Changing ownership when buying or selling a car  

As vehicle prices continue to rise and economic pressures mount, many South Africans are opting to buy and sell cars privately rather than through dealerships to secure a better deal.

Beyond economics, many buyers are more comfortable browsing online and shopping around, often opting for direct connections with sellers. These trends make understanding the correct process for transferring car ownership increasingly important.

It is a legal requirement to notify the registering authority of any ownership changes within 21 days, and failing to do so can leave the seller on the hook for traffic fines or accidents involving the vehicle long after the sale.