Selling a car in Taiwan requires a formal ownership transfer at a Motor Vehicles Office (監理站). The process is well-organised and can usually be completed in a single visit if all documents are in order.
Essential Documents
- Vehicle Registration (行車執照): The primary ownership document. Required for the transfer.
- Seller's National ID Card (身分證): Both buyer and seller must present their National ID cards.
- Transfer application form (過戶申請書): Available at the Motor Vehicles Office. Both parties sign.
- Compulsory automobile liability insurance (強制汽車責任保險): Must be current at time of transfer.
- Vehicle inspection sticker: Confirms the vehicle has passed the mandatory periodic inspection (定期檢驗).
Finance Settlement
If the vehicle is under a secured loan or installment purchase plan, the lender's lien must be released before the transfer. Obtain a lien release certificate and clear it at the Motor Vehicles Office before listing.
Motor Vehicles Office Process
Both buyer and seller attend the Motor Vehicles Office together to complete the transfer. The transfer fee is modest and is typically split or paid by the buyer by convention. Bring originals — copies are not accepted.
Optional but Useful
- Service records: Authorised dealer or regular workshop service history significantly increases buyer confidence.
- Original sales invoice: Useful for imported vehicles to confirm original specification and registration details.
