Sell your car in the Netherlands

Step by step

1. Check that your registration card and code are valid Recommended

   To sell you need a valid registration document and the valid nine-digit tenaamstellingscode. RDW lets you check both for free with the document number, plate and code; if the card or code is invalid, the transfer cannot go ahead and you must first request a new one.

   RDW – Kentekencard controleren
2. Gather the kentekencard and the full tenaamstellingscode Required by law

   The seller provides the kentekencard (or a temporary document number) and the complete tenaamstellingscode: part 1 (4 digits) is on the tenaamstellingsverslag and part 2 (5 digits) arrived by post from the RDW. For an old paper registration, bring the original tenaamstellingsbewijs and overschrijvingsbewijs instead.

   RDW – Kenteken auto overschrijven
3. Transfer the registration to the buyer Required by law Seller and buyer

   The buyer does the transfer: online with the DigiD app (identity check) using the seller's card details and code, or together at a kentekenloket (PostNL branches are kentekenloketten), an RDW counter or an RDW inspection station, with no appointment needed. Online transfer is not possible with a paper registration. The buyer must show valid ID, be 18+, and be registered at a Dutch address in the BRP.

   €13.10 (RDW fee 'Tenaamstellen via RDW', same online or at a counter)

   RDW – Kenteken auto overschrijven
4. Get the vrijwaringsbewijs from the buyer Required by law Seller and buyer

   The vrijwaringsbewijs proves the car is no longer in your name, and it is the only accepted proof that you are no longer responsible for APK, insurance, road tax and traffic fines. At a counter the buyer receives it and hands it to you; online the buyer receives it by email and passes it on (ANWB notes the online link is valid for only 30 days). Keep it safe.

   ANWB – Overdracht van de auto
5. Buyer insures the car before driving Required by law Buyer

   A car must be WA (third-party) insured from the moment it is in the new owner's name; the meldcode (last 4 characters of the VIN, also on the kentekencard) is used to arrange it. Driving without the required insurance or a valid APK can lead to a CJIB fine.

   RDW – Kenteken auto overschrijven
6. Road tax stops and is refunded automatically Recommended

   The transfer registers the car for motor vehicle tax (MRB) in the buyer's name. Tax the seller paid for the period after the car left their name is refunded automatically, also with direct debit; amounts of €5 or less are not refunded and oldtimers under the transitional scheme get no refund.

   Belastingdienst – Een motorrijtuig verkopen

Documents checklist

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

• Registration card (kentekencard)Credit-card-sized registration document, or a temporary document number. Old paper registrations require the original tenaamstellingsbewijs (part IB) and overschrijvingsbewijs and cannot be transferred online.Required by law
• Transfer code (tenaamstellingscode)Nine digits: part 1 on the tenaamstellingsverslag, part 2 sent by RDW post. If lost, request a new one from RDW before selling.Required by law
• Valid ID of the buyer (legitimatiebewijs)Dutch driving licence, ID card or passport at a counter; DigiD app with identity check online.Required by law
• Indemnity certificate (vrijwaringsbewijs)Issued at the transfer and handed to the seller; proof that the seller is no longer responsible for the car.Required by law
• Maintenance booklet (onderhoudsboekje)Not mandatory, but ANWB notes handing it over can get a better price.Recommended

Stay safe when buyers contact you

• Never accept an 'afstandsverklaring' or similar statement instead of the official vrijwaringsbewijs: until you have it, you remain responsible for the car (ANWB).
• Do not hand over the car without completing the transfer: as long as the registration is in your name and you have no vrijwaringsbewijs, you remain responsible for APK, insurance, road tax and traffic fines (ANWB).