Transport guide · New Zealand
How to Transfer Personalised Plates in NZ
Follow the right NZ process to transfer personalised plate entitlement to another person or move your plates to another vehicle without mixing up the forms.
Key points
First identify which kind of transfer you mean
Selling or gifting the plate rights to another person requires a transfer of entitlement.
Moving your plates from one vehicle to another uses the NZTA replacement-plate process and an agent visit.
Selling the vehicle does not automatically transfer the personalised plate entitlement.
Keep copies, identification and a written record of what both parties agreed.
Recommended next step
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Which transfer are you trying to make?
The right process depends on whether the entitlement holder changes, the vehicle changes, or both change in the same sale.
| Check | Main process | Who is changing | Key practical step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Person to person | Transfer of entitlement | The recorded entitlement holder | Both parties complete the required entitlement details |
| Vehicle to vehicle | Application for replacement plate (MR6A) and agent visit | The vehicle displaying the same holder's plate | Take the personalised plates to the agent |
| Vehicle sold with plates | Vehicle notice plus a separate entitlement transfer | Both registered person and plate holder | Write down that the plates are included |
| Vehicle sold without plates | Replace plates before handover | Vehicle changes hands; entitlement stays | Arrange ordinary plates through an NZTA agent |
Start with what is actually changing
Giving or selling the entitlement to another person is not the same as keeping the entitlement and moving the plates to your next vehicle. The first changes the person recorded by LicenSys; the second changes the vehicle displaying the identifier.
NZTA points to a Transfer of Entitlement form for a person-to-person change. To move the plates between vehicles, it says to complete an Application for replacement plate (MR6A) and visit an NZTA agent with the personalised plates.
When another person will receive the entitlement
Use the current LicenSys form and follow the submission instructions printed on it. The form asks for details of the person transferring the plate and the recipient; it also requires the outgoing party to provide a clear copy of the front of their driver licence. Keep a copy of what was submitted and any acceptance confirmation.
For a private sale, also record the price, exact combination, names, date and what happens if the transfer is not accepted. If a vehicle is part of the deal, changing its registered person does not replace the separate plate-entitlement process.
Selling a car with personalised platesBuying a plate from another person
When the plates are moving to your other vehicle
NZTA says to complete an Application for replacement plate (MR6A) and visit an NZTA agent. Take the personalised plates with you because the agent needs to see them. Check the current identity and fee requirements before making the trip.
Do not simply swap the plates in the driveway. Both vehicles need to finish with the correct issued plates and register details, so ask the agent what must happen to the ordinary or personalised plates being removed.
If the vehicle is being sold as well
Put the exact combination in the sale agreement and state whether its entitlement is included. If it is, complete the entitlement transfer as well as the normal buyer and seller vehicle notifications.
If the seller is keeping the plates, arrange replacement ordinary plates before handover. This gives the buyer a vehicle with the right registration plates and leaves the seller free to move the personalised combination properly.
Keep proof of the handover
Retain the signed form, written agreement, proof of payment and confirmation. Before a private purchase, New Zealand Government guidance says to call LicenSys to check the person selling the plates.
The physical plates alone do not prove who is recorded as entitled to the combination. Make the entitlement check part of the deal before money changes hands.
Frequently asked questions
How do I transfer a personalised plate to another person?
Use the Transfer of Entitlement process and keep a copy of the completed record. A written sale agreement is also sensible for a private transaction.
How do I move my personalised plates to another car?
NZTA says to complete an MR6A application and visit an agent with the personalised plates.
Does changing the registered person transfer the plate rights?
No. If personalised plates are included in a vehicle sale, the entitlement transfer is handled separately.
Can I swap the plates between my cars myself?
Do not simply swap them. Follow the NZTA process so each vehicle and plate is recorded correctly.
What evidence should I keep after a private plate sale?
Keep the transfer form copy, written agreement, proof of payment and any confirmation or correspondence about the exact combination.
Your next step
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