Understanding my search results

When a search is entered you will be taken to a results screen which displays the trader number, trader name and trading name (if any).  To view further details of a registration, select the trader number.

The next screen contains information on the trader you have selected, such as registration status, trader number, trader name, company number and company name (if the trader is a company registered with the New Zealand Companies Office), address details, registration history, director names and addresses.

From a consumer point of view, the registration status is probably the most important piece of information on the screen (displayed at the top right hand side of the page in bold).  There are 4 registration statuses:

1. Registered

The trader is currently registered under the MVSA and therefore legally able to trade.

2. Expired

Traders are required to renew their motor vehicle trader registration every year. If the trader is showing as expired, it means they have failed to renew their registration and are no longer legally able to trade.

3. Surrendered

The trader has decided they no longer wish to be involved in the business of motor vehicle trading and have surrendered their registration.   If the trader is showing as surrendered, they are no longer legally able to trade.

4. Cancelled

The Registrar of Motor Vehicle Traders has cancelled the trader’s registration.  If a trader is showing as cancelled, they are no longer legally able to trade.