Document Preparation Service or Law Firm?
When you start looking for help with a Limited Licence, you will find two kinds of businesses: law firms and document preparation services like us. They are not the same thing, and it pays to know the difference.
What we do
NZ Limited Licence is a document preparation service. We are not a law firm, and we do not give legal advice or represent you in court. We take your information and prepare your Limited Licence application documents so they are complete, clear and in the format the court expects [3].
What a law firm does
A lawyer can advise you on your legal position and can appear for you. That matters most when your situation is not straightforward.
When a document preparation service suits
- You know why you lost your licence and you can apply under section 103 [1].
- Your situation is a demerit suspension or a straightforward court disqualification.
- You are comfortable attending court and answering questions about your affidavit [1].
- You want the paperwork done properly at a set price, from $645 + GST.
When you should talk to a lawyer
- You are still facing charges, or you are unsure whether you can apply at all.
- You have a complicated driving history.
- You have been declined before.
- Your case involves an alcohol interlock sentence or a driver licence stop order, which can rule out a Limited Licence [1].
Either way, the judge decides
Neither a lawyer nor a document service can promise a Limited Licence. The court decides based on the hardship test and public safety [1].
Do not sign your affidavit before you get to court. Sign it only in front of the person who witnesses it, and the easiest place to do that is at the court when you arrive. Once it is signed, not a single word can change unless the change is also signed and witnessed.
Sources
- Land Transport Act 1998, sections 32, 90, 95, 103, 104 and 105, New Zealand Legislation, https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1998/0110/latest/DLM434582.html (accessed 13 October 2026)
- Get a Limited Licence, New Zealand Ministry of Justice, https://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/criminal/get-a-limited-licence/ (accessed 13 October 2026)
- Practice Note: Applications for a Limited Licence (24 May 2024), District Court of New Zealand, https://www.districtcourts.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Publications/2024/Limited-Licence-Practice-Note-FINAL.pdf (accessed 13 October 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Do you appear in court with me?
No. You attend the hearing yourself, and you may be asked questions about your affidavit.
Can I use you and a lawyer?
Yes. Some people get legal advice on their position and then use us to prepare the documents.
Do I need a lawyer to apply?
No. The Ministry of Justice provides information for people applying themselves.
We prepare Limited Licence documents from $645 + GST. Call 0800 437 005 or start at nzlimitedlicence.co.nz/apply.
Checked by Guy Hollister, Director, NZ Limited Licence, on 22 October 2026