Guide for Legal Change of Car Ownership in Portugal

Table of Contents

Description

What is it?

Change of Car Ownership is the process by which the legal ownership of a vehicle is transferred from one individual or entity to another.

Who needs it?

This service is needed by anyone who has sold their car to another individual, or anyone who has bought a used car from another individual. It is critical to ensure that the vehicle is legally transferred to avoid any future liabilities.

Procedure

  1. Gather all necessary documents such as identification of both parties and the vehicle’s documents.
  2. Both seller and buyer go to a Notary or Lawyer to make the ‘Auto de Compra e Venda’, a document that proves the car was sold.
  3. After getting the ‘Auto de Compra e Venda’, the buyer must register the car in their name via the IMT’s website IMT Online or in one of IMT’s shops.
  4. The change in ownership is not complete until the vehicle’s new registration document reflecting the new owner’s details is obtained.

Required Documents

  • Identification of both parties (Passport, ID, or Driving Licence).
  • Vehicle’s documents such as Title, Certificate of Registration, and/or MOT Certificate.
  • ‘Auto de Compra e Venda’ from Notary or Lawyer.
  • If the car is imported, a certificate of conformity is needed.

Providers that can do it for you

(We are currently curating the best providers. If you are or know a provider, please contact us or edit the page directly)

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Additional details

  • There may be penalties if you do not complete the change of ownership procedure swiftly after the sale of the vehicle.
  • For imported cars, a homologation process is needed to validate if the car meets Portuguese standards.
  • Additionally, keep in mind that if you’ve been living in Portugal for more than 180 days, it is important to decide whether you want to import the car permanently or temporarily.
  • Insurance needs to be transferred or newly set up under the new owner’s name.

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