Admin work when it comes to a car is boring, tedious, and can be a faff to sort out when documents are lost, there are errors, or even when you do something as simple as swapping an engine. These documents are very important, just like your personal documents, such as an ID.
Related: What is proof of ownership of a vehicle in South Africa?
What is a NaTIS document?
The NaTIS document, or 'papers' as people commonly refer to them, is essentially your car's ID document and is proof of ownership. The full name is the NaTIS Certificate of Registration in Respect of Motor Vehicle. It's an official document that's issued by the licensing authority for your vehicle. It contains information about the car's identity, such as the make, model, colour, engine number, chassis number, date of first registration, vehicle class, and more. Most importantly, it contains details of who owns the vehicle and who is the Title Holder.
Why is this document so important, then?
When you need to sell your vehicle, this document proves to the seller that you are the legal owner and have the right and authority to sell it. Should a legal dispute pop up, this document is one of the critical pieces of evidence you need. Lastly, it confirms the vehicle's identity and surrounding details, so if there are discrepancies with VIN numbers and the like, it safeguards a potential buyer, because sadly, criminality is a thing.
How do I get a NaTIS document then?
There are ways to obtain a NaTIS document, but the method will depend on the scenario.
1. Obtaining from a bank or finance house.
If you've financed a vehicle through a bank/ finance house, they hold the NaTIS document and are the legal titleholders until you pay off the loan. Once the vehicle is paid off and this is proven, the bank/finance house needs to issue a release letter and furnish the documents to you in your name.
2. Via Change of Ownership
If you've paid for a car in full from a dealer or private seller, or if you're transferring ownership, let's say from one family member to another, you and the seller need to fill in a Change of Ownership document (NCO) and submit this form with the relevant documents to your nearest licensing authority. Once the fee is paid and a few working days have passed, you will be able to collect the updated NaTIS document in your name, proving you are the legal owner of the vehicle.
3. You've lost the document and need a new one
Perhaps your NaTIS document has grown legs and disappeared, or a particular part of the document has changed, such as the VIN or engine number, you, as the owner, need to apply for a duplicate registration certificate in person. A fee of course is involved. Some vehicles are sold without papers, but beware, it's a painful process to obtain new documents if you can.
