SAP-09 · Cape Town & surrounds
Vehicle police clearance in Cape Town
Some vehicles have to be checked by the SAPS before they can be registered: imports, rebuilt and written-off vehicles, and vehicles whose engine or chassis number has been replaced or cannot be read. The vehicle has to be inspected in person, and we book the slot and take it through.
When you need this
- You have imported a vehicle
- A rebuilt or written-off vehicle needs to go back on the road
- A vehicle’s engine or chassis number has been replaced or is unreadable
How it works
- 01
Tell us about the vehicle
Send the details and we confirm whether a clearance is needed and what to bring.
- 02
We book the inspection
At a SAPS clearance centre, where the engine and chassis numbers are checked in person.
- 03
We collect the clearance
Once it is cleared, we can go straight on to registering the vehicle.
What to have ready
Obtaining a SAPS vehicle clearance certificate for an imported, rebuilt, previously written-off or otherwise flagged vehicle.
- Certified copy of your ID
- Proof of address dated within the last 3 months
- Vehicle registration certificate or import documents
- Original invoice or proof of purchase
- The vehicle itself, for physical inspection
The vehicle has to be physically presented at a SAPS clearance centre — the engine and chassis numbers are checked in person. We book the slot and take it through.
Drop-off is available too. We share the address once you are in touch.
Questions about police clearance
To confirm it is not stolen and that its engine and chassis numbers are genuine. Without it, the licensing department will not register the vehicle.
Usually 5 to 14 working days, depending on how soon the clearance centre has a slot.
Other things we handle
- 01 Licence Disc Renewal1–3 working days · Service fee R150
- 02 Change of Ownership2–5 working days · Service fee R350
- 03 Vehicle Registration3–7 working days · Service fee R350
- 04 Roadworthy Certificate2–4 working days · Price on request
- 05 Number Plates1–3 working days · Price on request
- 06 Lost / Duplicate Documents2–4 working days · Price on request
- 07 Personalised Plates3–5 working days · Price on request
- 08 BRNC Application5–10 working days · Service fee R2,000