Vehicle Transfer Process and Costs 2026: Notary, Registration, and Fees
How does a vehicle transfer work, and what do notary fees and registration charges cost? A step-by-step breakdown of the process and cost items for new and used car transfers.
Vehicle Transfer Process and Costs 2026: Notary, Registration, and Fees
Transferring a vehicle's ownership from one person to another is an official process completed through a sale agreement signed at a notary, followed by an update to the traffic registration record. For a new car, this process is usually handled by the dealer, while in a used-car sale the parties have to follow these steps themselves.
The Transfer Process, Step by Step
- Sale agreement at the notary: The buyer and seller go to a notary with the vehicle's registration document and ID, and sign the sale agreement.
- Fee and tax payment: The notary collects the transfer fee and any other applicable taxes.
- Updating the traffic registration record: Once the transfer is complete, the vehicle's registration is updated to the new owner's name, either via e-Devlet or at the traffic registration office.
- Insurance transfer/renewal: The mandatory traffic insurance policy is either transferred or reissued in the new owner's name.
Cost Items
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Notary sale agreement fee | A fee subject to the notary tariff, varying with the vehicle's sale price |
| Transfer/registration fee | A fee schedule set by the Ministry of Finance, varying by the vehicle's age and engine size |
| Traffic insurance | The policy may need to be transferred or reissued after the transfer |
| Plate/registration cost (for a new car) | The fee paid for issuing new plates and a registration document |
Current fee and tax rates are updated annually, so we recommend confirming exact amounts with the relevant tax office or notary tariff before proceeding.
How Is the Transfer Process Different for a New Car?
For a new car purchase, the transfer/registration process is usually handled by the dealer, and the plate/registration cost is added separately to the car's price — it's worth remembering to include this item in your budget. We break down the other hidden costs of new car ownership in our 2026 MTV Calculation and the Hidden Costs of Owning a New Car article.
Conclusion
The vehicle transfer process is a relatively simple procedure that boils down to visiting a notary with the right documents and updating the registration record, but it's important to budget for the fee and cost items in advance. You can track current new-car prices on our Vehicles page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a vehicle transfer completed at the notary alone?
The sale agreement is signed at the notary; the traffic registration record then needs to be updated. This second step can be completed via e-Devlet or at the traffic registration office.
Who pays the transfer costs on a new car?
For a new car, the transfer/registration process is usually handled by the dealer, but the plate and registration cost is added separately to the car's price and covered by the buyer.
Does the transfer fee vary with the vehicle's age?
Yes, the registration/transfer fee follows a schedule that varies by the vehicle's age and engine size; we recommend confirming current amounts with the relevant tax office.
Sıfır Fiyatlar Editör
Sıfır Fiyatlar's editorial team compiles and regularly updates current price lists, campaigns, and buying guides for Turkey's automotive market.
