Car Ownership Transfer at the Phuket Land Transport Office

A car sale in Thailand is only complete once the ownership is transferred at the Land Transport Office. Here is what happens and how to avoid a wasted trip.

By Simify Cars · Updated 21 October 2026

Why the transfer matters

Handing over the keys doesn't change who owns the car. Until the new owner's name is entered in the blue book, the seller is still the legal owner, including for traffic fines, accidents and tax. Always make sure the transfer is actually done.

What to bring

  • The car itself, for the inspection
  • The blue book (registration book), the original
  • Seller's ID: a passport with a valid visa for foreigners, or an ID card for Thais, each with signed copies
  • Foreign seller: a certificate of residence or a work permit, the original plus a signed copy
  • Company-owned car: a recent company affidavit, the authorised director's ID and signature, and the company stamp if used
  • Buyer's ID: the same kind of documents for the new owner
  • A power of attorney, if someone is attending for the seller or the buyer, plus that person's ID
  • The transfer forms, signed by the seller and the buyer

The steps on the day

  1. Inspection: the car is checked against its registration (the chassis and engine numbers), so it has to be brought to the office.
  2. Submit the documents: the forms, the blue book and the IDs are checked at the counter.
  3. Pay the fees: a small fixed transfer fee plus stamp duty of 0.5% of the car's value as assessed by the Land Transport Office (about 500 baht per 100,000 baht).
  4. Collect the book: the new owner's name is entered in the blue book.

Common reasons for delay

  • Overdue road tax. It has to be paid, with fines, before the transfer, and renewing it requires valid compulsory insurance (Por Ror Bor)
  • Missing proof of address for a foreign seller
  • The blue book is still with the finance company (see selling a financed car)
  • The name on the documents doesn't exactly match the registration

When you sell to us, we handle the transfer. We check your documents beforehand, prepare the forms and go to the office with you, or handle it with a power of attorney if that's easier.

Quick answers

Where do I transfer car ownership in Phuket?

At the provincial Land Transport Office. Cars in Phang Nga or Krabi are transferred at the office in that province.

Is the seller still responsible for the car before the transfer?

Yes. Until the new owner is entered in the blue book, the seller remains the legal owner, including for fines and accidents.

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