The “yellow form” is what many South Africans call the NCO, the Notification of Change of Ownership or Sale of Motor Vehicle. The seller completes it when a vehicle is sold, so the registering authority knows the car is no longer theirs. The colour is informal, though: no official form carries the name “yellow form”, and print runs differ between offices, so always ask for the form by its code.
Last checked: 13 September 2026. TrafficDepartment.co.za is an independent guide, not a government website. We do not book appointments, take payments or issue documents. Confirm fees, hours and requirements with the official source before you act: NaTIS road traffic forms.
What this form is used for
The NCO, listed on the NaTIS forms page as the “Notification of change of ownership / sale of motor vehicle”, records that a vehicle has changed hands. It protects the seller: until it is processed, fines and licence fees for the vehicle can keep reaching the old owner. Background: selling a car.
Who needs this form
- The seller of a registered vehicle.
- A dealer, insurer or financier taking or releasing a vehicle, where the change must be recorded.
- The buyer does not use the NCO. The buyer registers the vehicle on the RLV form, often called the blue form.
Where to get the official form
From the registering authority counter, or download it from NaTIS road traffic forms. Never pay for a blank government form.
How to complete it
- Use black ink and capital letters.
- Complete the vehicle details exactly as they appear on the registration certificate.
- Complete the seller and buyer particulars, including ID numbers.
- Record the date of sale accurately, since deadlines run from it.
- Sign where required. Giving false information on the form is an offence.
Documents to submit with it
- The seller’s ID document, and proxy documents if a company is selling.
- Proof of address. See proof of address.
- A copy of the registration certificate, which is handed to the buyer. The certificate itself is sometimes called the “green” document.
Where to submit it
At a registering authority. gov.za requires changes of vehicle owner particulars to be reported to the registering authority within 21 days (gov.za: change of owner or particulars). Find an office with traffic department near me.
Related traffic department forms
- Blue form: usually the RLV, for the buyer to register the vehicle.
- Green form: usually the registration certificate.
- NCO form guide in full.
- All forms: traffic department application forms.
Common mistakes and verification
- Asking for “the yellow form” and receiving a different form because the office prints forms in other colours.
- Handing over the car without submitting the NCO, then receiving the buyer’s fines.
- Leaving the date of sale blank or wrong.
- Assuming the licence disc will transfer. The buyer must still register and licence the vehicle. See traffic department disc renewal.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a yellow form PDF?
The NCO is published as a PDF on NaTIS road traffic forms. It may not print in yellow.
Does the buyer or the seller complete the yellow form?
The seller. The buyer uses the RLV.
What if the buyer never registers the car?
If you submitted the NCO, the record shows you notified the sale. See change of ownership.
Selling a car: the order of steps
- Agree the sale and record the buyer’s full name, ID number and address.
- Complete the NCO with the buyer’s and vehicle details and the date of sale.
- Submit the NCO to a registering authority and keep your proof of submission.
- Hand the registration certificate to the buyer.
- Keep a copy of everything until the buyer has registered the vehicle in their name.
If the vehicle is financed, the bank or financier is the titleholder and must be involved. See changing owner or titleholder particulars.
More questions
Can I submit the yellow form online?
Change of ownership notification services have been offered online for some transactions, but availability varies. Most sellers still submit at a registering authority.