Preparing Documents for Selling a Used Car: A Complete Checklist to Avoid Legal Issues

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Selling a used car involves more than just handing over the keys and receiving payment. The most critical part of the transaction is the paperwork. If the transfer documents are incomplete or incorrect, the ownership transfer cannot be processed at the Department of Land Transport (DLT). Worse, you could remain legally liable for the vehicle if the new owner commits traffic violations or crimes.

To ensure a smooth and safe transaction, we have compiled a complete checklist of documents required for selling a car in Thailand.

1. Essential Documents for the Seller (Thai National)

If you are the legal owner of the vehicle (your name is in the Blue Book) and you are selling the car yourself, you must prepare the following:

A. The Vehicle Registration Book (Blue Book)

• Requirement: The original book is mandatory. Copies are not accepted for transfer.
• Important: Ensure your name is listed as the current owner. If the book is lost, you must apply for a replacement at the DLT where the car is registered before selling.

B. Thai National ID Card

• Requirement: 2 signed copies.
• Validity: The card must not be expired.
• How to Sign: Sign your name and write "Used for selling vehicle license plate [Number] only" across the copy to prevent identity theft.

C. House Registration (Tabien Baan)

• Requirement: 2 signed copies.
• Note: While the Smart ID Card has largely replaced this requirement at some DLT branches, many officials and buyers still require it to verify your address. It is best to have it ready.

D. Department of Land Transport Forms

You can pick these up at the DLT or download them online.

1. Transfer Form (Baep Kam Khor Ohm): Both the seller and buyer must sign this.
2. Power of Attorney (Nangsue Mob Amnat): Required if you (the seller) are not going to the DLT office personally to handle the transfer. You must stick a 10 THB revenue stamp on this form.

E. Sale and Purchase Contract

• Requirement: 2 copies (one for the seller, one for the buyer).
• Importance: This is your legal protection. It proves that you have sold the car and received payment on a specific date and time. If the buyer gets a speeding ticket the next day (before the official transfer is complete), this contract proves you were not the driver.

2. Additional Documents for Special Cases

Case A: Selling a Car Under Finance

If you are still paying off your car loan, you do not have the Blue Book yet.

• Documents needed: You must contact your bank/finance company to request a "Closing Account Statement" or coordinate a "Transfer of Rights" (Change of Contract).
• Note: You cannot sell the car privately without the bank's involvement.

Case B: Name Change

If the name on your ID card does not match the name in the Blue Book (e.g., due to marriage or a legal name change).

• Documents needed: A copy of the Name Change Certificate (Bai Plian Chue-Sakul).

Case C: Foreign Seller

If you are an expat selling a car.

• Passport: Copies of the photo page and current visa page.
• Certificate of Residence: Issued by the Thai Immigration Bureau or your Embassy (valid for 30 days). Or a valid Work Permit (copies of every page).

3. Critical Checks Before Handing Over Documents

Before you hand over this stack of sensitive documents to a buyer, ensure the following:

1. Car Tax: Check the tax sticker on your windshield. If the tax is expired, you must pay the arrears at the DLT before the transfer can happen. If expired for more than 3 years, the registration is suspended, and the car cannot be sold until re-registered.
2. Signature Consistency: Your signature on the forms must match the signature on your ID card and the Blue Book exactly.

Conclusion

Preparing these documents in advance shows professionalism and speeds up the sale process. More importantly, it protects you from "Open Transfer" risks where the buyer takes the car but never legally changes the ownership name.

Want to skip the paperwork hassle? If dealing with DLT forms and contracts sounds complicated, sell your car with Motorist Thailand. Our partners handle all the legal documentation, bank settlements, and ownership transfers for you, ensuring a 100% safe and compliant sale.

Reference Sources

1. Transfer Regulations & Forms: Department of Land Transport (DLT) - Transfer Guide
2. Contract Templates: Consumer Protection Board (OCPB)

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