Selling a car privately in Vietnam requires a notarised sale contract and a formal transfer of registration through the local Public Security (police) vehicle registry. Understanding the process in advance prevents delays and protects both buyer and seller.
Vehicle registration certificate (Giấy đăng ký xe)
The vehicle registration certificate (Giấy đăng ký xe) is the primary ownership document in Vietnam, issued by the Department of Public Security (Cảnh sát giao thông). It must be transferred to the buyer as part of the sale.
- Original required: Only the original registration certificate is accepted — photocopies are not valid for ownership transfer.
- No outstanding penalties: Any outstanding traffic fines associated with the vehicle must be settled before the transfer can proceed.
- Check registration carefully: Verify that the VIN, engine number and licence plate on the document match the physical vehicle — discrepancies can delay or block the transfer.
Notarised sale contract (Hợp đồng công chứng)
In Vietnam, a sale contract for a motor vehicle must be notarised at a notary office (văn phòng công chứng). This is a legal requirement for the ownership transfer to be valid.
- Notary office visit: Both seller and buyer visit a notary office together. The notary verifies both parties' identity documents (CCCD/CMND) and certifies the contract.
- Contract contents: Vehicle description (VIN, plate, make, model, year), names and ID details of both parties, agreed price, and date.
- Cost: Notarisation fees in Vietnam are regulated — typically a small percentage of the stated vehicle value.
Compulsory civil liability insurance
- Bảo hiểm TNDS bắt buộc: Compulsory third-party liability insurance must be valid. Without it, the vehicle cannot be legally operated and the registration transfer may be delayed.
- Annual renewal: This insurance is renewed annually and is separate from voluntary comprehensive car insurance.
Registration transfer at the police vehicle registry
- After the notarised contract is complete, the buyer takes the documents to the local police vehicle registry (Phòng cảnh sát giao thông or Công an cấp huyện/xã) to transfer the registration.
- Documents needed: notarised sale contract, original registration certificate, buyer's ID (CCCD), and valid compulsory insurance.
- Registration transfer fees apply — the buyer typically pays these.