Trick And Tips For Buying And Registering Used Vehicles In Thailand

[Tunermt]

I will be purchasing a couple used vehicles in the very near future and want to make sure i do everything correctly to avoid any headache and get them registered under my name.

I will need to register a used bike as well as a used car that i will purchase VERY soon (both vehicles have a valid green book with matching vins as far as i can tell)

questions are:

1) How can i tell if there is a lean/loan out on the vehicle? I assume this would be in green book somewhere?

2) How do i check for back taxes/the the vehicles registration is up to date? If there are back taxes am I as the new owner responsible for paying these in order to register the car in my name?

3) Both the bike and car will be over 6 years old, I understand the car will need to pass inspection. What should i be aware of here? (The car will be an E30 BMW with a Japanese engine, the car will be modified for some track use however everything such as brakes, lights, seat belts, horn will remain in place. I intend to keep it road legal and drive daily)

4) Do i need insurance before i can register or purchase either vehicle? What proof of insurance should i have with me?

5) What needs to be done as far as a "bill of sale" and/or to the green book when buying a vehicle. (For example in the states the title must be signed and notarized in order to register to a new owner.)

Please let me know what else should be aware of? (legal/paper work BS wise) when purchasing a used vehicle from a dealer OR individual, of course mechanical issues are something to be aware of

Thank you much for reading! I will be sure to edit this original post with the best answers in hopes it will help others in the future!

Thanks again, Eric

[Johnniey]

I think you worry too much and BTW my cars have a blue book, not green.

[hkt83100]

I think you worry too much and BTW my cars have a blue book, not green.

Absolutely correct, blue is for cars, green is for bikes.

[TommyDee]

i think you will find that were there a LIEN on the vehicle by a finance co, they would actually have possession of the book.

you need minimum of 3rd party ins to register the vehicle ( but are daft if you dont have FC)

you need a letter from immigration allowing you to buy a vehicle ( actually one for each vehicle)

the vehicle test is a white wash, as long as you dont insult them with a dirty vehicle all will be fine

if you are buying from a farang, HE will need to supply YOU with a letter from immigration to say he can SELL the vehicles, else you cant register them

you will need a copy of the seller's driving licence

the seller has to sign the new registration form

all the best

t

[Semper]

if you are buying from a farang, HE will need to supply YOU with a letter from immigration to say he can SELL the vehicles, else you cant register them

Can you explain this? As far as I know, Immigration has nothing to do with buying or selling a vehicle.

[JohnC]

Can you explain this? As far as I know, Immigration has nothing to do with buying or selling a vehicle.

You need a letter of residence to register vehicle in your name.

[Tunermt]

Thank you all very much for all the information and advice, i greatly appreciate it! I do apologize for all the questions i understand i am being a little over the top with this

Sorry Blue for car Green for bike good to know, my bad.

the seller has to sign the new registration form

Can this be done before a trip to the DLT? Can i print a new registration form off the web anywhere?

To successfully register a vehicle if i bring the fallowing to the DLT i should be good to go?

1) Blue or green book

2) certificate of residence (can you still source this from immigrations? I know the US embassy charges $50 for it but immigrations is only a 200-400 baht "farang fee" from what i have read. Also this certificate of residence is only valid for as long as your visa correct? When you register the vehicle is the registration only good for as long as your visa or ...?

3)passport with valid visa

4)Copy of previous owners DL

5)Copy of new registration form signed by previous owner

6)Insurance card/paper work

7)Money (is there a standard fee or a % based price? any idea what it is?)

Will the inspection need to happen before or after registration or does it matter? Don't want to get shot down at the DLT because i did not pass inspection yet OR vise versa!

Thanks again for the help here my friends!!!!

[WarpSpeed]

you need minimum of 3rd party ins to register the vehicle ( but are daft if you dont have FC)

Not all used cars qualify for FC insurance coverage, it depends on age..

[LeCharivari]

the seller has to sign the new registration form.....

Can this be done before a trip to the DLT? Can i print a new registration form off the web anywhere?

Yes.

I don't think so, but most second hand car/bike sales places will have copies and may give you one.

1) Blue or green book Yes.

2) certificate of residence (can you still source this from immigrations? Yes Also this certificate of residence is only valid for as long as your visa correct? Yes, or 3 months (whichever is shorter) When you register the vehicle is the registration only good for as long as your visa or ...? No, once you buy it its yours until you sell it

3)passport with valid visa Yes, + photocopy

4)Copy of previous owners DL Never heard of this before, but some DLTs might although I can't think why (you don't need a driving licence to own a car)

5)Copy of new registration form signed by previous owner Yes

6)Insurance card/paper work Yes, the tear off slip at the bottom of the government/compulsory insurance cetificate

7)Money (is there a standard fee or a % based price? any idea what it is?) Yes, its a % but I can't recall how much (maybe 1.5%??)

Will the inspection need to happen before or after registration or does it matter? Before

The car will be an E30 BMW with a Japanese engine

Make sure the engine change has been entered in the blue book and the engine number is correct.

[Tunermt]

I was actualy at the bkk immigrations office today with the old lady and decided to ask about getting the certificate of residence to see if they would indeed be able to supply it. The women seemed to know exactly what I was requesting and just told me to go to my embassy... Perhaps I may have better luck at the local nonthaburi immigrations office?

Any advice on what I should get from my landlord to make this go as smoothly as possible? (I do not have a lease agreement however perhaps they can write something short up for me and just sign and date it? Any particular criteria I should make sure is on the lease agreement?)

[candyman123]

Sorry to everybody if you think I'm going off the topic here but it is car related and would love to hear from people that are in the know!!!!

Anyway here is my question........I have found two cars they are both classic cars and have been off the road for sometime now and don't have any paper work like the bluebook.

Q1, Should I buy the car without a registration bluebook?

Q2, If it's okay to buy without the bluebook what or how do I apply to have a new bluebook done in my name?

Q3, What would the time scale be for getting all this done.........I know how long is a piece of string.

Q4, Because the classic car has been of the road for sometime like years would I need to pay the back duty tax on this?

Your answers to all or just some of them wouldn't go unnoticed and will thank you in advance

Candyman.

[katabeachbum]

Sorry to everybody if you think I'm going off the topic here but it is car related and would love to hear from people that are in the know!!!!

Anyway here is my question........I have found two cars they are both classic cars and have been off the road for sometime now and don't have any paper work like the bluebook.

Q1, Should I buy the car without a registration bluebook? It can not be used on public roads, and you need to ensure seller is registered owner, so some docs needed like last tax sticker, reg plate, or at least check VIN at DLT. If no trace at DLT, one can assume its an illegal import, or at least never TH registered.

Q2, If it's okay to buy without the bluebook what or how do I apply to have a new bluebook done in my name? present owner can apply to have new book issued if it previously had a book, but if its been more than 3 years, some DLT will not grant it

Q3, What would the time scale be for getting all this done.........I know how long is a piece of string. months

Q4, Because the classic car has been of the road for sometime like years would I need to pay the back duty tax on this? yes, and ad compulsory insurance

Your answers to all or just some of them wouldn't go unnoticed and will thank you in advance

Candyman.

[stefan2519]

Sorry to everybody if you think I'm going off the topic here but it is car related and would love to hear from people that are in the know!!!!

Anyway here is my question........I have found two cars they are both classic cars and have been off the road for sometime now and don't have any paper work like the bluebook.

Q1, Should I buy the car without a registration bluebook?

Q2, If it's okay to buy without the bluebook what or how do I apply to have a new bluebook done in my name?

Q3, What would the time scale be for getting all this done.........I know how long is a piece of string.

Q4, Because the classic car has been of the road for sometime like years would I need to pay the back duty tax on this?

Your answers to all or just some of them wouldn't go unnoticed and will thank you in advance

Candyman.

Not too sure if this applies to cars but went through this last year with a Stead.

Q1; No, is the short answer. If in case of accident or being stopped by the BIB they can confiscate and will not return without the blue book also unable to obtain tax and insurance without it.

Q2; In my case the owner had moved to the UK. I asked him to email me a signed letter and copy of passport that I took to the dealer that he bought new from at a cost of 3,000 they ordered a replacement. In your case you would have to find the original owner plus where it was bought from, if it's still open.

Q3; Pass, I'm good on sport. Edit; It took just over 2 weeks to get the new book from the dealer.

Q4; I don't know.

I hope this helps, good luck!

[candyman123]

Thanks guys your stars****** by the way what does DLT stand for......... Dooooh

[MJo]

Department of Land Transport. That's where the ownership of a vehicle is changed and recorded to blue/green book.

Standard process is that both owner and buyer go to DLT office with the doc's. You can buy mandatory insurance there as well as copy documents. At least in Bangkok.

When DLT checks the paperwork and gives all ok for the transfer you pay and they do the transfer to your name.

Documentation needed from my memory.

- Thai ID / passport for foreigners + copy

- Valid non-immigrant visa for foreigners + copy of the visa

- Proof of residence, tabien baan for Thais, Work permit, Yellow tabien baan, immgration or embassy letter for foreigners + copy

These apply to both seller and buyer.

There is form to fill out and if not done by the owner/buyer there is standard power of attorney form to allow someone else to do it for you.

Any overdue road taxes to be paid before transfer as well as buyer needs to pay his for following year.

Mandatory insurance needs to be paid for the following year.

Older vehicles might need the inspection done, fast and not a real inspection.

This is how i have bought mine, sold one recently where the buyer just asked copies of my doc's and signed power of attorney. Didn't care as he paid cash at the spot. In any case i would not part with my money until at DLT when i have the book in my hands with my name on it.

There's plenty of threads here on selling and buying so seach.

[Tunermt]

I know i've read a few people have bought and sold cars all on a tourist visa, some on tourist visa's have even been able to get a 1 year Thai drivers license!

I went to Nonthaburi immigration yesterday and was denied a certificate of residency do to having a tourist visa. I know i can go to the US embassy to get the certificate but my question is now will i be able to register the car with DLT with a tourist visa?

I am also concerned i may not be able to get a Thai drivers license with a tourist visa. If anyone who has done either of these 2 things on a tourist visa has some info that would be GREAT help.

Thank you much!

[jonw8uk]

I know i've read a few people have bought and sold cars all on a tourist visa, some on tourist visa's have even been able to get a 1 year Thai drivers license!

I went to Nonthaburi immigration yesterday and was denied a certificate of residency do to having a tourist visa. I know i can go to the US embassy to get the certificate but my question is now will i be able to register the car with DLT with a tourist visa?

I am also concerned i may not be able to get a Thai drivers license with a tourist visa. If anyone who has done either of these 2 things on a tourist visa has some info that would be GREAT help.

Thank you much!

I renewed my Thai DL on a 30 day stamp 4months ago at cheang wattana. I was trying to get a 5 year one (I don't like giving the UK embassy 60 pounds for a letter..), but she was adamant she can't issue a five year one without a long term (non-imm) visa.

When I bought my car I was on a Non-O, so it wasnt an issue. I think you will be able to register a car on a tourist visa, as long as you have the letter of residence from the embassy.

[katabeachbum]

I know i've read a few people have bought and sold cars all on a tourist visa, some on tourist visa's have even been able to get a 1 year Thai drivers license!

I went to Nonthaburi immigration yesterday and was denied a certificate of residency do to having a tourist visa. I know i can go to the US embassy to get the certificate but my question is now will i be able to register the car with DLT with a tourist visa?

I am also concerned i may not be able to get a Thai drivers license with a tourist visa. If anyone who has done either of these 2 things on a tourist visa has some info that would be GREAT help.

Thank you much!

I renewed my Thai DL on a 30 day stamp 4months ago at cheang wattana. I was trying to get a 5 year one (I don't like giving the UK embassy 60 pounds for a letter..), but she was adamant she can't issue a five year one without a long term (non-imm) visa.

When I bought my car I was on a Non-O, so it wasnt an issue. I think you will be able to register a car on a tourist visa, as long as you have the letter of residence from the embassy.

most DLT accept transfer of vehicle to any permit to stay holder including as short as 14 day entrystamp. Certificate of Resident is needed, unless you have yellow house book or workpermit

[katabeachbum]

I know i've read a few people have bought and sold cars all on a tourist visa, some on tourist visa's have even been able to get a 1 year Thai drivers license!

I went to Nonthaburi immigration yesterday and was denied a certificate of residency do to having a tourist visa. I know i can go to the US embassy to get the certificate but my question is now will i be able to register the car with DLT with a tourist visa?

I am also concerned i may not be able to get a Thai drivers license with a tourist visa. If anyone who has done either of these 2 things on a tourist visa has some info that would be GREAT help.

Thank you much!

DL, yep but one year only, Non Imm required for 5 year

car, yep

bike, yep

Credit card, yep

checking account, yep

car loan, yep

buildingpermit, yep

bored of all those Non Imm holders stating Non Imm is needed. In my experience it is not. but this year I turn 50 and will also be a non imm

[MJo]

Even non-imm visa is possible without being employed, married or over fifty and without any financial requirements. Used to be quite common years back to buy them from the "agents". But it being possible did not mean it was legal.

People tout their personal experiences here as law. Quite typical thaivisa... If i remember correctly you drive finance company owned cars on one year temporary DL from Phuket. Yes it proves it is possible to finance a car and have temp DL and whatever but it does not change the fact that non-imm is the requirement for selling, buying and getting DL if you go by the book.

So for those without non-imm, you might be denied especially in BKK but shop around. As the DLT's been computerized for some time now you don't need to deal with any specific office based on you address as was the case few years back.

And for the record, no i don't have non-imm visa myself.

[katabeachbum]

Even non-imm visa is possible without being employed, married or over fifty and without any financial requirements. Used to be quite common years back to buy them from the "agents". But it being possible did not mean it was legal.

People tout their personal experiences here as law. Quite typical thaivisa... If i remember correctly you drive finance company owned cars on one year temporary DL from Phuket. Yes it proves it is possible to finance a car and have temp DL and whatever but it does not change the fact that non-imm is the requirement for selling, buying and getting DL if you go by the book.

So for those without non-imm, you might be denied especially in BKK but shop around. As the DLT's been computerized for some time now you don't need to deal with any specific office based on you address as was the case few years back.

And for the record, no i don't have non-imm visa myself.

as I have purchased/registered several cars and bikes in BKK and other provinces, they seem to have same requirements as Phuket

I am not presenting any law on this, as there is none

each DLT sets their requirements, I am posting how it works in reality, for me and my friends, at different DLT

the 20-30 or so bikes I have transfered where not financed, and did not require non imm for buyer/seller at any DLT, since 2003

you live in history, cause denied at one DLT at some time

things have changed

[Sophon]

7)Money (is there a standard fee or a % based price? any idea what it is?) Yes, its a % but I can't recall how much (maybe 1.5%??)

Do anyone know for sure what the transfer fee actually is? I have searched previous posts but not been able to find a definete answer. One old post mentioned 0.5%, and newer posts had guesses of 1% and now maybe 1.5%. I find it a little strange that even people who have experience with buying and selling used cars don't seem to have an answer to this. Also, who normally pays the transfer fee buyer or seller (logically I would guess buyer, but sharing the costs also kind of makes sense)?

I understand that insurance follows the car, so if buying a used car where road tax and insurance is already paid up til a certain date, then you are presumably good to go up until that date, or ?

Thanks in advance.

Sophon

[katabeachbum]

7)Money (is there a standard fee or a % based price? any idea what it is?) Yes, its a % but I can't recall how much (maybe 1.5%??)

Do anyone know for sure what the transfer fee actually is? I have searched previous posts but not been able to find a definete answer. One old post mentioned 0.5%, and newer posts had guesses of 1% and now maybe 1.5%. I find it a little strange that even people who have experience with buying and selling used cars don't seem to have an answer to this. Also, who normally pays the transfer fee buyer or seller (logically I would guess buyer, but sharing the costs also kind of makes sense)?

I understand that insurance follows the car, so if buying a used car where road tax and insurance is already paid up til a certain date, then you are presumably good to go up until that date, or ?

Thanks in advance.

Sophon

transfer fee varies, depending on vehicle, age, engine cc, and declared value. A low declard value does not in itself change fee much

usually buyer pays it

Por Or Bor (compuslory "insurance") follows vehicle, so does annual tax

proper insurance can be transfered to new owner, or canselled, depending on what is agreed on. A stolen vehicle, insurance is paid out to name in policy

[Sophon]

7)Money (is there a standard fee or a % based price? any idea what it is?) Yes, its a % but I can't recall how much (maybe 1.5%??)

Do anyone know for sure what the transfer fee actually is? I have searched previous posts but not been able to find a definete answer. One old post mentioned 0.5%, and newer posts had guesses of 1% and now maybe 1.5%. I find it a little strange that even people who have experience with buying and selling used cars don't seem to have an answer to this. Also, who normally pays the transfer fee buyer or seller (logically I would guess buyer, but sharing the costs also kind of makes sense)?

I understand that insurance follows the car, so if buying a used car where road tax and insurance is already paid up til a certain date, then you are presumably good to go up until that date, or ?

Thanks in advance.

Sophon

transfer fee varies, depending on vehicle, age, engine cc, and declared value. A low declard value does not in itself change fee much

usually buyer pays it

Por Or Bor (compuslory "insurance") follows vehicle, so does annual tax

proper insurance can be transfered to new owner, or canselled, depending on what is agreed on. A stolen vehicle, insurance is paid out to name in policy

Thanks for the quick reply.

Theoretical example. How much approximately would the transfer fee be on lets say a 2009 3.0L 4dr pick up with a declared value of 600,000 baht? I'm just trying to get an idea of the level, I don't need exact numbers.

So for the first class comprehensive insurance to transfer to buyer, I assume that seller has to contact his insurance company and make the necessary arrangements? Wouldn't it be easier just to let the seller cancel the insurance and get a refund from the insurance company and let the refund reflect in the agreed sale price as a discount? Then buyer could arrange for his own insurance.

Sophon

[katabeachbum]

7)Money (is there a standard fee or a % based price? any idea what it is?) Yes, its a % but I can't recall how much (maybe 1.5%??)

Do anyone know for sure what the transfer fee actually is? I have searched previous posts but not been able to find a definete answer. One old post mentioned 0.5%, and newer posts had guesses of 1% and now maybe 1.5%. I find it a little strange that even people who have experience with buying and selling used cars don't seem to have an answer to this. Also, who normally pays the transfer fee buyer or seller (logically I would guess buyer, but sharing the costs also kind of makes sense)?

I understand that insurance follows the car, so if buying a used car where road tax and insurance is already paid up til a certain date, then you are presumably good to go up until that date, or ?

Thanks in advance.

Sophon

transfer fee varies, depending on vehicle, age, engine cc, and declared value. A low declard value does not in itself change fee much

usually buyer pays it

Por Or Bor (compuslory "insurance") follows vehicle, so does annual tax

proper insurance can be transfered to new owner, or canselled, depending on what is agreed on. A stolen vehicle, insurance is paid out to name in policy

Thanks for the quick reply.

Theoretical example. How much approximately would the transfer fee be on lets say a 2009 3.0L 4dr pick up with a declared value of 600,000 baht? I'm just trying to get an idea of the level, I don't need exact numbers.

So for the first class comprehensive insurance to transfer to buyer, I assume that seller has to contact his insurance company and make the necessary arrangements? Wouldn't it be easier just to let the seller cancel the insurance and get a refund from the insurance company and let the refund reflect in the agreed sale price as a discount? Then buyer could arrange for his own insurance.

Sophon

no idea on pickuptransferfee, bikes are from a couple of hundred, 2011 Ninja650 transfered 2 in december to me, approx 800 each as I recall. Vehicle ID entered in DLT computer and fee comes up and print

Insurance wants a fee to transfer insurance, and they cut off approx half of remaining "balance" if refund

[MJo]

as I have purchased/registered several cars and bikes in BKK and other provinces, they seem to have same requirements as Phuket

I am not presenting any law on this, as there is none

each DLT sets their requirements, I am posting how it works in reality, for me and my friends, at different DLT

the 20-30 or so bikes I have transfered where not financed, and did not require non imm for buyer/seller at any DLT, since 2003

you live in history, cause denied at one DLT at some time

things have changed

You claim to post from reality which is very different than my own. Myself and my friends have bought, sold and getting DL's in many DLT's since 2000 and more often than not the non-imm has been required. Touristy places and nakhon nowhere towns being more relaxed ones. This goes to most scooter dealers as well, non-imm or bit of extra money if not available and they do it for you. Frame and engine number in masking tape, hundred baht or so extra and no need to present bike for annual inspection for road tax. Sound familiar ?

See now mine is three years longer than yours and one just wonders how come you go thru 5 bikes a year as you just seem to lug them around at the back of you pick up truck. We've yet to see a pic of you actually driving one

[katabeachbum]

as I have purchased/registered several cars and bikes in BKK and other provinces, they seem to have same requirements as Phuket

I am not presenting any law on this, as there is none

each DLT sets their requirements, I am posting how it works in reality, for me and my friends, at different DLT

the 20-30 or so bikes I have transfered where not financed, and did not require non imm for buyer/seller at any DLT, since 2003

you live in history, cause denied at one DLT at some time

things have changed

You claim to post from reality which is very different than my own. Myself and my friends have bought, sold and getting DL's in many DLT's since 2000 and more often than not the non-imm has been required. Touristy places and nakhon nowhere towns being more relaxed ones. This goes to most scooter dealers as well, non-imm or bit of extra money if not available and they do it for you. Frame and engine number in masking tape, hundred baht or so extra and no need to present bike for annual inspection for road tax. Sound familiar ?

See now mine is three years longer than yours and one just wonders how come you go thru 5 bikes a year as you just seem to lug them around at the back of you pick up truck. We've yet to see a pic of you actually driving one

No, doesnt seem familiar, the non imm extra money thing.

and i dont present bike for annual road tax, as I dont own any older than 5 yo, so wouldnt know.

Me riding? every day. On internett forums, well check out some bike weeks, usually wearing orange HIGHWAY POLICE west while marshalling

cant figure out why you have this non imm issue

I did have a non IMM B in 2004, but as labourdepartment decided in writing I do not need it or WP to live of ROI in TH, I dropped it. It was needed for my TH firearm lisence, and its needed for yellow housebook and 5 y DL, but except for that, never needed it

Edit. Oh now I v got it, cause some scooter dealers ask for non imm or money, you belive DLT require non imm. well scooter dealers usually ask for WP to, so does that make WP needed?

any entrystamp or permit to stay supported by certificate of residence is what it takes, in the DLT I have been to in Isarn, Chiang Mai, BKK, Petchbury, Pretchuap Khirikan, Surat, Phuket, almost forgot Pattaya

[4.real]

I put up a post re this before finding this report on Page 2.

My lovely neighbour died some 3 years ago and her husband [ both european] has given me her car [13 years old in his wife;s name ]..

It has been parked in their drive for 3 years unused.

What forms do I need to transfer ownership to my thai wife and are there any back payments I must make?

Thanks all ,in advance, for any response.

4.Real

[katabeachbum]

I put up a post re this before finding this report on Page 2.

My lovely neighbour died some 3 years ago and her husband [ both european] has given me her car [13 years old in his wife;s name ]..

It has been parked in their drive for 3 years unused.

What forms do I need to transfer ownership to my thai wife and are there any back payments I must make?

Thanks all ,in advance, for any response.

4.Real

you must pay all non paid annual taxes and Por Or Bor (compulsory insurance), look it up at page 16 in blue book

however my experience stops at that point, so I assume you need a will and death certifcate from registered owner to transfer

inspection needed to transfer

[BSJ]

If your buying off someone who is going home, make sure you get all the paperwork to Land Transport(and signed off) before his/her visa expires....other wise you will be in a world of KEE.