Compliance,
Re-registration and 3rd party partner experts

Entry Certification is the process that makes sure an imported vehicle is safe, legal, and ready for New Zealand roads. It’s the final step before you can register, plate, and start driving your car with confidence.

An Entry Certification Inspection is a comprehensive check required before a used vehicle can be registered for use on New Zealand roads. It covers:

• Identity and history – confirming the vehicle’s VIN, records, and import or previous ownership documentation.

• Safety and structural integrity – checking for accident damage, rust, or modifications.

• Compliance – ensuring the vehicle meets NZ safety, emissions, and legal standards.

• Mechanical condition – inspecting brakes, suspension, lights, tyres, and other key safety systems.

Only once the vehicle passes the inspection can it be registered, issued plates, and legally driven in New Zealand.

The process is essentially the same thing, though:

• Entry Certification is for imported used vehicles that have never been registered in New Zealand. It makes sure the vehicle meets NZ safety and emissions standards before it can be registered here for the first time.

• Re-registration applies to a vehicle that was previously registered in New Zealand but has been de-registered (for example, after being off the road, written off, or lapsed). The inspection process is similar, but the vehicle’s history is already in the NZ system, so the focus is on confirming it’s safe and roadworthy to be re-registered.

The process of inspection and vehicle testing is the same.

For a typical light vehicle (car) the cost of the inspection is usually around $600-800. This is much more extensive than a standard warrant of fitness inspection where we check all different safety related aspects of the vehicle.

Because it’s the entry point into the NZ vehicle system. This certification ensures that a vehicle entering the country (or re-joining our roads after a deregistration) is fit, compliant, and road-ready. We’re helping your vehicle “enter” our roads safely

Absolutely! Our Nelson site specializes in all types of motorcycle Entry Certification. However, Christchurch doesn't offer motorcycle compliance at this time. Some of our Auckland locations will offer it soon.