A Guide to Car Ownership Transfer Procedures and Fees in 2025
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Once a vehicle sale is complete, the final and most crucial step is the legal transfer of ownership. The key to a smooth process is preparing the correct car transfer documents. This guide covers everything you need to know about transferring car ownership, updated for 2025.
What is a "Car Transfer"?
A car transfer, or vehicle ownership transfer, is the official registration process to legally change the name of a vehicle's owner from one person to another. This gives the buyer full legal rights to the vehicle.
Difference Between Ownership Transfer and Name Change
An "ownership transfer" results from a sale, whereas a "possessor name change" might occur for other reasons, such as the original owner legally changing their name.
Why You Must Legally Transfer Ownership
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Properly transferring ownership is critical. If not done, the seller (original owner) remains legally responsible for any infractions involving the car, such as traffic tickets or accidents. Meanwhile, the buyer will be unable to renew the annual car tax or perform other registration-related tasks.
Types of Car Ownership Transfers
There are two primary methods for transferring car ownership in Thailand:
Direct Transfer
This is when the buyer and seller go to the Department of Land Transport (DLT) office together to complete the process. It is the safest method as it allows for immediate verification of identities and car transfer documents, with the entire process completed in a single day.
Floating Transfer (Oan Loy)
A floating transfer is a very popular method due to its convenience. The seller signs a set of required documents, often called a transfer kit or floating transfer documents, and gives them to the buyer to complete the process on their own at a later date. This kit typically includes a signed bill of sale, a transfer request form, and a signed Power of Attorney.
Required Car Transfer Documents (General Cases)
Preparing these documents for car transfer in advance will speed up the process.
Documents from the Seller (Transferor)
- Original Vehicle Registration Book (Lem Tabian)
- Copy of National ID Card (signed to certify)
- Copy of House Registration Book (Tabian Baan) (signed to certify)
- Transfer and Acceptance Request Form (filled out and signed by the transferor)
- Power of Attorney Form (if the seller is not present in person)
Documents from the Buyer (Transferee)
- Copy of National ID Card (signed to certify)
- Copy of House Registration Book (Tabian Baan) (signed to certify)
Car Transfer Documents for Special Cases
Vehicle with Financing
The loan must be paid off completely with the finance company. The company will then release the registration book and a transfer document set to the owner, who can then proceed with the ownership transfer.
Corporate-Owned Vehicle
Requires a copy of the company's registration certificate (issued within 6 months), a copy of the authorized director's ID card, and the company's official seal (if any).
Vehicle of a Deceased Owner
Requires a court order appointing an estate executor, the deceased owner's death certificate, and the executor's personal documents to transfer the vehicle as an heir.
The Transfer Process at the DLT Office
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- Submit Documents: File all DLT car transfer documents at the registration division of the DLT office in the province where the car is registered.
- Vehicle Inspection: Take the car to the inspection lane to verify that the chassis and engine numbers match the registration book.
- Pay Fees: An officer will assess the vehicle's value and calculate all applicable fees and taxes.
- Receive New Registration Book: Wait to receive the updated registration book with the new owner's name, along with an official receipt.
Transfer Fees and Other Costs
- Application Fee: 5 Baht
- Transfer Fee: 100 Baht
- Vehicle Inspection Fee: 50 Baht
- Stamp Duty: 500 Baht for every 100,000 Baht of the vehicle's assessed value.
- Total initial cost is around 700-800 Baht (excluding stamp duty, which varies).
Can You Transfer Car Ownership Online?
As of 2025, a 100% online car ownership transfer is not yet possible.
DLT Smart Queue App
The DLT's Smart Queue application is only for booking an appointment to visit the DLT office. It is not a platform for processing the actual transfer online.
Limitations of Online Systems
The transfer process still requires the physical verification of original documents and a vehicle inspection at the DLT, which cannot be done online.
Important Things to Know Before a Transfer
- Tax Status: The vehicle's annual road tax must be up-to-date.
- Signatures: All signatures on the documents must match the one on the ID card.
- Fines: There may be a fine for late transfers completed more than 15 days after the sale date on the contract.
FAQ
1. Must the transfer be done in the car's original province?
Yes, the transfer must be processed at the DLT office where the vehicle is currently registered. If the buyer lives in a different province, they must also file for a "re-registration" in their home province.
2. What if the seller cannot be present?
The seller must prepare a Power of Attorney (POA) form, signing as the grantor, and provide a signed copy of their ID card for the buyer to act on their behalf.
3. Can you transfer ownership if the car is still under financing?
No. The legal owner is the finance company until the loan is fully paid off. Ownership cannot be transferred until the loan is settled.
Conclusion
Preparing the correct and complete car transfer documents is the key to ensuring the car transfer procedure is fast and smooth. Whether you choose a direct or floating transfer, carefully checking all paperwork will prevent future problems and finalize your vehicle's change of ownership successfully.
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