Can you change ownership of a car in Thailand without a residence certificate?

Jan 2, 2024
10 months ago
Mandy ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I would like to hear from anyone who has managed to change ownership of a car without the residence certificate. The owner’s work visa has expired and they are not currently in Thailand. If the owner comes back on a tourist visa, getting a residence certificate (which I believe is only possible after a 90 day stay) is not a viable solution. Any advice appreciated.

**No need to comment if you reckon not possible.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around the challenges of changing car ownership in Thailand without a residence certificate, particularly when the current owner is not in the country and has an expired work visa. Many contributors express skepticism about the feasibility of the transfer, citing varying regulations across different regions in Thailand regarding residency certificates. Some suggest alternatives and personal experiences that indicate it might be possible to use a passport or other documentation in lieu of a certificate, albeit with mixed success. The conversation highlights the complexities and frustrations faced by expatriates navigating Thai vehicle registration processes.
Tao ******
so easy
Lee ***********
Just signed copy of passport from seller and signed power of attorney form
Terary **********
I have gotten residence certificates with tourist visa for purposes of banking and getting my drivers license. I think you can get them with tourist visas. Its just a piece of paper that says the Immigration Office knows where you live. It's not an actual residence certificate that you show other countries to establish Thai residency. Its only good for internal Thai stuff.
Taketo *********
you as buyer, correct?

CoR only needed on your side.

Owner just need to give you copy passport with signature + copy visa with signature (previous owner still have valid visa, if you said your previous owner visa expired i suggest you to explain to officer at DLT) + form with signature (not sure which form but it can get from DLT, owner have it already and give earlier when they make a deal)

My friend (foreigner) just bought car from foreigner on October 2023

Document he prepared :

1. Original Blue Book

2. CoR (both from embassy / immigration is valid)

3. Form (that i mentioned above)

4. Tax paid (last year 2567)

Go to DLT Chatuchak building B / Building 2 along with all document
Nick ************
The most tortuous procedure I have come across in Thailand. The blue book is proof of ownership so you have to buy the car before transferring the name in it. I am in the process right now and the dealer promised he could do it just with my passport. He was wrong. I bought the car in Sakhon nakhon and I live in Nakhon Phanom. NP immigration flatly refused to give me cor told me to go to Land transport. I said I needed cor to take to Sakhon Nakhon but sane snswer. No help st all. The dealer turned up and spoke to the officer and got a paper he said he could get it done with. I haven't heard anything for two weeks. Why oh why do they make it so difficult? Both my tm30 and tm47 are up to date.

The first time I did it it took 8 trips to town involving 600 km and the immigration officers thought it was quite a joke that I kept leaving without what I needed. They couldn't even explain the process to a Thai speaking friend. They will not get the better of me though.
Paul ********
@Nick ***********
Should?? Just walk away!! That's what I mean
Nick ************
@Paul *******
once you have paid for the car how can you walk away? No one will change the blue book until you have paid. Are you talking about new car?
Paul ********
@Nick ***********
One More Time?? If not %100 Walk Away!! Your mistake not looking at paperwork first
Nick ************
@Paul *******
you obviously do not understand the quite simple issue. There was nothing wrong with the paperwork but transferring to my name is a nightmare. Now do you understand or have you never bought a car? I don't mind explaining one more time if you still don't get it.
Paul ********
Nick Cartwright OK Did the Thai say with your passport he can Sort it ??

I'm on your side
Peter *******
Pattaya would be ok on a visa exempt or tourist visa day 1
Owen ********
I'm on 30 day right now and Jomtien issues me 2 residence certs lart week so I can renew my licences!
Mandy ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Owen *******
that’s great to know, thank you! Can ask if you showed a hotel booking or a rental contract?
Owen ********
@Mandy ***
no, just my tm30
Andy ********
Just get a resident certificate if you have problems get them yo use and agent to get it for you.
Paul ********
If everything not %100 Walk away
Nick ************
@Paul *******
what, exactly do you mean by that comment?
Andreas *********
not possible
Richard *********
you only need the certificate to BUY a car , not sell

copy of passport will be enough

and you can get one in Phuket ( if needed, ) on a visa exempt entry, ( i got one ) with a screen shot of the hotels tm30 for you

OR ask for a fixed at the transport office :-)
David *********
@Richard ********
you need two residency certificate to purchase a vehicle. One from the owner and one from the person buying it.
Garrett ***********
@Richard ********
That's not correct. As of 2020, vehicles registered to a farang need an CoR to buy and sell a vehilce.
Chris ******
@Garrett **********
thats not correct ,Richard is correct ..according to the transport office last week that is .
Mark *********
@Chris *****
just sold a motorbike in the North and needed the res cert to sell....
Phil ******
@Mandy ***
impossible. If you find a way please post
Grzegorz ***********
Only Bangkok requires 90 day to get certificate. You can get it much easier down south or in CM on day 1.
Ed ********
@Grzegorz **********
, Chiang Mai requires a certificate of residence to change title.
Mandy ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Grzegorz **********
that is interesting, I will look into this. Thank you 🙏
Peter *********
Impossible
Roy *********
I think impossible
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