South Africa Vehicle Registration Without Green ID TRN Guide

A foreigner who resides, works, or studies in South Africa can register his or her vehicle regardless of the lack of a valid South African national ID.

South Africa Vehicle Registration Without Green ID, In place of the local identification code, foreigners will have to apply for a special Traffic Register Number (TRN) that enables recording in the electronic National Traffic Information System (eNaTIS) of the country.

What Is a Traffic Register Number (TRN)?

Traffic Register Number refers to a unique identification number that is allocated to those who fail to meet the South African requirements for obtaining an ID, yet are in need of registering/licensing a car.

The TRN makes it possible for foreign citizens to deal with their vehicle-related matters via the eNaTIS system, namely, register their ownership of a vehicle, license it, etc.

One cannot register his/her car without having a Traffic Register Number first.

Step 1: Apply for a Traffic Register Number

Before starting with the vehicle registration process, one will have to apply for a TRN at a Registering Authority (RA).

Requirements for Applying for TRN

Applicants will typically need to submit:

Original passport and a copy certified by an attorney
Visa or permit for temporary residence
Two ID pictures in black & white format
Proof of residency for no longer than 3 months
Application and Notice in respect of Traffic Register Number (ANR)

When standard documentation is not available, other supporting documents might include:

Lease agreements
Statements made under oath by property owners
Letters written by ward councillors in case of people living in informal settlements

Step 2: Vehicle Registration

After the Traffic Register Number is generated, individuals may then move forward with vehicle registration.

Vehicle Registration Required Documents

The following are examples of required vehicle registration documents:

TRN certificate
Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle (RLV) form
Vehicle purchase invoice or certificate from the manufacturer

Roadworthy certificate (in cases of second-hand, imported, and re-registered cars)

With this verification, the vehicle can now be registered using the eNaTIS system under the owner’s name.

Foreign-Registered Vehicle Guidelines

For individuals who travel to South Africa while carrying foreign-registered vehicles, they will have to meet extra requirements as well.

Foreign-registered vehicles need to declare themselves at the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS).

They can also submit their declaration via the SARS online portals before or after coming to the country.

Temporary Vehicle Imports Permit

Upon submission, individuals will be provided with a Temporary Imports Permit (TIP).

Foreign-registered vehicles are granted permission to stay in South Africa for up to six months.

Importation of Vehicles into South Africa

Non-South African nationals intending to permanently import a vehicle will have to meet some more requirements.

In most cases, an individual has to get the appropriate import permit for his or her vehicle prior to its arrival in South Africa. This permission may be granted by the concerned trade and customs authorities and will be one of the steps in the procedure of importing vehicles.

A lack of this step may lead to problems with bringing a vehicle into South Africa.

Conclusion

The Traffic Register Number makes it possible for foreigners to acquire and use vehicles in compliance with South Africa’s vehicle registration legislation.

This system gives non-South African citizens the ability to import vehicles, which will be helpful for them during their stay in South Africa.