Transferring a Car into Someone's Name

You can transfer car ownership online through the RDW website. You’ll need to complete a one-time identity verification using your ID. You can do this with the DigiD app on your cell phone.

To transfer ownership of a car online, follow these steps:

1. On the RDW website, select the“Transfer vehicleownership” option.
2. Pay the transfer fees via iDEAL | Wero.
3. After the transfer, you will receive two emails from the RDW. You will first receive a confirmation of receipt, followed by the final confirmation of the transfer. The car is not officially transferred until you receive the final confirmation via email.
4. You will then receive a third email from the RDW containing a link to the certificate of release and the registration report. Give the certificate of release to the seller and keep the registration report for yourself. The registration report also includes Part 1 of the registration code.
5. You will then receive the vehicle registration certificate and Part 2 of the registration code by mail.

Would you rather have your car registered in your name at a specific location? You can do that at various locations throughout the Netherlands. In that case, you don't need a DigiD.

1. 1. Go to a vehicle registration office, PostNL location, RDW inspection station, or RDW service counter near you
   2. Make sure you have the vehicle registration card and the registration code, or the original certificate of registration (Part 1B) and the transfer certificate with you. Also bring a valid form of identification.
   3. Pay the transfer fees.
   4. At the counter, the staff member will give you a registration report showing thefirst 4 digits of the registration codeand the certificate of indemnification. Give the certificate of indemnification to the seller and keep the registration report for yourself.
   5. You will then receive the vehicle registration certificate and Part 2 of the registration code by mail.

If you forget to insure your car right away, you could face a hefty fine if you’re pulled over. The costs are even higher if you cause an accident while driving an uninsured car—especially if someone is injured or killed.

If you cause an accident, the costs for property damage can remain fairly limited. In the event of personal injury, however, the costs can run into the hundreds of thousands of euros. You could end up paying for the rest of your life if you don’t insure your car. So be sure to get insurance in time.

To take out auto insurance, you’ll need the car’s registration code. This is a unique code consisting of the last 4 digits of your car’s chassis number. The registration code is listed on the registration report you received after transferring ownership of the car. It’s also listed on the registration card you receive from the RDW after the transfer of ownership.

The transfer of car ownership is handled through the RDW. You can choose whether to transfer ownership online or at a license plate office, RDW inspection station, RDW service counter, or PostNL location near you. You’ll often do this together with the seller of the car.

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

If you have lost your registration code, ownership certificate, or license plate card, you can apply for a replacement through the RDW. You can do this online using your DigiD or by mail. Please note that there is a fee for this service.