Buying and Registering a Car in Mauritius

Buying and registering car in Mauritius can feel scary when you are new to it. There are so many new words, papers, procedures and everyone seems to know what they are doing except you. If you are a woman going through this alone or simply someone buying a car for the first time, this guide will help you understand everything in a simple way.

Here is a clear step by step guide based on a real experience of someone who went through the full process and survived to tell the story. You can do it too. Congratulations on your new car.

Step 1: Choose Your Car

This is the fun part. Before buying, think about your daily needs. Do you need a small car for easy parking or a bigger one for family and long drives.

Tips
• Check the mileage and overall condition
• Always take a trusted mechanic with you
• Do a full mechanical and safety check
• Test drive the car to feel how it responds

Step 2: Negotiate the Price

Negotiation is normal in Mauritius. Be friendly but clear.

Things to keep in mind:
• Market value of the model
• Condition of the car
• Repairs or parts that may need changing

Agree on a fair price and finalise how you will pay. Many buyers use a cheque or bank transfer.

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

Before meeting the seller to finalise the sale, make sure both of you have the documents ready.

You will need:
• A cheque or payment method
• Photo of the seller’s ID (your bank may ask for it)
• Original horsepower (the small grey vehicle registration book)
• Signed 2 copies of the deed of sale
• Permission for gage (if required by NLTA)

You can download all official forms from the National Land Transport Authority here:
NLTA Forms Download Page: https://nlta.govmu.org/Pages/Downloads/Downloads.aspx

Step 4: Sign the Deed of Sale

Meet the seller, sign both copies of the deed of sale and complete the payment. The seller will hand over:

• The keys (usually 2 keys)
• The horsepower
• Signed documents

At this point, the car is legally yours but still not registered under your name.

Step 5: Register the Car at NLTA

Take all documents to the nearest National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) office and transfer the vehicle to your name.

Official NLTA Website: https://nlta.govmu.org

Documents to submit:
• 2 copies of the deed of sale
• Horsepower
• Permission for gage
• Seller’s ID
• Your ID

After the transfer is approved, NLTA will update the ownership.

Step 6: Buy Vehicle Insurance

Before you can drive freely, you must have valid insurance. Most insurance companies in Mauritius offer:

• Third party only
• Third party fire and theft
• Full comprehensive

Choose the one that matches your budget and needs. Insurance companies will give you a temporary certificate which you must show at NLTA later.

Step 7: Do the Fitness Test

Your car must pass a fitness test to confirm it is road safe. You can go to any authorised fitness centre.

Fitness Requirements:
https://nlta.govmu.org/Pages/Procedures/VehicleExamination.aspx

If your car passes, you will receive a fitness certificate.

Step 8: Pay Your Road Tax (MVL)

Once your insurance and fitness appear in the system, you can pay your annual Motor Vehicle Licence (MVL), also called road tax.

You can pay:
• Online
• At any NLTA office

Payment information here:
https://nlta.govmu.org/Pages/services.aspx

Step 9: Stick All Required Stickers on Your Car

Place these 3 stickers on your windshield where they can be easily seen:

• Road tax sticker
• Insurance sticker
• Fitness sticker

You are now officially ready to drive your car.

Final Tips for First Time Buyers

• Always keep copies of every paper
• Make sure your insurance and fitness expiry dates are saved somewhere
• Never delay road tax payment as it can lead to fines
• If you feel lost, the NLTA staff are usually helpful and used to guiding first time buyers

Buying and registering a car in Mauritius is not as complicated as it looks. With the right steps, anyone can handle it confidently.