Nominate an operator
If you're registering your vehicle for the first time or renewing your registration, you can choose to nominate an operator.
A nominated operator is the person who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the vehicle.
If the vehicle is over 4.5 tonne gross vehicle mass (GVM), you must nominate an operator.
Who can be a nominated operator
A nominated operator can be:
- the owner of the vehicle
- an individual - they must be at least 18 years old
- a representative from a body corporate or incorporated association.
You can't nominate a business or an association.
A vehicle can only have one nominated operator. This includes a vehicle that is registered in joint names.
Responsibilities
The nominated operator is responsible for all of the following:
- renewing registration
- having the vehicle inspected
- providing proof of the vehicle's garage address
- any traffic infringements detected by red light or speed camera.
If you're a nominated operator but not the registered owner of the vehicle, you must provide a written permission from the owner confirming consent to act on their behalf to cancel or refund the vehicle registration.
The nominated operator must also advise the Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) within 14 days if:
- they change garaging address or postal address for service of renewal notices
- the vehicle is a write-off
- a change to the vehicle affects its description
- there are changes to the vehicle's configuration that would require payment to upgrade its registration
- they stop being the nominated operator.
They can’t nominate a new operator. This must be done by the registered owner.
How to apply
Read below to find out what steps you should take to nominate an operator.
If you have a current NT registration
If you have current NT registration, follow these steps:
Step 1. Fill in the R13 application to nominate the operator of a vehicle PDF (886.9 KB).
It must be completed and signed by both the registered owner and nominated operator.
Step 2. Submit the application to MVR:
- by email to mvr@nt.gov.au
- in person at an MVR office
- by mail to GPO Box 530, Darwin NT 0801.
Transfer ownership of an NT vehicle
If you want to transfer ownership of an NT vehicle and nominate an operator, follow these steps:
Step 1. You can either fill in the:
- R11 apply to register a vehicle in the NT form PDF (1.1 MB) or
- signed by both the new owner (buyer) and the former owner (seller)
- back of the certificate of registration for the vehicle and the R13 application to nominate the operator of a vehicle PDF (886.9 KB).
Step 2. Prepare the following supporting documents:
Step 3. Submit your forms and supporting documents by email to mvr@nt.gov.au.
Register for the first time or transfer an interstate registered vehicle
Nominate an operator at the same time when applying to:
- register a vehicle in the NT for the first time or
- transfer an interstate registered vehicle.
Nominate yourself
To nominate yourself as an operator of your vehicle, do it when you apply in person to register or transfer your vehicle.
Nominate another person
To nominate an operator for your vehicle that is not you as the registered owner, follow these steps:
Step 1. Fill in the R13 application to nominate the operator of a vehicle PDF (886.9 KB).
- Both the registered owner and nominated operator must complete and sign the form.
Step 2. Submit the completed R13 form when you apply in person to register or transfer your vehicle.
Update details or nominate a new operator
To change the details of an existing nominated operator or to nominate a new operator of a vehicle, follow these steps:
Step 1. Fill in the R13 application to nominate the operator of a vehicle PDF (886.9 KB).
Step 2. Submit the completed application by:
- by email to mvr@nt.gov.au
- in person at an MVR office
- by mail to GPO Box 530, Darwin NT 0801.
Last updated: 16 June 2022
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