Government confirms new rego and licencing fee changes

The New Zealand Government has confirmed that changes are on the way for driver licencing and vehicle registration fees, which will come into effect next month.

In 2019, Waka Kotahi conducted a review of the costs associated with providing regulatory products and services. The agency found that it wasn’t bringing enough revenue in to cover said costs.

“The review also showed that some people and companies are paying more for services than they should, some less, and others are not paying at all. The approved changes will fix those issues,” says Neil Cook, Director of Land Transport.

From 1 October 2023, administration fees for vehicle licencing (rego) will increase from their current levels, meaning that Kiwis who want to renew a licence online will have to pay a fee of $8.66 instead of $4.10.

If you decide to renew your rego through an agent, you will pay a new fee of $11.99 instead of $7.20, while doing it through the mail will cost $14.17 instead of $2.99, and finally, an industry agent’s administration fee will be $7.95 instead of $2.79.

The same applies to road user charges (RUC), with administration fees increasing from $4.80 to a new fee of $12.44 if renewing online.

Through an agent, the new fee to renew RUC will be $13.72, while doing it over the phone will cost $14.87.

Changes to administration fees for driver licence tests are also inbound on October 1, with renewals decreasing from $43.90 to $32.40.

However, for those taking their driver license test for the first time, the cost will increase.

From October 1, a class 1 learner licence will increase to $96.10, class 1 restricted increase to $167.50, while a class 1 full will decrease to $98.90. Changes will also be made to other licence class costs.

Re-sit fees for driver licence tests will be removed, while there will be no more fees to book, cancel, or reschedule a test.

A full list of fee changes can be found here.