Note: TrafficDepartment.co.za is an independent public information portal. It is not an official government website or affiliated with the Department of Transport. Always obtain, verify, or submit official vehicle documentation through accredited Vehicle Testing Stations or official government channels such as eNaTIS.
What the ACR form page is for
The ACR form stands for the Application for Certification of Roadworthiness. It is the official National Road Traffic Act document required whenever a motor vehicle must undergo a physical inspection to obtain a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR) in South Africa.
This guide serves as an informational form reference to help vehicle owners and presenters identify when the ACR form is required, verify that they have the current official template, and prepare for submission at a testing facility.
When the form may apply
An ACR form is used whenever a vehicle requires a formal roadworthy examination under South African traffic legislation. Key situations include:
- Ownership Transfers: Passing a roadworthy inspection when buying or selling a pre-owned motor vehicle.
- Commercial Vehicle Testing: Periodic roadworthiness tests required every 12 months for heavy-goods vehicles, goods transport vehicles, and e-hailing or taxi vehicles.
- Buses and Public Passenger Transport: Mandatory semi-annual (every 6 months) roadworthiness examinations for buses.
- Re-registration and Lapsed Vehicles: Bringing deregistered, vintage, rebuilt, or long-unlicensed vehicles back into legal road status.
Who should use it
The ACR form is completed by the person presenting the motor vehicle at the Vehicle Testing Station (VTS). Note that the applicant presenting the vehicle does not necessarily have to be the registered owner, but they must provide valid identification and complete the required declarations.
How to confirm the correct form
Using an incorrect, outdated, or unofficial form format can result in rejection by testing officials.
Official-source checks
Before filling out your document, verify that it contains the following mandatory legal markers:
| Feature | Official Standard |
| Form Code | Designated as Form ACR or ACR(10). |
| Header Title | Bilingual heading: Application for Certification of Roadworthiness / Aansoek om Sertifisering van Padwaardigheid. |
| Legislation Reference | Cites the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996). |
| Section Layout | Contains dedicated sections for Applicant Identification, Details of Application, Declaration, and Office Use Only. |
Version and date cautions
Forms obtained from unauthorized third-party blogs or old archives may lack updated eNaTIS field codes or required security features. Always obtain a physical copy directly at the counter on your testing day or download an official PDF from eNaTIS.
How the form fits into the process
Related licence, registration or renewal task
Completing the ACR form is a core step within the vehicle safety evaluation workflow:
- Complete Form ACR: Fill out personal applicant details, vehicle class, and registration/licence numbers.
- Submit to Testing Counter: Present the document alongside prescribed inspection fees at an accredited Vehicle Testing Station.
- Physical Inspection: An Examiner of Vehicles conducts the multi-point safety test (brakes, steering, lights, tyres, undercarriage).
- Certificate Issuance: Upon passing, the system records the result on eNaTIS and generates a Certificate of Roadworthiness (CoR).
- Final Licensing / Transfer: Use the CoR at your local registering authority to complete your vehicle registration or licence disc issuance.
Submission route
The ACR form cannot be processed purely online because the physical vehicle must be examined in person. Hand in the form at the reception or cashier counter of an accredited municipal or private Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) on the day of testing.
Common mistakes to avoid
Outdated downloads
Downloading outdated forms from unverified websites often leads to administrative issues if fields do not match the current eNaTIS database layout. Always ensure your download comes from an official portal or local municipality counter.
Missing supporting documents
Arriving at a testing facility without mandatory identification or registration documents will prevent the examiner from processing your application.
Required items to bring:
- Original RSA Identity Document, Smart ID card, valid foreign passport, or Traffic Register Number (TRN) certificate.
- Vehicle registration certificate / logbook.
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement less than 3 months old).
- Applicable vehicle inspection fee.
Related pages and next steps
Parent forms hub
- NaTIS Forms: Access information on related official application forms, including vehicle transfer (NCO) and licensing forms.
- Optometrist Form: Learn about eye test requirements and medical certificate options for driver licensing.
Relevant service hubs
- Register A Car in South Africa: Read our detailed guide on ownership changes, licensing, and roadworthy requirements.
- Drivers Licence Help in South Africa: Information on card renewals, learner’s tests, and professional driving permits (PrDP).
- Traffic Department Offices: Locate contact details, addresses, and opening hours for registering authorities and testing stations across South Africa.
FAQs
Where to get the form?
You can pick up a physical copy of the ACR form directly at any registered private or municipal Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) or download it from the official eNaTIS downloads page.
What to attach?
When submitting the form, present your original South African ID (or passport/TRN), the vehicle’s current registration certificate, and proof of residential address alongside the prescribed inspection fee.
How to submit?
Hand in the physical form at the counter of your chosen Vehicle Testing Station when taking the vehicle for inspection. The testing station processes the form and schedules the physical examination on-site.