Pe fa'apefea ona fa'atau laisene RUC ma filifiliga eseese e maua.
Buy RUC online at nzta.govt.nz, through an app-based purchase service, or at an authorised agent such as AA, VTNZ, VINZ, or selected PostShops. You'll need the plate number and a way to pay; a current odometer reading is also needed for some transactions, including an EV's first RUC licence. Buy in 1,000km blocks, print your temporary label, stick it on your windscreen. Done.
$12.44
admin fee per licence
$13.71
admin fee per licence
Available at:
If an app suits you, RUC Pass handles light-vehicle RUC purchases in-app, with counter purchasing planned for later. To check pricing and purchase channels before choosing, RUC Compare lines the main options up side by side.
Gather this info first. Makes the whole process quicker.
The system uses this to look up your vehicle details
You'll need the current odometer for an EV's first licence and some overlap or correction transactions.
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 the NZTA RUC purchase page at transact.nzta.govt.nz.
The system will pull up your vehicle details and show your current licence status.
For a first EV licence or another transaction that needs a start reading, enter the exact odometer or hubodometer figure.
Each unit is 1,000km. Pick as many as you need.
Card or internet banking. Your temporary label arrives by email instantly.
Print the temporary PDF and display it on the passenger-side windscreen while you wait for the permanent label.
You get a temporary label emailed as a PDF. Print it, display it, and you're good to go.
Your permanent label can take up to 14 days to arrive by post
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.
A normal early top-up simply starts where your current licence ends, so you do not lose any distance. An overlap licence is different: it starts at the current recorder reading and credits the unused part of the old licence. NZTA requires or uses this in specific situations, including certain rate or RUC-type changes.
Example when an overlap is required:
Important: Do not change the new start distance just to top up early. If NZTA requires an overlap licence for your transaction, follow its current instructions and make sure the new end distance reaches at least the old licence's end distance.
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.
The licence may start at the wrong distance and leave an uncovered gap.
Fix: Contact NZTA. Online errors and later corrections are handled case by case.
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, an approved eRUC system can automate licence purchasing, improve distance recording and create supporting records for off-road refund claims. Features differ by provider.
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.
