Buying a used car under the new WOF rules
From 1 November 2026 a car's last WOF could be nearly two years old. Here's how to protect yourself when you buy.
October 10, 2026
Under the new WOF rules most cars under 14 only need a WOF every two years. That's good news when you own a car. When you're buying one, it means the last time an inspector looked at it could be close to two years ago.
When are your WOFs due?
Type your plate to see your next WOF dates and roughly what they'll cost.
Ask for a WOF that's less than a month old
NZTA's guidance is that a car should have a WOF that's no more than one month old when you take it. As the buyer, you can insist on that. It protects you against faults that have developed since the last inspection.
If the seller's WOF is older than a month and you're happy to go ahead, you should confirm in writing that you accept it. Once you've signed that, it's harder to come back to the seller if the car then fails.
If the car has no current WOF at all, it can only be sold "as is, where is", and you can only drive it to get a WOF.
With two-year WOFs, a "current" WOF can be 23 months old. Asking for a fresh one matters more than it used to.
Check the dates yourself
- WOF label: on the windscreen. Note the expiry date and when the WOF was issued.
- Rego: the licence label shows when it runs out. Rego stays with the car, so whatever's left is yours.
- RUC, for diesels, EVs and plug-in hybrids: check the odometer against the RUC licence's end reading. If the car's over, the next owner pays. Work out what RUC will cost you.
Get it inspected before you buy
A WOF is a safety check, not a mechanical one. It won't tell you about a tired gearbox or a head gasket on its way out. For anything you're spending real money on, get a pre-purchase inspection from VTNZ, VINZ, the AA or a mechanic you trust. It usually costs less than a single repair it might catch.
Check its history
Look up the car's ownership, money owing and whether it's been reported stolen with a vehicle history check before you pay. Money owed on a car under someone else's name can follow the car.
After you buy
- Tell NZTA you've bought it; the seller should tell them they've sold it.
- Note the WOF expiry date and set a reminder a month before.
- Find out how often it'll need a WOF from now on.
Roadtrip
What any drive costs, in your car
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