-in hybrids, it is NZ$38 per 1000 km. Both rates include GST. Rates can change, so check the NZTA website before you pay.

Where do I put the rego label on the windscreen?

Put it on the inside of the windscreen, as close as possible to the bottom right corner when you look at the vehicle from directly in front. This is the vehicle's left side, the passenger side. You can put a new label on up to one month before it starts.

How much does rego cost, and do I still pay if I'm not using the car?

There is no single price. The fee depends on vehicle type, use and fuel, and it includes a licence fee and ACC levies. Check the amount on the NZTA website. Yes, you still pay if you do not use the car, unless NZTA gives you an exemption from continuous licensing. This needs at least 3 months of no use. Without one, you must pay the missed fees later.

Answers are based on the verified content of this page — the official source always prevails.

Where can I check the official information?

Get a warrant of fitness or certificate of fitnessDepartment of Internal Affairs (Govt.nz) · govt.nz
Changes to light vehicle inspections from 1 November 2026NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (Vehicle Inspection Portal) · vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz
Vehicle licensing and road user chargesDepartment of Internal Affairs (Govt.nz) · govt.nz
Land Transport (Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2011Parliamentary Counsel Office (New Zealand Legislation) · legislation.govt.nz
Road User Charges (Rates) Regulations 2015Parliamentary Counsel Office (New Zealand Legislation) · legislation.govt.nz

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