In Türkiye, buying used cars is very popular due to the high prices of new cars. You can buy directly from the car owner or from a licensed car dealership.

In this article, we will provide you with a summary of our experience working with a notary public, the most common problems, and the documents required for transferring ownership, arranged in the following table of contents:

Buying and selling cars and transferring ownership with a notary public:

Where do I start the car ownership transfer process in Türkiye?

Car ownership transfer costs in Türkiye and their division between the seller and buyer:

Replacing car plates and licenses in Türkiye:

Articles that may interest you in the field of invitations and notary publics in Türkiye:

Buying and selling cars and transferring ownership with a notary public:

You can always contact us at Tayf Turkey Services to obtain accurate and correct information. We always recommend that before purchasing or paying a deposit for any car, you conduct an inspection at a specialized center known as an expert and obtain a signed and stamped inspection document. Agree on the expert fees with the owner based on the information provided by the seller. If the information provided does not match the vehicle's technical inspection, we always recommend obtaining sufficient and comprehensive information about the car and its history, such as accidents, the number of previous owners, whether the current odometer is correct and has not been altered or tampered with, the mechanical condition of the car, and the condition of the engine. It is preferable to make a list of the details to be verified. In general, but not absolutely, it is preferable to buy directly from the owner, as prices are more reasonable than those offered by companies. There are many websites where cars are displayed, such as Facebook, Sahbandan, Arabam, and Hurriyet Auto.

Where do I start the car ownership transfer process in Türkiye?

The procedure begins by going to the notary public office, but attention must be paid to:

-There are no debts or violations on the vehicle, otherwise ownership will not be transferred until the debts are paid.

-The car has insurance or an accident warranty, otherwise the ownership will not be transferred.

-If there is a mortgage or lien on the vehicle, it must be removed before starting the sale process, otherwise the sale will not take place.

- Preparing the necessary documents for transferring ownership (passport and residence permit for foreigners - Kimlik from the same city for refugees - Turkish ID card for Turkish citizens - car license - bringing the car plates in case the buyer wants to change the car plates)

Preparing the notary public’s expenses, preferably in cash, as some notaries do not accept payment by bank card.

- Notify the bank at least one day in advance that you will be making a bank transfer of a certain amount to purchase a car, so that you do not face account suspension or delay in the transfer.

Warning: Do not accept transfers of the car value except to the car owner's personal account. There are many fraudulent cases that have occurred due to transfers to another account. Whether a relative, friend, or acquaintance has told you, do not accept transfers except to their personal account.

- Ensure that the vehicle license information matches the vehicle itself, including the number of seats and passengers, the model, engine number, and chassis number.

Car ownership transfer costs in Türkiye and their division between the seller and buyer:

-In general and approximately, because the amount may vary depending on the case, the cost of transferring car ownership with a notary public starts at 300 liras and increases depending on the cases we mentioned previously.

The seller bears all expenses related to old debts, accumulated taxes, or violations prior to the date of sale. The buyer bears the notary public's expenses and, subsequently, the car's insurance after purchase.

The sale is completed at a notary public, and the new license is delivered along with a copy of the sales contract. The process ends here if the buyer doesn't wish to change the license plates. If they do, they must bring a copy of the sales contract and the vehicle's mandatory insurance and visit the nearest license plate printing center to receive the new plates. A fee of approximately 950 lira is charged, which may increase depending on the increase.

Car taxes are due every 6 months and vary depending on the car model, engine capacity, and fuel type. They start at around 300 Turkish liras every 6 months and exceed 2,000 Turkish liras for some models.

Replacing car plates and licenses in Türkiye:

If the car owner wishes to change the vehicle's registration plates, they can do so by submitting an electronic application through the Ministry of Transportation's website or manually through a notary public. This will entail the cost of new plates and a new vehicle license. Alternatively, if the person is a foreigner who has obtained Turkish citizenship (the old registration plates were foreign citizen plates, also known as "passenger plaka"), they must change them and follow the same previous procedure, noting that the vehicle's insurance information must be updated by visiting the same insurance company from which the vehicle was purchased. This is done after changing the plates and license. The cost of this change is approximately 400-800 Turkish liras, depending on the case. For foreign citizens who have become Turkish citizens, their driver's license must be changed to reflect their new data by visiting the Civil Status Department, by prior appointment only, and after paying the fee, which is approximately 350 liras and may change depending on the time.

Important information:

If the vehicle was purchased using a passport and tax number, the license information must be updated after obtaining Turkish citizenship or residency to officially display the vehicle in your name through the e-government application (iDevlet). The cost is similar to the cost of transferring ownership again.

The car ownership transfer process takes between half an hour and an hour at most, provided everything is in place and there are no shortages, debts, or violations. Please note that notary office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Notaries are available on weekends, but sales are not recommended on holidays due to heavy traffic at the notary office.

-Payment for the car is made directly before the final signature of the seller.

Taif Türkiye Services offers you all notary services, including buying and selling, and car insurance.

Articles that may interest you in the field of invitations and notary publics in Türkiye:

-Invitation to visit Türkiye at the notary

- Tour with an interpreter in Istanbul

-Certification of documents by a notary public

-Voice translation and business correspondence

-Regulating agencies in Türkiye

Sworn translation in Istanbul

-Sworn translation services