Apply For A Motor Trade Number And Permit

To drive an unregistered vehicle on a public road in South Africa, you must have a motor trade permit and number.

A motor trade number is used by registered manufacturers, builders or importers, motor transport contractors, motor dealers or financial institutions to operate an unregistered and unlicensed motor vehicle on a public road in the course of their business. Such activities include:

  • selling the vehicle
  • exchanging the vehicle,
  • repairing the vehicle
  • delving the vehicle to clients.
What you should do
  1. Go to your nearest registering authority with the following:
    • a copy of your identity document(ID) or a letter of proxy if you represent a company
    • the business registration certificate if you represent a company
    • prescribed fee. 
  2. Complete the Application for motor trade number (MTN1) form.
  3. Indicate why you need trade numbers and stipulate the number of trade numbers you need.
How long does it take

The application is processed on the same day.

How much does it cost

Get the fees from your local registering authority.

Forms to complete

Application and notice i.r.o motor trade number and blank temporary permits (Form MTN1)

Who to contact

Registration authority service centres

  • City of Johannesburg
  • City of Tshwane
  • City of Cape Town
  • Nelson Mandela Bay
  • Eastern Cape municipalities
  • Free State municipalities
  • Gauteng municipalities
  • KwaZulu-Natal municipalities
  • Limpopo municipalities
  • Mpumalanga municipalities
  • North West municipalities
  • Northern Cape municipalities
  • Western Cape municipalities