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🚗 Transpordiamet

Re-registering a vehicle (change of owner)

A car sale can be completed entirely in the Transpordiamet e-service as a two-step procedure: the seller starts the owner change by entering the buyer's personal code and the vehicle data, and the buyer confirms the deal in their own account. The online state fee is about 20% lower than at the bureau, and the system checks the data automatically against the population register and the traffic insurance fund.

Service passportUpdated: 29.07.2026.
Cost
~20% cheaper online than at the bureau
Duration
Minutes in the e-service
Deadline
Register right after the deal
Where
Transpordiamet e-service
Open the official service →
✓ Information verified: 2026-07-29 Report an error

Who this applies to

The buyer and the seller. Until the owner change is registered, fines and taxes go to the former owner. Before buying, check the vehicle's background: the traffic register data, valid inspection and insurance are visible in the e-service; check encumbrances and restrictions before handing over money.

Step by step

The seller starts the procedure

The seller logs into the e-service, chooses the owner change and enters the buyer's personal code and the deal data. A valid contract, or both parties' confirmation in the system, is required.

The buyer confirms and pays the fee

The buyer confirms in their e-service account and pays the state fee; the exact amount is shown during the procedure. The vehicle must have valid traffic insurance.

The registration certificate arrives home

The new registration certificate can be ordered by post to your home — no bureau visit needed. Track its status in the e-service.

Common mistakes

Skipping the registration — fines, taxes and liability stay with the seller, while the buyer risks restrictions.
Buying without checking encumbrances and restrictions — the e-service check is quick and cheap compared with later trouble.
Using the bureau when the e-service is available — the counter fee is about 20% higher.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the owner change cost?

The online fee is about 20% lower than at the bureau; the exact amount appears during the procedure, and the current fee table is on the Transpordiamet website.

Must the seller and buyer visit the bureau together?

No — the e-service handles it in two steps: the seller starts, the buyer confirms. The bureau is needed only in special cases.

Official sources

Verified against official sources · 29.07.2026.

See also