Sell your car in Rio de Janeiro

Step by step

1. Check the vehicle for restrictions Recommended Seller and buyer

   Through the SENATRAN services portal you can check administrative, judicial and financial restrictions on the vehicle that would affect its transfer.

   gov.br – Consultar informações sobre restrições e indicadores de veículos
2. Start the sale and issue the ATPV-e Required by law

   The seller generates the transfer authorization (ATPV-e): in states that have joined the system, in the Carteira Digital de Trânsito app (gov.br account level Silver or Gold) by entering the buyer's CPF and postcode, the mileage, price and date of sale; otherwise at the Detran (in Rio de Janeiro, by appointment at a Detran.RJ unit).

   gov.br – Vender veículos digitalmente pela Carteira Digital de Trânsito (ATPV-e)
3. Sign the ATPV-e (app or notary) Required by law Seller and buyer

   In the app, buyer and seller each sign digitally with facial biometrics, with no need for a notarized signature; after signing, the seller loses access to the vehicle's CRLV-e. Outside the app, both sign the ATPV-e and have their signatures recognized (reconhecimento de firma) at a cartório.

   gov.br – Vender veículos digitalmente pela Carteira Digital de Trânsito (ATPV-e)
4. Buyer completes the transfer at the Detran within 30 days Required by law Buyer

   The buyer goes to the state Detran for the inspection (vistoria) and the issue of a new registration certificate in their name; the Brazilian Traffic Code (art. 123, §1) gives 30 days from the transfer of ownership.

   Código de Trânsito Brasileiro (Lei 9.503/1997), art. 123
5. Report the sale if the buyer has not transferred Required by law

   If the 30 days pass without the buyer transferring, the seller must send the state Detran, within 60 days, a certified copy of the signed and dated transfer proof (or an electronic document with a valid electronic signature); otherwise the seller is jointly liable for penalties until the notice (CTB art. 134).

   Código de Trânsito Brasileiro (Lei 9.503/1997), art. 134

Documents checklist

Tick what you already have. This stays on your device, and none of it is needed to post your car.

• Electronic transfer authorization (ATPV-e – Autorização para Transferência de Propriedade do Veículo)Replaces the paper CRV/DUT for vehicles whose document was issued from 4 January 2021; signed digitally in the app or with notarized signatures.Required by law
• Paper registration certificate (CRV) signed on the backOnly for vehicles whose paper CRV was issued before 4 January 2021: buyer and seller sign the back and have signatures recognized at a cartório.Required by law
• Taxpayer number (CPF) of seller and buyerThe app also asks for the buyer's postcode (CEP).Required by law

Stay safe when buyers contact you

• Do not hand over the car on a signed ATPV-e and walk away: until the buyer transfers it, you are jointly liable for fines unless you report the sale to the Detran (CTB art. 134).
• In the app, sign only after checking the vehicle, buyer, and transaction data shown; once you sign, you lose access to the CRLV-e.