How to Register or Renew a Motor Vehicle in Papua New Guinea

Oct. 7, 2026, 10:55 p.m. · photo

1. 1Use the correct registration service provider

   RTA has overall responsibility for vehicle registration, but its official page states that service delivery is currently carried out by Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited (MVIL) and some Provincial Governments.

   Contact the relevant service-delivery office for your location before travelling, especially if you need an inspection or first registration.

2. 2Get the vehicle roadworthiness certificate

   For first registration and renewal, RTA requires a certificate of roadworthiness issued within the 30 days immediately before the application.

   Arrange the required roadworthiness inspection through the authorised service process.

   Do this close enough to your registration date that the certificate is still within the 30-day window.

3. 3Arrange current third-party insurance

   RTA also requires evidence of current third-party insurance for the vehicle.

   Make sure the insurance details identify the correct vehicle and remain valid when you lodge the registration or renewal.

4. 4Complete Form 7 and prepare owner details

   RTA says a person may apply for first registration or renewal using Form 7.

   For first registration, prepare details including:

   • Owner's full name
   • Residential/business address in PNG
   • PNG postal address if different
   • Date of birth if the owner is an individual
   • Evidence of identity such as a driver's licence or passport
   • Vehicle information/documents requested by the authority
5. 5Submit the application and pay the prescribed fee

   Lodge the application with the relevant registration service provider together with:

   • Completed application
   • Required owner/vehicle documents
   • Roadworthiness certificate
   • Current third-party insurance evidence
   • Prescribed registration/renewal fee

   Fees vary by vehicle class and service, so confirm the current amount with the service provider rather than relying on an old fee table.

6. 6Present the vehicle if an inspection is required

   The registration authority may direct that the vehicle be produced for inspection.

   RTA rules allow limited circumstances where production can be waived if it is unreasonable or impracticable and sufficient evidence of fitness for registration is provided.

   Do not assume a waiver applies—follow the service provider's instruction.

7. 7Receive the registration documents and plates

   On registration, the authority issues the applicable registration documents and number plate(s).

   Keep the certificate and registration details safe and ensure the plate(s) are properly displayed as required.

   Public motor vehicles, private hire cars and taxis have additional licensing/registration requirements beyond ordinary private-vehicle registration.

8. 8Renew before expiry

   Current RTA guidance states that registration is generally valid for 12 months unless cancelled or suspended sooner.

   For renewal, again prepare:

   • A roadworthiness certificate issued within 30 days
   • Current third-party insurance
   • The prescribed renewal fee

   Renew on time so you do not create avoidable registration or insurance problems.