Limited Licence Costs in NZ, Line by Line
Working out what a Limited Licence will cost is easier when you split it into the separate payments you will actually make. Some go to us, some go to the court, and one goes to the NZ Transport Agency at the end.
1. Preparing your documents
You need an application, a sworn affidavit setting out your hardship, supporting evidence and a draft order describing the driving you are asking for [3]. Our preparation service starts from $645 + GST.
2. The court filing fee
The Ministry of Justice lists the filing fee as $175 after a court disqualification and $275 after a demerit suspension [2]. These are court fees, paid to the court, and they are not refunded if the application is declined [2].
3. The sealing fee
For a demerit suspension, the Ministry lists a $69 sealing fee if the order is granted [2].
4. The licence itself
A court order on its own does not let you drive. Once it is granted, you apply to the NZ Transport Agency for the Limited Licence and pay its fee [2].
Costs people forget
- Time off work for the hearing.
- Travel to court, often without being able to drive yourself.
- Getting copies of payslips, rosters or medical letters.
- The cost of being declined. You generally cannot reapply for 3 months unless you have relevant new evidence [1].
Comparing it with three months off the road
For most people the real comparison is against lost wages, taxis, favours from family and the risk to a job. That is a personal call, and only you can weigh it.
Fees change
Court fees are set by the Ministry and can change. Check the Ministry of Justice page before you file [2].
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
Is the court fee included in your price?
No. Court and licence fees are paid separately to the court and the NZ Transport Agency.
Do I get the court fee back if I am declined?
The Ministry says fees are not refunded if the application is declined.
Why is the demerit filing fee higher?
The fees are set by the Ministry of Justice, and its page lists them separately for each type of application. **Our document preparation starts from $645 + GST. Call 0800 437 005 or start at [nzlimitedlicence.co.nz/apply](https://www.nzlimitedlicence.co.nz/apply).**
Checked by Guy Hollister, Director, NZ Limited Licence, on 17 October 2026