How To Register A Car In Namibia

What is a Car?

A car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation. Most definitions of cars say that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people rather than goods. Cars came into global use during the 20th century, and developed economies depend on them.

How To Register A Car In Namibia

What is Required for Registering a New Vehicle?

  • You will need the following forms:
    • Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (blue form)
    • Confirmation of Steering Mechanism
  • Certified copy of acceptable identification (Namibian ID, Namibian drivers license or a NaTIS traffic register certificate)
  • Original manufacture’s certificate 
  • Customs import duty documents with original customs stamp 
  • Relevant fees, depending on the weight of the vehicle

Simply take all required documents – make sure the forms are filled out correctly! – to your nearest NaTIS office and follow their instructions.

How to Register a Used Namibian Vehicle

Registering a used vehicle in Namibia is also often referred to as changing ownership, which is different to filing a Notification of Change of Ownership.

What is Required for Registering a Used Vehicle?

  • You will need the following forms:
    • Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (blue form)
  • Certified copy of acceptable identification (Namibian ID, Namibian drivers license or a NaTIS traffic register certificate)
  • Original vehicle registration certificate
  • Police Clearance Certificate (valid for 90 days)
  • Vehicle Roadworthy certificate (valid for 6 months) 
  • Relevant fees, depending on the weight of the vehicle

Simply take all required documents – make sure the form is filled out correctly! – to your closest NaTIS office and follow their instructions.

How to register an Imported Used Vehicle in Namibia

If you’ve purchase a second-hand or previously used vehicle from overseas or a neighbouring country of Namibia – like Botswana or South Africa – you will need slightly different documentation to register it in Namibia. Below are the requirements for registration of such a vehicle.

What is Required for Registering an Imported Vehicle?

  • Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (blue form)
  • Certified copy of acceptable identification (Namibian ID, Namibian drivers license or a NaTIS Traffic register certificate)
  • Original vehicle registration certificate from the country of origin 
  • Clearance (valid for 90 days) from SARPCCO (Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation) or NamPol
  • Customs import duty documents with original date stamp
  • Weigh-bridge certificate
  • Vehicle roadworthy certificate
  • Relevant fees, depending on the weight of the vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How do I change ownership of a car in Namibia?

  • Obtain the registration certificate i.r.o the motor vehicle from the owner/seller.  
  • Obtain police clearance from the Namibian/SADC police regarding the motor vehicle. 
  • Put motor vehicle through roadworthiness at the vehicle testing station. 
  • Apply at registering authority to register and license motor vehicle on your name. Please note that after the seller gave notice of sale the buyer has 21 days to register the vehicle on his name. Failure to do so will result in penalties and arrears accumulating on his/her name.   

Can you buy a car without a license in Namibia?

A few requirements to buy a new car (with bank financing) is essentially that you must have bank account. You must have a valid Namibian Driver’s license. You need to have good credit (not on some sort of blacklist) and you need to be employed permanently (at least for the last six months).

Can a foreigner buy a car in Namibia?

A foreigner may have a Namibian registered vehicle in Namibia even if he does not live here. In answer to your questions : 1) Tax based on value of vehicle : In Namibia we have VAT @ 15% on the value of goods sold, but it has to be included in the selling price and is not a tax to be paid seperately by the buyer.

How do I export a car from South Africa to Namibia?

Contact Dti/ Customs for an import permit and payment of customs duties. Produce a deregistration certificate/ release document from the country of origin. Produce a bill of entry from the shipping line if from port area. Get the vehicle a roadworthy certificate for registration purposes.

How much is it to renew a car disc?

In the Western Cape it will cost you R465, and in KZN the aforementioned car will cost you R552 to license, per year.

What documents do you need to go to Namibia?

A valid passport is required to enter Namibia. Visitors to Africa must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date, together with onward travel documents, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.

How much does it cost to import a car to Namibia?

South Africa is one of the most expensive areas of the world to ship a car and Namibia is no exception. Most vehicles shipped to the area from the U.S. cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to transport.

How do I get a Namibian drivers license?

Certain restrictions apply to persons wishing to obtain one of these driving licenses. You will need to be at least 16 years old to acquire an A1 type permit.
Documents required to obtain your driving license:

  1. An ID.
  2. An Application Form.
  3. A visual test.
  4. A receipt of applicable fees.

At what age can you get your license in Namibia?

The Namibian Road Traffic and Transport Laws requires a learner driver to be 17 years of age before such a person can get a learners licence. This means that since you have a learners licence, you should have mastered the rules of the road and the more than 400 road signs.

How can I buy a car through Namibia bank?

What documents do I need to apply for Bank Financing:

  1. Proof of income – copy of your latest salary advice (payslip).
  2. Valid identity document or valid passport.
  3. Valid driver’s license.
  4. Marriage certificate + ANC contract where applicable, if divorced, copy of final order of divorce.
  5. Proof of residence.
  6. Quotation of the item to be financed.
  7. Signed income and expenditure statement. 
  8. Six months’ bank statements (only applicable if you do not apply at the bank where your account is held) – no internet statements accepted.
  9. Foreign customers – work contract + valid work visa.

How long does it take to get a visa for Namibia?

Visa processing takes three days.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

Related Posts: