What documents do I need to sell a car in Zambia?

Original motor vehicle registration certificate; Letter of sale (or donation); ZRA tax clearance certificate for change of ownership; Copies of ID for buyer and seller (NRC or passport); RTSA physical inspection report; Police report from the anti-theft of motor vehicle department; General affidavit; Form MVR 1; Valid roadworthiness certificate and road tax.

Do I need all the paperwork before I post my car?

No. You can publish today and gather the documents while buyers contact you. The ones marked as required by law are needed to transfer ownership.

Is it free to sell my car on MotorHangar in Zambia?

Yes. Posting is free, takes about three minutes, and nothing on the form asks for the paperwork: you will need it when you close the sale, not to publish.

Sell your car in Zambia: steps, documents and where to post it free

Step by step

Write a letter of sale Required by law Seller and buyer

RTSA requires a letter of sale (or donation) for a change of ownership. Both parties also need copies of their identity documents (NRC or passport).
RTSA – Vehicle Registration (Change of Ownership)
Notify RTSA of the change of ownership Required by law

The seller fills in RTSA's online Notification of Vehicle Change of Ownership with the registration number, the buyer's name and ID number, and the date of sale. RTSA warns that failure to notify a change of ownership renders the vehicle impoundable.
RTSA – Notification of Vehicle Change of Ownership
Get a ZRA tax clearance for change of ownership Required by law Seller and buyer

A Zambia Revenue Authority tax clearance certificate for change of ownership is required.
RTSA – Vehicle Registration (Change of Ownership)
Get a police anti-theft report and swear a general affidavit Required by law Seller and buyer

Obtain a police report from the anti-theft of motor vehicle department and a general affidavit.
RTSA – Vehicle Registration (Change of Ownership)
Have the vehicle physically inspected by RTSA Required by law Seller and buyer

An RTSA physical inspection report is required. The vehicle must also have a valid roadworthiness certificate and road tax.

K64 (inspection report)
RTSA – Vehicle Registration (Change of Ownership)
Sign Form MVR 1 and lodge the transfer Required by law Seller and buyer

Seller and buyer both sign Form MVR 1 and submit it with the original registration certificate and the documents above; RTSA issues a change of ownership certificate.

K476
RTSA – Vehicle Registration (Change of Ownership)
Arrange new insurance Required by law Buyer

Insurance ceases after the change of ownership, so the buyer needs their own cover before driving.
RTSA – Vehicle Registration (Change of Ownership)

Documents checklist

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

Original motor vehicle registration certificateFrom the seller.Required by law
Letter of sale (or donation)Evidence of the sale.Required by law
ZRA tax clearance certificate for change of ownershipIssued by the Zambia Revenue Authority.Required by law
Copies of ID for buyer and seller (NRC or passport)Or certificate of incorporation for companies.Required by law
RTSA physical inspection reportFee K64.Required by law
Police report from the anti-theft of motor vehicle departmentZambia Police clearance.Required by law
General affidavitRequired by law
Form MVR 1Signed by both seller and buyer.Required by law
Valid roadworthiness certificate and road taxThe vehicle must have both at the time of transfer.Required by law

Stay safe when buyers contact you

RTSA states that a vehicle whose change of ownership was not notified can be impounded: file the online notification on the day of the sale.

Questions

What documents do I need to sell a car in Zambia?: Original motor vehicle registration certificate; Letter of sale (or donation); ZRA tax clearance certificate for change of ownership; Copies of ID for buyer and seller (NRC or passport); RTSA physical inspection report; Police report from the anti-theft of motor vehicle department; General affidavit; Form MVR 1; Valid roadworthiness certificate and road tax.
Who registers a car sale in Zambia?: Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA)
Do I need all the paperwork before I post my car?: No. You can publish today and gather the documents while buyers contact you. The ones marked as required by law are needed to transfer ownership.
Is it free to sell my car on MotorHangar in Zambia?: Yes. Posting is free, takes about three minutes, and nothing on the form asks for the paperwork: you will need it when you close the sale, not to publish.

Sources

Checked on 2026-10-14. This is a practical summary, not legal advice. Fees and forms change: confirm with Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) before you sign.