First, check the book to see who the owner is

Open the registration book (lem tabien) and look at the registered owner. If it is a finance company, the car has not been fully paid off and cannot be transferred to the buyer right away. The loan has to be settled with the finance company first.

If the person selling is not the name in the book, they must have a power of attorney from the real owner along with a copy of the owner's ID card. There are no exceptions to this, because someone who is not the owner has no right to sell that car.

What to bring on transfer day

• The original registration book, not a copy.
• Original ID cards of both parties, with signed and certified copies.
• The transfer application form, fully signed by both parties.
• A power of attorney, if either party cannot go in person.
• For a company, a company certificate and a copy of the ID card of the authorized signatory.

Foreign buyers or sellers use a passport plus proof of address instead of a Thai ID card; see buying a car in Thailand as a foreigner.

The list of documents, the forms and the fees can change. Always call or check with the Department of Land Transport (DLT) office where you will do the transfer first. We do not put fee amounts on this page, because if they change and you rely on us, you will make a wasted trip.

The most common mistakes

• Signing the transfer documents in advance and letting the buyer file them alone. If they never do the transfer, the car is still in your name, and traffic tickets and liability still come to you. The safer way is to go together on the same day.
• Transferring the book before receiving full payment. Once it is transferred, your bargaining power is gone.
• Forgetting to cancel or move the insurance. After the transfer, contact the insurance company too.
• Not keeping your own copy of the transfer documents. Take a photo of every signed page on your phone.