Essential Documents You Need to Sell Your Car

Thinking of parting ways with your car? Maybe you’ve spotted something shinier, sportier, or just a bit more fuel efficient. Whether you’re trading up, cashing in, or clearing space on the driveway, one thing’s for sure: if your documents aren’t in order, your sale could stall.

To help you avoid any paperwork potholes, we’ve put together this handy guide to all the essential documents you need to sell your car in Ireland.

Vehicle Registration Certificate (VRC)

The VRC is the official proof of ownership, and you are legally required to register the change of ownership, which you can do free of charge through the Department of Transport. The good news is that this process no longer requires a trip to the post office or motor tax office. Private vehicle owners can now complete the transfer online using the Online Change of Vehicle Ownership service available at motortax.ie. The Department of Transport maintains the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF), which records vehicle ownership and address details. Keeping this information current is important. For example, if there’s a safety recall, manufacturers rely on these records to contact registered owners.

If you want to keep it old school, you can fill out the form. When selling privately, you (the seller) will need to complete Part B of the VRC and give it to the buyer. Then you send Part A to the Department of Transport to notify them of the change of ownership.

If you’re selling the car to a motor dealer, the dealer will usually take care of the change of ownership process for you. Always confirm this with the dealership and keep a record of the transaction.

Can’t find your logbook? You’ll need to apply for a replacement (form RF134) and get it stamped at a Garda station. Don’t skip this step, or the sale could stall before it starts. You can pick up a Form RF134 at your local motor tax office or download it from the Motor Tax website.

Other Documents

The following documents are not legally required, but they can make the sale smoother, increase buyer confidence and help protect you as the seller.

NCT Certificate

While it’s not illegal to sell a car without a valid NCT, having one in place can make the process a lot smoother. Many buyers will be more interested in a car that has passed its NCT, as it gives them a sense of reassurance.

If the NCT is due soon, it might be worth getting it done before listing the car for sale. A fresh certificate can boost buyer confidence and potentially bump up your asking price.

If your car doesn’t have an NCT or has recently failed its test, just be upfront about it. Some buyers are still happy to take on a project if the price is right. Honesty goes a long way and avoids wasting anyone’s time.

Motor Tax Disc (and Tax History)

Showing that the car is currently or recently taxed reassures buyers that it hasn’t been sitting idle. Bonus points if you can show consistent taxing over the years, as it usually suggests the car was regularly used and maintained.

You don’t need to physically hand over the tax disc, but having it displayed on the windscreen and being up to date always looks better.

Service History and Receipts

Again, this is not essential, but a full or even partial service history is a huge selling point. It shows the car has been well looked after and can boost buyer confidence.

If you’ve got receipts for work done, e.g. a new clutch, fresh brake pads or even just a recent oil change – don’t chuck them. Keeping a folder of maintenance records shows buyers you’ve looked after the car, and that kind of TLC can sometimes be more convincing than a fresh valet. It gives your sale that extra bit of credibility and might even help you justify the asking price.

Car History Check

If you previously got a car history check when you bought the vehicle, now’s a great time to dig it out. Yes, it’s the buyer’s responsibility to check the car’s history, but offering this up front shows you’ve got nothing to hide. It can help build trust by putting the buyer at ease and putting you in a stronger position as a seller, which might just speed up the selling process.

Having the proper paperwork ready to go shows buyers that you’re a thoughtful seller who’s taken care of the car and is serious about the sale. It also makes the entire process smoother for everyone involved. Get your ducks in a row now, and you could speed up the sale and drive away with a better deal.