The Application and Notice in Respect of Traffic Register Number (Form ANR) is the official transport document required by foreign nationals and unincorporated bodies of persons to obtain a Traffic Register Number (TRN) in South Africa. This unique number serves as an official profile identifier on the electronic National Transport Information System (eNaTIS), enabling individuals without a South African Identity Document to legally buy, register, license, roadworthy, or transfer motor vehicles.
What is the ANR Form and Traffic Register Number?
The ANR Form (Application and Notice in Respect of Traffic Register Number) is issued under the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996).
In South Africa, all motor vehicle transactions—such as vehicle registrations, licensing disc renewals, ownership transfers, and driving licence applications—are logged through the centralized eNaTIS database. South African citizens and permanent residents with a 13-digit green barcoded ID book or Smart ID card are automatically identifiable by their ID number. Foreign nationals, non-citizens, and non-juristic entities do not have this national ID profile.
Form ANR bridges this gap by creating a verified profile on eNaTIS and generating a Traffic Register Number (TRN).Once issued, the TRN acts as your permanent legal traffic ID in South Africa for all vehicle-related regulatory processes.
Who Needs to Submit Form ANR?
You are legally required to complete and submit Form ANR if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Foreign Nationals Purchasing or Registering a Vehicle: Any non-South African citizen holding a valid foreign passport, work visa, study permit, permanent residency permit, or business permit wishing to register a vehicle in their name.
- Foreign Driving Licence Holders: Non-citizens applying for a South African learner’s licence, driver’s licence, or converting a foreign licence to a South African driving licence card.
- Refugees and Asylum Seekers: Individuals residing in South Africa under official refugee or asylum seeker status possessing valid Department of Home Affairs (DHA) documentation.
- Unincorporated Bodies of Persons: Non-juristic entities, voluntary associations, trusts, or partnerships that are not registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) as a standard private company (Pty Ltd).
- Updating Particulars: Existing TRN holders who need to notify the Registering Authority of changes to their legal name, passport number, or permanent address.
Mandatory Supporting Documents for Form ANR
Registering Authorities (RAs) and Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) enforce strict documentary requirements. All copies must be clear and certified by a Commissioner of Oaths (such as the South African Police Service).
Requirements for Individual Applicants (Foreign Nationals)
- Completed ANR Form: Filled out neatly in black ink and capital letters.
- Certified Copy of Valid Passport: The identification page and the page containing your entry stamp or current permit.
- Certified Copy of Legal Status/Visa Document:
- Valid temporary residence visa (work, study, visitor, or business visa).
- Permanent Residence Certificate (if applicable).
- Form BI-1707 or official Section 22/24 asylum seeker/refugee permit, accompanied by a letter from the Department of Home Affairs authorising the issuance of a TRN.
- Two Identical Black-and-White ID Photographs: Standard passport-sized photographs taken against a plain background.
- Acceptable Proof of Residential Address: Not older than 3 months.
Requirements for a Body of Persons / Organisations
- Completed ANR Form: Signed by the appointed representative or proxy.
- Official Organisation Letterhead: A formal request applying for the TRN, signed by the governing committee, explicitly appointing a designated proxy and representative for vehicle administrative transactions.
- Certified Identification of Appointed Proxy: Certified copy of the South African ID or foreign passport/TRN of the appointed individual.
- Proof of Physical Business Address: Utility bill, commercial lease agreement, or municipal rates account under the organization’s name.
Acceptable Proof of Address Guidelines
In line with the National Road Traffic Regulations (Regulation 32A), all applicants must verify their address:
- Utility Bill: Municipal water and electricity bill, rates and taxes invoice.
- Financial Accounts: Bank statement or retail store statement mailed to your physical address.
- Lease Agreement: A valid, signed residential rental lease agreement.
- Affidavit for Shared Housing / Non-Account Holders: If the utility account is not in your name (e.g., renting a room or subletting), the property owner or primary tenant must draft and sign an affidavit stating you reside there, accompanied by a certified copy of the owner’s ID and their utility bill.
- Informal Settlements: A formal letter bearing an official date stamp from the local municipal ward councillor.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Traffic Register Number
[Download & Complete Form ANR]
↓
[Gather & Certify Supporting Documents + Photos]
↓
[Submit in Person at Local Registering Authority (RA)]
↓
[Provincial eNaTIS Verification & Approval]
↓
[Collect TRN Certificate & Proceed with Vehicle Registration]
Step 1: Complete Form ANR
Download the official Form ANR from the eNaTIS portal or collect a physical copy at your local municipal licensing department.
- Complete Section A with your personal details (full names, country of origin, passport number, date of birth, contact numbers, and physical residential address).
- Complete Section B if you are applying on behalf of a body of persons.
- Sign and date the declaration in Section C.
Step 2: Visit the Registering Authority in Person
Take your completed form, two black-and-white passport photographs, certified identity documents, valid visa, and proof of address to your nearest Registering Authority (RA) or municipal traffic department.
- You must submit the application in the municipality where you reside.
- The applicant (or designated proxy) must appear in person to capture biometrics and verify original documents.
Step 3: Processing and Provincial Approval
Unlike regular licence disc renewals, ANR applications require provincial helpdesk validation to prevent identity fraud. The registering officer captures your details on eNaTIS and forwards the dossier to the provincial transport authority for verification.
Step 4: Collect Your TRN Certificate
Once approved, you will be issued an official Traffic Register Number Certificate. You can now use this reference number across South Africa for all vehicle purchases, registrations, change of ownership applications, and roadworthy tests.
Linking Form ANR to Vehicle Registration
Obtaining your TRN via Form ANR is the foundational step before executing any primary vehicle transaction.
┌──────────────────────────────┐
│ Form ANR (TRN Issued on NaTIS)│
└──────────────┬───────────────┘
│
▼
┌────────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────┐
│ │
▼ ▼
┌──────────────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────────────┐
│ Form RLV: Vehicle Reg & │ │ Form NCO: Notification of │
│ Licensing Application │ │ Change of Ownership (Sale) │
└──────────────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────────────┘
When buying a car:
- Form NCO (Yellow Form): The seller submits the Notification of Change of Ownership using your newly acquired TRN as the buyer’s identification number.
- Form RLV (Blue Form): You submit the Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle using your TRN to register the car into your name and generate your vehicle licence disc.
Key Differences: ANR vs. ABR vs. NCP vs. RLV
| Form Code | Form Title | Primary Purpose | Who Uses It |
| Form ANR | Application and Notice i.r.o. Traffic Register Number | Creates an eNaTIS profile for non-citizens and informal entities | Foreign nationals, refugees, unincorporated bodies |
| Form ABR | Application and Notice i.r.o. Business Register Number | Registers a formal business/company profile on eNaTIS | Registered companies, CCs, and incorporated businesses |
| Form NCP | Notification of Change of Address or Particulars | Updates personal, business, or address details on eNaTIS | Any existing registered vehicle owner or driving licence holder |
| Form RLV | Application for Registration and Licensing of Motor Vehicle | Registers a vehicle under an owner’s name and issues a licence disc | All vehicle buyers/owners (using SA ID, TRN, or BRN) |
Processing Times, Fees, and Common Delays
- Processing Duration: Processing times vary by municipality and province. In some centres, preliminary verification occurs within 5 to 10 business days, while full provincial approval can take up to 4 to 6 weeks. It is strongly recommended to secure your TRN before finalizing the purchase of a motor vehicle.
- Applicable Fees: Some registering authorities process Form ANR free of charge, while others levy a nominal administrative processing fee depending on provincial regulations. Standard vehicle registration and licensing fees still apply once the vehicle is registered using Form RLV.
- Common Reasons for Application Rejection:
- Submitting color photos instead of required black-and-white photos (many municipalities strictly enforce black-and-white photos for scanning into eNaTIS).
- Expired temporary residence or visitor visas.
- Proof of address older than 3 months or missing a supporting landlord affidavit.
- Uncertified copies of passport and visa pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreign national buy and register a car in South Africa without an ANR form?
No. In South Africa, every motor vehicle transaction requires an identification record linked to eNaTIS. Foreign nationals who do not possess a 13-digit South African ID must complete Form ANR to obtain a Traffic Register Number (TRN) before a dealership or registering authority can register a car in their name or issue an annual licence disc.
How long does it take to receive a Traffic Register Number after applying?
Turnaround times range between 2 to 6 weeks depending on the municipal registering authority and provincial transport helpdesk. The delay occurs because foreign passports and visa permits must undergo administrative verification before the profile is activated on the national database.
Can I submit Form ANR online through the eNaTIS portal?
No. First-time applications for a Traffic Register Number require in-person identity verification, certified document submission, and physical photographs at a local Registering Authority or Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC). Once your TRN is active on eNaTIS, select routine transactions (like online disc renewals) may be completed electronically through enabled provincial portals.
Does a Traffic Register Number (TRN) ever expire?
The TRN profile itself remains tied to your record on eNaTIS, but its active validity is linked to your legal residency status in South Africa. If your visa or temporary permit expires, your eNaTIS profile may be restricted from executing new vehicle registrations or licence issuances until you provide updated, valid immigration documentation to the registering authority.
Can a tourist on a 90-day visitor visa apply for an ANR Form?
Yes. Tourists and short-term visitors can apply for a TRN using a valid foreign passport and entry visa stamp. However, you must provide verified proof of temporary local residential address (such as a formal letter from long-term accommodation or a host affidavit) to satisfy Regulation 32A of the National Road Traffic Act.
What should I do if my address or passport number changes after getting a TRN?
If your residential address or passport details change, you must notify the Registering Authority within 21 days by completing Form NCP (Notification of Change of Address or Particulars) along with an updated Form ANR, certified copies of your new passport/visa, and current proof of address.