Transferring a car to your name

Transferring a car online is done through the RDW website. You must then perform a one-time identity check of your proof of identity. You do this with the DigiD app on your cell phone.

To transfer a car online, follow these steps:

1. On the RDW website, choose the option "Transfer vehicle.
2. Pay the transfer fee via iDEAL.
3. After the transfer, you will receive 2 emails from the RDW. You will first receive a confirmation of receipt and then the final confirmation of the transfer. The car is not transferred until you receive the final confirmation via e-mail.
4. Then you receive a third e-mail from RDW with the link to the indemnification certificate and the registration report. You give the indemnification certificate to the seller and you keep the registration report. The registration report also contains part 1 of the registration code.
5. By mail you will then receive the registration certificate and part 2 of the registration code.

Rather have your car registered at a location? This is possible at various locations throughout the Netherlands. DigiD is not required.

1. 1. Go to a license plate counter, PostNL location, RDW inspection station or RDW counter near you
   2. Make sure you have the registration card and the registration code or the original registration certificate (part 1B) and the transfer certificate with you. Also bring valid identification.
   3. Pay the transfer fee.
   4. At the counter, the employee will give you a registration report with the first 4 digits of the registration code and the indemnification certificate. You give the indemnification certificate to the seller and keep the registration certificate.
   5. By mail you will then receive the registration certificate and part 2 of the registration code.

If you forget to insure your car right away, you could face a large fine if you are checked. The cost is even higher if you cause an accident with an uninsured car. Especially if someone is injured or dies.

If you cause damage, the costs can still be fairly limited in the case of eye damage. With injury, the cost can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. You could end up paying for your whole life if you don't insure your car. So make sure you get insurance in time.

To purchase car insurance, you need the car's report code. This is a unique code and consists of the last 4 digits of your car's chassis number. The report code can be found on the registration report you received after you transferred the car. It is also on the registration card you receive from the RDW after the registration.

Transferring a car goes through the RDW. You choose whether to register the car online or at a license plate counter, RDW testing station, RDW desk or PostNL location near you. Often you do this together with the seller of the car.

You must transfer a car to transfer legal ownership from the seller to the buyer. This is mandatory so that you, the new owner, become responsible for insurance, taxes and any fines. Without a transfer, the previous owner remains legally responsible for the car.

If you have lost your registration code, registration code or registration card, you can request a new one through the RDW. This can be done online with your DigiD or in writing. Please note that there are costs involved.