Buying or selling a second-hand vehicle in Namibia is exciting but it also comes with a fair amount of paperwork. Whether you’re upgrading your bakkie, selling your city hatchback, or importing a 4×4, the National Transport Information System (NaTIS) plays a central role. To avoid stress, it’s essential to understand how the process works, which forms you’ll need, and how long it typically takes. This guide breaks down the change of ownership process in Namibia, the Notice of Sale procedure, and what you can (and can’t) do using NaTIS Online Services. Let’s walk through it step by step.
Why the Paperwork Matters
In Namibia, all vehicles must be registered through NaTIS. When ownership changes hands, both the buyer and seller must follow a legally defined process. Failing to do so can lead to penalties, delays with licensing, or even disputes about who legally owns the car. The good news? Once you know which forms to use and where to submit them, the process is straightforward.
Step 1: The Notice of Sale (Seller’s Responsibility)
The very first step after selling your vehicle is the Notice of Sale. Who does it? The seller. When? Immediately after the sale—ideally the same day. Why? To officially inform NaTIS that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle, which is important for fines, licences, and liability. The seller fills in the Notice of Change of Ownership (NCO) form. This document includes the seller’s details, buyer’s details, and the vehicle’s particulars. Once completed, it must be submitted to a NaTIS office. By lodging the Notice of Sale, you protect yourself: if the new owner racks up parking tickets, fails to renew the licence disk, or is involved in an accident, you won’t be held responsible.
Step 2: The Buyer’s Change of Ownership Application
The buyer now takes responsibility for transferring the vehicle into their own name. This requires a few forms.
The Core Forms
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NCO (Notice of Change of Ownership) – also signed by the seller; this links both sides of the sale.
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RLV (Registration and Licensing of Vehicle form) – the buyer’s application to re-register the vehicle under their name.
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MVR1-MIB form – this provides proof of buyer and vehicle details, sometimes used alongside the RLV for more complex transfers (for example, if a vehicle was imported, rebuilt, or had structural changes).
What You’ll Need to Bring
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Your Namibian ID (or passport/residence permit if foreign)
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Proof of address (municipal bill, lease agreement, or official letter)
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Roadworthy certificate (if applicable—see below)
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Proof of insurance (sometimes requested for financed vehicles)
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The vehicle licence disk and any outstanding fees
Step 3: Roadworthy and Clearance (If Required)
Not every transfer requires a fresh roadworthy certificate. However, NaTIS may insist on one if the vehicle hasn’t been tested in several years, if it’s been flagged for inspection, or if it’s an imported second-hand vehicle entering Namibia for the first time. Roadworthy tests check brakes, lights, tyres, emissions, and overall safety. Certificates usually remain valid for 60 days. If the vehicle was imported or its papers don’t match the VIN, a police clearance may also be required. This involves the Namibian Police (NAMPOL) confirming that the chassis and engine numbers are legitimate and not linked to theft or fraud.
Step 4: Submission at NaTIS
With the forms and documents in hand, the buyer heads to the nearest NaTIS office. Namibia has NaTIS offices in most towns and cities, though queues in Windhoek and other major centres can be long, so arrive early. At the counter, you hand in your NCO, RLV, and supporting documents, pay the registration and licensing fees (amount varies by vehicle class), and receive a new registration certificate and licence disk in your name.
Step 5: What You Can Do Online (and What You Can’t)
NaTIS Online Services have made some processes easier, but the system is still limited.
What you can do online
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Book appointments at NaTIS offices
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Check your licence renewal status
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Access certain forms for printing
What you can’t do online
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Submit the Notice of Sale
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Transfer ownership fully online
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Upload supporting documents (these must be shown in person)
So while online tools can save time by reducing queues, the actual transfer still requires a physical visit.
How Long Does the Transfer Take?
The actual processing time at NaTIS can vary. In many cases, the ownership change is completed on the same day provided all documents are in order and no clearance is required.
Typical timelines
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Same day: If seller and buyer paperwork is correct and no extra checks are needed
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2–5 working days: If there are minor admin issues or high office volumes
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Up to 2 weeks (or more): If a roadworthy test, police clearance, or import compliance check is required
Common Causes of Delay
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Seller failing to lodge the Notice of Sale on time
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Outstanding traffic fines or unpaid licence fees
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Missing or incomplete documents (especially proof of address)
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Imported vehicles without the correct customs paperwork
Practical Tips for a Smooth Process
Double-check the VIN to ensure the chassis number on the car matches the papers before you buy. If possible, buyer and seller should go to NaTIS together to avoid mismatched forms. Always keep a copy of the NCO form stamped by NaTIS—it’s your legal proof as a seller. Apart from the vehicle price, budget for registration and licence fees, which vary by weight and class. Finally, plan your visit for early mornings as offices open early and queues build quickly—arrive before opening time if you want same-day service.
Conclusion
Buying or selling a car in Namibia isn’t just about shaking hands and handing over keys. The NaTIS paperwork is what legally closes the deal. From the Notice of Sale that protects the seller to the change of ownership forms that register the buyer, every step matters. While NaTIS Online Services can help with bookings and information, the real transfer still happens at the counter, so be prepared with the correct forms and documents. Handled correctly, the process is fast, transparent, and protects both parties. With these steps in mind, your next second-hand purchase or sale in Namibia will be stress-free and legally watertight.