How to buy RUC licences and the different purchase options available.
Buy RUC online at nzta.govt.nz (cheapest), or pop into an AA, VTNZ, VINZ, or PostShop. You'll need your plate number and current odometer reading. Buy in 1,000km blocks, print your temporary label, stick it on your windscreen. Done.
$12.44
admin fee
$13.71
admin fee
Available at:
Gather this info first. Makes the whole process quicker.
The system uses this to look up your vehicle details
Check it before you start. Has to be accurate.
Sold in 1,000km blocks. Buy what you need.
The serial number from your hubodometer. It's on the device itself, usually visible through the clear casing.
Head to transact.nzta.govt.nz. You can log in with RealMe or continue as a guest.
The system will pull up your vehicle details and show your current licence status.
Type in the exact number on your dashboard right now. Don't round it.
Each unit is 1,000km. Pick as many as you need.
Card or internet banking. Your temporary label arrives by email instantly.
Print the PDF, stick it on your passenger-side windscreen. You're legal.
You get a temporary label emailed as a PDF. Print it, display it, and you're good to go.
Your permanent label arrives by post within 14 days
Bought at an agent but the vehicle is somewhere else? A clear photo of the label counts as proof.
Must show all details including fine print
The label needs to be visible from outside the vehicle. Get this wrong and you could still cop a fine, even if you've paid.
Inside the front windscreen, passenger side. The plate number and distances must face outward so they're visible from outside.
Same windscreen rule applies, or you can carry it in the cab. Just be ready to show it immediately if asked.
If you buy more RUC before your current licence runs out, you don't lose the unused distance. The system credits it back to you automatically.
Example:
Important: Online, you need to hit "Refresh" after entering your current reading to trigger the overlap calculation. Don't skip this step.
These trip people up more often than you'd think.
Your licence is invalid. You're technically driving without RUC.
Fix: Same day at agent? Go back. Otherwise, call 0800 655 644.
Gap between your actual driving and paid distance.
Fix: Contact RUC team. You may get an assessment for the missing distance.
No proof of payment. You can still be fined.
Fix: Print it before you drive. Check your email spam folder.
Same as not having one. Enforcement can't verify.
Fix: Move it to the correct position. Passenger side, facing out.
Yes, you can get refunds. But there are rules.
Driven on private land, farms, or forestry? That distance is refundable. You need to keep records and apply using the RUCOR form.
Taking your vehicle off the road permanently? Unused distance gets refunded. Complete the MR15 form and surrender your plates at an agent.
If you're managing multiple vehicles, eRUC systems (like EROAD or Teletrac Navman) can automate the whole process. GPS tracks your distance, buys licences automatically, and handles off-road credits.
We cover eRUC providers in detail in the Implementation section.
0800 655 644
Queries, corrections, hubodometer approvals
transact.nzta.govt.nz
Buy, check status, order replacements
Got the basics sorted? The next guide explains how RUC compares to fuel excise, and why the system works the way it does. Useful context if you're wondering why petrol cars don't pay RUC.
