Selling a car in Bolivia requires completing a formal ownership transfer through a notary and registering with RUAT (Registro Único para la Administración Tributaria Municipal). Having all documents prepared in advance makes the process smooth.
Essential Documents
- Title of ownership (Título de Propiedad del Vehículo): The primary ownership document issued by RUAT or DIPROVE.
- Seller's Bolivian ID (Cédula de Identidad): Both buyer and seller must present valid Bolivian national ID.
- RUAT registration certificate: Confirms current registration status and any outstanding municipal taxes.
- Compulsory SOAT insurance certificate (Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes de Tránsito): Must be current.
- Technical inspection certificate (Revisión Técnica Vehicular): Must be current in many departments.
- Outstanding tax clearance: Any outstanding RUAT municipal vehicle taxes must be settled before transfer.
Notary Transfer Process
The ownership transfer typically requires both parties to sign before a notary (notario) who authenticates the transfer. After notarisation, the buyer registers the vehicle in their name at RUAT. Bring originals of all documents.
DIPROVE Check
DIPROVE (Dirección de Prevención de Robo de Vehículos) maintains the stolen vehicle registry in Bolivia. Buyers will check — and sellers should verify their own vehicle is clear of any theft-related records before listing.
Cancel Insurance After Transfer
Contact your SOAT insurer to cancel after the transfer is complete and request any applicable refund.
