Have you ever sold or bought a car in Africa? Then you’ve probably done a “change of ownership.” This means officially transferring the car’s rights from one person to another.
Whether you’re buying from a friend or a used car lot, it applies. Why do this? It stops any mix-ups about who really owns the car and helps prevent someone from claiming it’s stolen!
Most African countries require you to wait within a few weeks before transferring ownership from the previous owner. This article will help you understand how to change vehicle ownership in at least five African countries.
Car ownership changes in Africa are getting a tech upgrade! In some countries, like Ghana, authorities are implementing a biometric identification systemfor vehicle ownership transfers.
This means using fingerprints or iris scans to verify the identities of both buyer and seller. This high-tech approach aims to fight car theft and fraud by creating a more secure and tamper-proof ownership record.
READ ALSO: Does Vehicle Insurance Covers Theft?
Requirements for Vehicle Change of Ownership In Nigeria
If you a car owner and planning to sell your car in Nigeria, you will need to provide the following documents to
Proof of Ownership: This is your motor vehicle registration document.
Vehicle Details: First copy of Blue Form (Assignment of plate number) and first receipt.
Insurance: A copy of the current Third Party Insurance certificate that is generated by the insurance company about the insured vehicle.
Transfer Letter: An official letter notifying the public that you are transferring ownership to the buyer.
Buyer Info: The required identification includes a valid ID for the buyer, his/her passport photo, and a valid driver’s license.
Legal Stuff: A notarised affidavit and a police report affirmed the car’s change of ownership.
READ ALSO: Exploring Vehicle Theft Statistics on Africa
The MVA Form 5
You must complete and submit this form to let the authorities know that the car involved has changed its owner.
It entails the buyer’s details and details of the car, such as the type, model, size of the engine, and year of manufacture, among others, and your details.
Once all the documents have been filed, you should be prepared to pay a processing fee of N5,000 or more. The transfer process usually takes five to ten days.
Requirements for Vehicle Change of Ownership In South Africa
For those in South Africa, the following documents will be required. Forms are available from the motor vehicle registering authority, or you can download them from the eNaTIS website
Roadworthy Certificate
A Roadworthy Certificate and a Court Order. The examination authority issues this document and certifies that the vehicle meets all the requirements. Due to this, the ownership transfer cannot occur where the car does not have a Roadworthy Certificate.
Change of Ownership
After the sale of the car has been accomplished, the new owner together with the seller of the car, will need to complete a Change of Ownership Notification Form when the car has been found roadworthy. This form is obtainable from the relevant traffic department and downloadable from the internet.
This may contain information on the vehicle identification number, the current and from and to owner information, the selling price, and the rest. Both parties must sign and swear the form in the presence of a Commissioner of Oaths or at a SAPS station.
Submission
After filling out the Change of Ownership Notification Form, the seller has to send the same to the registering authority of the place within a period of 21 days from the sale. This is best done at the traffic section of a nearby police station or any licensing bureaus. The buyer should retain a photocopy of this form in their files.
New License Disc
In parallel, the buyer has to go get a new vehicle license. This can be done at the local licensing department where one has to fill and surrender the Change of Ownership Notification Form, the identification particulars, the resident particulars and the necessary licensing fee charges.
New Registration Certificate
The last procedure is to notify the licensing authority about the changes in the registration data. When all the paperwork is completed, and all the necessary fees are paid, the new owner is issued a new registration certificate.
READ ALSO: Does Vehicle Insurance Covers Theft?
Requirements for Vehicle Change of Ownership In Ghana
The following steps will provide more information on how to change vehicle ownership in Ghana:
Signed Application Letter: This letter, signed by the seller, formally requests the ownership transfer. It should mention the car’s make, model, and registration number.
Photos: The seller and buyer must provide recent colored passport-sized photos for identification purposes.
ID Proof for Both Parties: The seller and buyer must show their valid ID cards to verify their identities for the transfer.
Presenting the Transfer Letter and Getting the Car Checked: Submit the transfer letter to the relevant authority. Bring the car for inspection to ensure it’s roadworthy and safe for use.
Fee: After a successful inspection, pay the prescribed fee for the transfer. This fee can vary depending on the car’s type and value. Check with the authorities for the exact amount.
Forms: Get and complete the “Change of Ownership Form” and “Vehicle Registration Certificate Transfer Form.” These forms ask for basic details about the car and the people involved. Fill them out carefully, sign them both, and then…
Submit Everything! With all the completed forms, photos, and payment receipts, you can finally submit all the documents to finalize the transfer process.
Transferring Car Ownership in Egypt: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you are thinking of buying or selling a car in Egypt, here’s how to smoothly transfer ownership:
Get the Application Form
You can obtain the form online from the Egyptian government or visit them at any of their physical addresses.
Fill Out the Form Carefully
Read the application form thoroughly and ensure all details are filled out accurately.
Gather Required Documents
Ensure you have all the documents listed in the “Required Documents” section (mentioned on the same webpage provided above). This will likely include items like:
-Signatures from both buyer and seller
-National ID cards for both buyer and seller
-Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) certificates for both parties
-Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable)
-Certificate of Business Registration (if applicable)
Pay the Fee and Submit Everything
Pay the required transfer fee as set by the authorities. Then, submit the completed application form along with all the supporting documents at the ministry office.
Wait for Approval
If you follow all the steps correctly, the authorities will review your application and notify you of their decision within a specified timeframe (usually around 3 days).
Transferring Car Ownership in Tanzania
Are you thinking of buying or selling a car in Tanzania? Here’s how to handle the ownership transfer:
Grab the Application Form: Head to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) website (link included) and download the application form for transferring car ownership.
Complete it Completely: Please make sure you complete all the information requested in the application form accurately.
Prepare Your Documents: Check the “Required Documents” section on the TRA website to see exactly what you need. You’ll likely need photocopies and originals of documents from both the buyer and seller.
Also make copies: Remember to attach photocopies of all required documents and the completed application form when submitting it.
Pay the Transfer Fee: The TRA will have a set fee for transferring ownership. Make sure you pay it before submitting your application.
Processing Time: The TRA should process your application within a reasonable timeframe.
Check the Status (if needed): If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, you can visit a TRA office to inquire about the status of your application. Keep copies of everything (application form, receipts, documents) for your records. Certificate (or Check Status)
You’ll receive a certificate confirming the ownership transfer according to the set delivery method if approved.
If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, you can visit the ministry office to inquire about the application’s status.
You may also Keep copies of all submitted documents and receipts for your records.
Feel free to check back on this article, find use on social media, and suggest the next country you would like to be added to the list.
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