If your car is going to be off the road for a while, whether you’re overseas, it’s in storage or it’s waiting on a project, you don’t have to keep paying for rego. In New Zealand you can put your vehicle licence on hold. NZTA calls this an exemption from licensing.

Here’s how it works, based on NZTA’s current rules.

Who can put their rego on hold?

You can apply if your vehicle won’t be used on the road for at least three months in a row. While it’s on hold, the vehicle must not be used on the road at all.

How long does it last?

  • The minimum is 3 months.
  • The maximum is 12 months at a time.
  • If you need longer, you can apply for another exemption when your current one is about to run out.

When does it start?

You need to apply in advance. The hold starts when your current licence (or current exemption) expires. If your vehicle isn’t licensed when you apply, it starts from the date you apply.

Because it starts when your current licence runs out, putting your rego on hold won’t get you a refund for the months you’ve already paid. NZTA only refunds licence fees if you cancel the vehicle’s registration completely and hand in the plates, which is only meant for vehicles coming off the road for good.

How do I apply?

Apply online on the NZTA website. You’ll need your New Zealand driver licence and the vehicle’s plate number. There’s no administration fee when you apply online.

If online doesn’t suit, you can fill in the Put your vehicle licence (rego) on hold form (MR24) at an NZTA agent such as AA or VTNZ. Someone else can also apply on your behalf. Any licensing fees you owe need to be paid first.

Do I need a WoF?

No, you don’t need a current WoF to put your rego on hold. You do need a current WoF before you can relicense the vehicle or drive it on the road again. If the WoF runs out during storage, you’re allowed to drive the car directly to a WoF appointment without a current licence.

Taking it off hold early

You can relicense at any time. If you do it within the first three months of the exemption, your new licence is backdated to when the hold started, so you’ll pay for those months anyway.

What if I just let the rego lapse?

Don’t. Most vehicles must be licensed continuously unless they’re officially on hold. If a vehicle stays unlicensed for 12 months, NZTA will cancel its registration, and getting it back on the road means going through inspection, certification and re-registration. You’ll still owe the unpaid licence fees.

Classic cars over 40 years old

Vehicles more than 40 years old don’t have to be licensed continuously, so there can be gaps between licences while they’re off the road. If one won’t be used on the road for more than two years, put it on hold anyway: an unlicensed vehicle without an exemption for more than two years will have its registration cancelled.

Check the latest rules

This guide is a summary of NZTA’s rules at the time of writing. Rules and fees can change, so check NZTA’s put your licence (rego) on hold page before you apply.

Need somewhere to keep the car?

Long Term Car Storage offers secure indoor storage in Johnsonville, Wellington, for $40 a week including GST. Your car stays under cover with its battery on charge and its tyres checked, ready to go when you are. See also our guide to preparing your car for long-term storage.