Transferring a car: steps (draft)

Overview

This is a draft and not professional or legal advice. Have it checked before you use it.

A car you buy or sell must be registered in the new name with the vehicle authority (RDW). This draft describes the steps as the RDW lists them. Always check the current RDW page; costs and rules can change.

Seller: before the sale

• Valid registration card (or temporary document number)
• Complete and valid registration code
• With a paper registration certificate: the original registration and transfer proofs

With a paper certificate you cannot transfer online. If something is missing, first request a new registration card or code.

Buyer: am I eligible?

• 18 or older
• A private person, sole proprietorship or partnership
• Registered in the population register with a home or postal address in the Netherlands
• Valid ID

If you buy from an RDW-recognised company, that company arranges the transfer.

Steps

1. Choose the route: online with the DigiD app with identity check, or at a counter, RDW desk or inspection station.
2. Pay the RDW fee. The amount is on the RDW page.
3. Keep the registration report with part 1 of the registration code. You need the complete code when you sell.
4. Give the release certificate to the seller as proof the vehicle is no longer in their name.
5. The registration card and part 2 of the code come by post. Check in My RDW that the vehicle is in your name.

After the transfer you are responsible for the vehicle obligations.

Duties of the new owner

• Liability insurance from the moment the vehicle is in your name (code: last 4 digits of the VIN on the registration card)
• Periodic inspection, if the vehicle requires it
• Road tax: the transfer counts as a declaration
• Registration card within 14 days; not received after 5 working days? Report it with the RDW form

A sales contract?

A fill-in template is in the car sales contract service.

Sources

• RDW: transfer a plate to a person
• RDW: transfer to a company
• RDW: lost registration code