How to Buy a Vehicle as an Expat in Thailand?

Purchasing a vehicle as an expat in Thailand involves several steps, from gathering the right documents to completing the ownership transfer and registration process. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including the necessary documents, inspections, and the registration process—especially if you’re in Phuket.

What You Need to Receive from the Seller

When buying a vehicle, the seller must provide you with the following documents:

1. Green Book (motorbike) / Blue Book (car) (Vehicle Registration Book):

   • Confirms vehicle ownership and must match the seller's details.

2. Identification Documents:

   • Thai Seller: Two signed copies of their ID card (signed in blue ink).
   • Expat Seller: Two signed copies of their passport and two copies of their work permit or certificate of residence (signed in blue ink).

3. Signed Sale Agreement:

   • Must be prepared in duplicate, filled out, and signed using a blue pen.

4. Valid Insurance and Tax Documentation: (not required)

   • If he have, both must be current and up to date, as they are required for the ownership transfer process. Otherwise you have to buy new tax and insurance.

Make sure to check the expiration dates of the insurance, road tax, and vehicle inspection separately. Transferring ownership does not automatically renew these items.

Documents Needed for the Ownership Transfer and Registration

When preparing for the ownership transfer, ensure you have the following documents ready:

Buyer (Expat):

• Two copies of your passport (signed in blue ink).
• Two copies of your work permit or certificate of residence (signed in blue ink).

Seller:

• Two copies of their ID or passport (depending on nationality), signed in blue ink.
• Two copies of their work permit or certificate of residence (for expat sellers).
• Two copies of signed sale agreement
• Two copies of application form for transferring ownership
• Green Book / Blue Book.

Ownership Transfer and Registration Process

The ownership transfer and vehicle registration processes in Thailand are combined into a single procedure, which may vary slightly depending on the province. Below is the detailed step-by-step process, specifically tailored for Phuket.

Step 1: Initial Visit to the DLT

• Submit the complete set of documents required for registration.
• Schedule a vehicle inspection.

Step 2: Vehicle Inspection and Payment

On the scheduled date, you will need to:

1. Bring the Vehicle for Inspection:

   • Technicians will check lights, mirrors, brakes, tires, engine number, and chassis number.
   • If the vehicle color has changed, this will be updated in the Green Book during the inspection.
   • If the road tax has not been paid for more than three years, the vehicle must be re-registered, and any overdue taxes, including penalties, must be paid.

2. Purchase Insurance and Pay Tax:

   • Most DLT offices, including the one in Phuket, have an on-site office for purchasing insurance.
   • Pay the vehicle tax and get the receipt.

3. Submit Inspection Results:

   • Return to the DLT with the inspection report, proof of insurance, tax payment receipt, and all required documents.
   • Obtain a queue number for the ownership transfer process.

4. Set Dates for Document Collection:

   • If the vehicle is from another province, the new license plate will typically be available within 2–3 weeks.
   • Receive the scheduled date for collecting the updated Green Book.

Step 3: Final Visit to the DLT

• Collect the updated Green Book reflecting the new owner’s details.
• Return the old license plate (if applicable) and receive the new one.

Key Notes About the Process

• Checking Expiration Dates: Ensure you separately verify the expiration dates for road tax, insurance, and inspection. These dates are not automatically renewed when ownership is transferred.

• Insurance and Tax: Both insurance and road tax must be valid at the time of transfer. If they are not, they must be purchased or renewed before completing the process.

• Vehicles from Other Provinces: There is no need to visit the DLT in the original province. Everything can be handled at your local DLT office, including issuing a new license plate.

By following these steps and utilizing the resources provided, purchasing and registering a vehicle in Thailand becomes a smooth and straightforward process.

Useful Resources for a Smooth Ownership Transfer

To make the process even easier, check out the following resources:

1. How to Fill Out a Vehicle Sale Agreement in Thailand:

   • We have prepared a detailed guide with a downloadable bilingual sale agreement (English and Thai), original Thai motorbike/care sell agreement and step-by-step instructions to complete it correctly. Read the guide here.

2. How to Fill Out a Transfer Request Form:

   • We have prepared a detailed guide with a downloadable bilingual Transfer Request Form agreement (English and Thai), original Thai transfer ownership form and step-by-step instructions to complete it correctly you will find: Read the guide here.

3. How to Obtain a Certificate of Residence in Thailand:

   • Learn how to apply for a certificate of residence, which is required for expats during the registration process. Read the guide here.