Guide
When is my WOF due? NZ warrant and rego dates explained simply
WOF and rego are two different things that expire at two different times, and that is the whole problem. One is a check of the vehicle, the other is a payment — and a car can easily be fine on one and lapsed on the other.
This guide explains the intervals and how to keep both dates visible.
How often a WOF is needed
The interval depends on when the vehicle was first registered anywhere, not on how old it looks or how much it is driven. The expiry is shown on the label on the windscreen.
- Vehicles first registered on or after 1 January 2000: annually.
- Vehicles first registered before 1 January 2000: every six months.
- A brand-new vehicle's first warrant covers a longer initial period before the regular cycle begins.
WOF and rego are not the same date
The warrant of fitness confirms the vehicle meets safety standards. The rego — the vehicle licence — is a payment that can be made for three, six or twelve months.
Because the two are renewed on separate cycles, they drift apart over time. Many people remember one and are caught out by the other, particularly after buying a used car where both were inherited mid-cycle.
What happens if the WOF expires
Driving with an expired warrant can result in a fine, and it can affect an insurance claim because the vehicle is no longer certified as meeting the required standard.
There is no grace period worth relying on: the practical response to an expired label is to book an inspection straight away.
Keeping both dates in one place
Two to three weeks of notice is usually enough for a WOF: time to get an inspection slot, and to fix a light or a wiper before it becomes a failed check rather than a quick pass.
- WOF expiry, from the windscreen label.
- Rego expiry, from the licence label or the renewal notice.
- Insurance renewal.
- Service intervals, by time or distance.
How MiRicordi handles it
You can save the WOF and rego dates as separate repeating reminders on the same vehicle, each with its own notice period, and photograph the labels so the details are attached to the date.
Alerts are scheduled on the phone and arrive even when the app is closed.
Frequently asked questions
How often does my car need a WOF in New Zealand?
Vehicles first registered on or after 1 January 2000 need an annual warrant of fitness. Vehicles first registered before that date need one every six months.
What is the difference between WOF and rego?
The WOF is a safety inspection of the vehicle; the rego is the vehicle licence, a payment made for three, six or twelve months. They are renewed on separate cycles and rarely expire on the same day.
What happens if my WOF has expired?
Driving on an expired warrant can result in a fine and may affect an insurance claim. The practical step is to book an inspection immediately rather than wait.
Where do I find my WOF expiry date?
On the label displayed on the windscreen. It is worth recording the date somewhere else at the same time, because the label is only readable from inside the car.
Can I get a reminder for both WOF and rego?
Yes. In MiRicordi each can be saved as its own repeating reminder with a different notice period, so the two dates stay separate instead of being confused with each other.