What Are Rego and Licence Labels?
What people call rego is usually the recurring vehicle licence, not the vehicle's one-off registration on the Motor Vehicle Register. When you pay the licensing fee, NZTA issues a licence label showing the expiry date. You must display the current label. WoF or CoF and rego are both required to use the vehicle legally on the road.
Where to Display
NZTA requires a motor vehicle's licence label on the left-hand side of the windscreen. A trailer or motorcycle label goes near the number plate. Online renewal does not remove the display requirement: NZTA posts the permanent label, and you should renew at an agent if you cannot wait for delivery. Keep the label visible and legible. Driving with expired rego is illegal and may affect insurance cover.
Renewal
You can renew rego for up to 12 months or choose a specific expiry date. Set a reminder before it expires. Renew online through NZTA or in person at an NZTA agent; use an agent when you need the new label immediately rather than waiting for post. If rego lapses, the vehicle cannot legally be used on the road until renewed. Factor rego into your running costs and when selling — current rego is a selling point.