Buying or selling a used car in Thailand involves a formal ownership transfer at the Department of Land Transport (กรมการขนส่งทางบก, or DLT). It's not complicated once you know the process, but showing up without the right documents means a wasted trip — and the DLT in Phuket can have long queues on busy days.
This is a practical walkthrough of the Thailand used car transfer 2026 process, from document preparation to collecting the updated registration book.
Documents You Need
Seller's Documents
- Original registration book (สมุดคู่มือจดทะเบียนรถ, also called เล่มทะเบียน or "blue book") — the actual book, not a copy
- Copy of national ID card (Thai nationals) or copy of passport + visa (foreign nationals), signed — bring at least 2 copies
- Copy of house registration document (ทะเบียนบ้าน) — not always required, but good to have
- Valid compulsory motor insurance (พ.ร.บ.) — must not be expired. If it has lapsed, the buyer needs to purchase a new policy before the transfer can proceed.
- Power of attorney (ใบมอบอำนาจ) if someone is acting on your behalf, with copies of both the authoriser's and the authorised person's ID
Buyer's Documents
- Copy of national ID or passport + visa (signed)
- Copy of house registration
Fees — What to Expect
The transfer fee is not a single flat amount. Here's the breakdown:
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Ownership transfer fee | ~2% of declared sale price |
| Registration amendment fee | ฿100–200 |
| Vehicle inspection (cars over 7 years old) | ฿350–500 |
| New compulsory insurance, if expired | ฿600–1,000 depending on vehicle type |
Who pays: By convention in Thailand, the buyer typically covers the transfer fee. This is worth clarifying explicitly with the other party before the deal is done — don't assume.
The 2% fee is calculated on the price you declare to the DLT, which may differ from the actual transaction amount. Some people declare a lower figure to reduce the fee. That's a legal grey area with real risk, and we'd suggest just being accurate.
The Transfer Process at the DLT
Phuket Specifically
The Phuket DLT (สำนักงานขนส่งจังหวัดภูเก็ต) is located in Thalang (ถลาง), near the airport in the north of the island. If you're coming from Rawai, Chalong, or Kata, allow 45–60 minutes each way.
There is no DLT branch in the south of Phuket. Thalang is your only option.
Book an appointment online first at www.dlt.go.th. Walk-in queues exist, but on busy Monday mornings they can back up significantly. An online booking cuts your wait time from "possibly hours" to "probably 30 minutes."
On the Day
- Arrive with your booking confirmation (printed or on your phone)
- Hand all documents to the officer at the counter for verification
- Pay the applicable fees
- Wait for the updated registration book — typically 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the queue
If everything is in order, you're done in half a day.
Open Transfer (ใบมอบอำนาจ) — Understanding the Risk
You'll hear the term "open transfer" (sometimes called "โอนลอย") in used car markets. This is when the seller signs a blank or partially filled power of attorney and hands over the registration book without going to the DLT. The buyer then completes the transfer at their own convenience.
Why this is risky for the seller:
Until the transfer is registered at the DLT, the vehicle is still legally yours. If the buyer drives it uninsured, commits a traffic offence, or is involved in an accident, the liability can trace back to you as the registered owner. If the car is used in something criminal and later confiscated, proving you sold it requires paperwork you may not have kept.
Why this is risky for the buyer:
You don't legally own the car until the transfer is done. If the seller dies, goes bankrupt, or has undisclosed debt, the car could become entangled in legal proceedings. It's also harder to insure a car that's still registered in someone else's name.
The right way: Both parties go to the DLT on the same day and complete the transfer properly. If the seller can't attend in person, they can grant power of attorney to someone they genuinely trust — not the buyer they met a week ago.
Tips for Marketplace Transactions
If you're buying or selling through BuyCar24 or another platform, lock down these details before money changes hands:
- Agree in writing who pays the transfer fee — usually the buyer, but clarify upfront
- Set a specific transfer date — don't accept payment and leave the paperwork open-ended
- Keep a copy of the registration book before handing it over
- If using power of attorney, name the authorised person specifically — never sign a blank form
Foreign Residents — Additional Notes
If you're a non-Thai buying or selling a car:
Buying: You can own a car in Thailand as a foreigner. You'll need your passport and a valid visa (and work permit if applicable, though it's not always requested). Some DLT offices are more strict than others, so bring everything.
Selling before leaving Thailand: If your visa is expiring or you're relocating, you can grant power of attorney (ใบมอบอำนาจ) to a trusted person to complete the transfer after you've departed. Have this prepared before you leave — once you're out of the country it becomes much harder to arrange. Have it notarised if possible.
Foreign business owners: If the car is owned by a company rather than an individual, additional company documents are required (company affidavit, director signature, company stamp). Allow more time and consider using a local agent.
Bottom Line
The Thailand used car transfer 2026 process is manageable if you go prepared. Book the DLT appointment online, bring complete documents for both parties, pay on the day, and walk out with the registration book in the new owner's name. Done properly, it's a half-day task — not a weeks-long ordeal.
If you're looking for cars in Phuket or want to list one, BuyCar24 has local listings from both private sellers and dealers, with no listing fees and bilingual support for buyers and sellers across the island.