Selling it on
Selling your bike privately or to a dealer will require some paperwork to be completed and handed over to the buyer. Some buyers will want all of the documentation below, and some will only want a few. The best practice is to have them all on hand should the buyer want them.
How do I transfer ownership of a motorbike to the buyer?
The documents you will need to complete the sale are as follows:
1. Identification
Have a copy of your ID or driver’s licence ready to give to the buyer, and make sure to ask for the buyer’s ID as well; if they have a copy, that is even better. If not, take a clear picture of their ID, licence, or passport with your smartphone.
2. Proof of ownership certificate
You will only have this if the document if the bike is fully paid up. Typically, a letter from the bank certifying that the motorcycle is truly yours goes along with this. If you are without these documents, contact the relevant financial institution to obtain them. To learn more about the ownership certificate, click here.
3. A settlement letter
This is only needed if you still owe money on the bike. The settlement letter will state the outstanding amount, so the buyer can see for himself.
4. Notification of Change of Ownership
Unless you want to be held responsible for the new bike owner's traffic fines, you must fill out a Notification of Change of Ownership (NCO) form (see above), which can be downloaded online or picked up at any traffic department. The seller and the buyer need their signatures on this form, and the buyer will need his copy. The Department of Transport will receive a copy of the NCO form for the transfer to the buyer’s name.
5. Vehicle Registration Certificate
The new owner will need your original Vehicle Registration Certificate to register the bike. You should also keep a copy for the de-registration of the bike you are selling and one more to keep on file, just in case.
6. Proof of sale
Once the deal is sealed, get a receipt acknowledging the date, the amount paid, the make and model of the bike, the motorcycle's registration, the VIN, and the buyer's and seller's names and contact details/addresses. Make two copies so you and the buyer both have one. This is proof of sale for your and the buyer’s protection. It is not a legal requirement, but it’s important should something fishy arise.
7. RWC (Roadworthy Certificate)
For registration purposes, the buyer will need a current RWC within 21 days of the sale. This is mainly for private sales, for sales to a dealer the business may take on the RWC themselves when they sell the bike later. If your RWC has expired, you can obtain an updated one for the buyer. Take the bike to the testing station with your ID, vehicle registration, and completed Application for Roadworthiness Certification.
8. Service history and receipts
This is extremely valuable. Some people won’t buy a used bike without a full-service history. If the motorcycle still has a warranty, hand over all receipts and any documentation relating to it.
