After receiving full payment, the buyer needs to re-register the vehicle at the police department (Công an). Until this is done, the Giấy đăng ký xe remains in your name. The notarised contract is what protects you in the interim.
Step 1: Notarised Sale Contract (Hợp Đồng Công Chứng)
- Required: Both parties must sign a notarised sale contract (Hợp đồng công chứng mua bán xe) at a public notary office (Phòng công chứng). This document establishes the legal date of sale.
- Documents needed: Both parties' ID cards (CCCD/CMND), original Giấy đăng ký xe.
- Your protection: The notarised contract with a clear date is your primary legal record of when ownership transferred.
Step 2: Handing Over the Registration Document
- Hand over the original Giấy đăng ký xe after signing the notarised contract and confirming payment.
- The buyer will use this document, along with the notarised contract, to re-register the vehicle at the police department.
- For inter-provincial sales, the buyer must de-register in the seller's province and re-register in their own province.
Step 3: Insurance Cancellation
- Cancel your voluntary motor insurance on the date of sale.
- You may be entitled to a pro-rata refund for unused premium.
- Compulsory insurance (Bảo hiểm TNDS bắt buộc) must be maintained until the buyer re-registers the vehicle.
Step 4: Retain Documentation
- Keep a certified copy of the notarised contract and payment confirmation for at least 3 years.
- If the buyer is slow to re-register, the notarised contract protects you from liability for events after the sale date.