Vehicle Registration in Zambia
Updated March 2026 · RTSA fees per SI No. 25 of 2024
Complete guide to registering a vehicle with RTSA — all fees per Statutory Instrument No. 25 of 2024, required documents, and step-by-step process. Cashless payments only from March 1, 2026.
RTSA Fees Schedule (SI No. 25 of 2024)
First Registration
One-time fee per SI No. 25 of 2024
K238
Road Tax (Motor Vehicle Licence)
Annual fee based on vehicle type and weight
Varies by category
RTSA Physical Inspection Report
Required for registration and fitness
K64
Interpol Clearance Certificate
Police verification — especially for imported vehicles
K200
Change of Ownership (Transfer)
Required when buying/selling a vehicle
K476
Change in Registration Particulars
Colour change, engine swap, address update, etc.
K216.67 each
Re-Registration (current Zambian mark)
Vehicle re-registration with existing plate number
K3,575
Vehicle Safety Inspection (Fitness)
Annual/quarterly test at approved centres
K150 – 300
Number Plates (New Pair)
One-time cost — pair of plates
K200 – 400
Road Toll (Small Vehicles)
Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes unchanged as of Jan 2026
K20 per passage
Registration Process — 5 Steps
Customs Clearance (Imported Vehicles)
Clear vehicle through ZRA — pay customs duty, VAT, and carbon emission surtax. Receive Customs Clearance Certificate and CE 20 form.
Police Interpol Clearance
Take vehicle to police for Interpol check (K200). They verify it's not stolen and issue clearance certificate. Present NRC and import documents.
RTSA Physical Inspection
RTSA inspects braking systems, suspension, headlights, and verifies chassis/engine numbers against documents. Physical inspection report costs K64.
Get Insurance & Pay Road Tax
Purchase minimum third-party motor insurance. Pay road tax (Motor Vehicle Licence) to RTSA. Both can be done online via ZamPortal.
Submit Documents for Registration
Submit all documents including CNV1/RL3 forms to RTSA. Pay first registration fee (K238). Number plates are assigned and the White Book (Vehicle Registration Certificate) is issued in the owner's name.
Required Documents
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| ZRA Customs Clearance Certificate | ✓ Yes |
| Interpol Clearance Certificate | ✓ Yes |
| NRC or Certificate of Incorporation | ✓ Yes |
| RTSA Physical Inspection Report | ✓ Yes |
| Valid Insurance Certificate | ✓ Yes |
| Proof of Road Tax Payment | ✓ Yes |
| Sale Agreement / Letter of Sale | ✓ Yes |
| Forms CNV1 and RL3 | ✓ Yes |
| Customs Declaration Form CE 20 | ✓ Yes |
| Release Order | If applicable |
| Previous Registration Certificate (White Book) | If applicable |
| ZRA Tax Clearance (for transfer) | If applicable |
Vehicle Registration in Zambia — Guide
Vehicle registration in Zambia is managed by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), established under the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002. Every motor vehicle on Zambian roads must be registered and display valid number plates. Fees were revised effective May 20, 2024, under Statutory Instrument No. 25 of 2024.
Cashless Payments from March 2026
As of March 1, 2026, all RTSA service centres and stations operate a fully cashless payment system. No cash is accepted for any services. Accepted payment methods include:
- Mobile money — MTN MoMo, Airtel Money, Zamtel Kwacha
- Bank cards — Debit and credit cards via POS machines
- VISA payments — At designated terminals
- No extra charges apply for digital payment methods
Important Notes
- Road tax must be renewed annually — failure results in fines and potential vehicle impoundment.
- Keep your White Book safe — it's the Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate and your proof of legal ownership.
- Report changes within 14 days — change of address, colour, or engine must be updated at RTSA (K216.67 per change).
- Insurance required before fitness test — you must have valid insurance and paid road tax to apply for a safety inspection.
- Online services available — Road tax payment and safety inspection applications can be done via ZamPortal (zamportal.gov.zm).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a vehicle in Zambia?
Per Statutory Instrument No. 25 of 2024: First registration K238, RTSA physical inspection K64, Interpol clearance K200, number plates K200-400, plus road tax (varies by vehicle type). Total for a private car: approximately K900-1,200 excluding insurance. Commercial vehicles cost more. These are RTSA fees only — ZRA customs duties for imported vehicles are separate.
How long does vehicle registration take?
Same-day registration is possible at less busy RTSA offices. In Lusaka, expect 1-3 working days during peak periods. The RTSA physical inspection takes about 15-30 minutes. Number plates may take an additional 1-2 days if they need to be manufactured. Processing is faster in smaller cities like Chipata, Ndola, or Solwezi.
What is the vehicle safety inspection (fitness test)?
A fitness certificate confirms your vehicle is roadworthy — brakes, lights, tyres, suspension, emissions, etc. It's mandatory for all vehicles and must be renewed annually (or quarterly for some categories). The test is conducted at RTSA-approved centres. You must have valid insurance and paid road tax before applying for inspection.
How do I transfer vehicle ownership?
Both buyer and seller visit RTSA. Bring: current White Book (registration certificate), sale agreement, NRCs, ZRA tax clearance for transfer, and the transfer fee of K476. The White Book is updated with the new owner's details. Never buy a car without transferring the White Book at RTSA immediately — the registered owner is the legal owner.
Is RTSA now cashless?
Yes. From March 1, 2026, all RTSA service centres and stations transitioned to a fully cashless payment system. No cash is accepted for any services. Payments are made via mobile money (MTN MoMo, Airtel Money, Zamtel Kwacha), bank cards, and VISA using POS machines provided by commercial banks. No extra charges apply for digital payments. Payment guidelines are displayed at RTSA stations.
Can I pay road tax online?
Yes, road tax (Motor Vehicle Licence) can be paid online through the ZamPortal platform (zamportal.gov.zm). You can also apply for vehicle safety inspections online. Since March 2026, all RTSA payments are cashless — digital payments are the standard method.