Transferring car ownership in Ghana is a mandatory legal process handled by the DVLA. It is not just a formality—if you buy a car and fail to transfer the title into your name, you risk insurance complications, legal disputes, and the possibility that the vehicle remains legally registered to someone else. Here is the complete ASJ process, the documents you need, and the fees involved.
The Requirements: What You Need
Both the buyer and the seller must be present at the DVLA to complete the transfer. Gather the following documents before you go :
Signed application letter – A formal letter from the seller stating their intention to transfer ownership.
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The vehicle – You must present the car itself for a physical inspection.
Passport pictures – Two recent, coloured passport-sized photographs of both the buyer and the seller.
ID cards – The Ghana Card (or valid ID) of both parties.
Forms C and VRC – You will complete and sign the Change of Ownership Form (C) and Vehicle Registration Certificate Transfer Form (VRC) at the DVLA office.
Proof of ownership – The original Certificate of Title and the previous Vehicle Registration Certificate (logbook).
Important: You must obtain a new Roadworthiness Certificate, regardless of whether the current one is still valid .
The Fees: What It Costs
The fee for transferring ownership depends on the vehicle’s engine capacity.
| Vehicle Type | Fee (GH¢) |
|---|---|
| Private Vehicle (under 2000cc) | 110.00 |
| Private Vehicle (over 2000cc) | 120.00 |
If you also need to change the vehicle’s “use” (for example, from private to commercial), the fee is higher (GH¢298–GH¢308). Always confirm the current rate with the DVLA cashier before paying.
The 14-Day Rule and Why It Matters
Ghanaian law requires that a new owner effect the change of ownership within 14 days of the vehicle changing hands .
Many buyers ignore this, which creates significant risks:
Insurance risk. If you crash the car, the insurance company may refuse to pay because you are not the party named on the original insurance contract .
Legal risk. The car remains legally registered to the seller, which can lead to disputes if the seller faces legal or financial issues.
What to Do If You Can’t Find the Seller
If you bought a car but cannot locate the previous owner to sign the transfer papers, the DVLA cannot simply change the records for you.
You must go to court. The DVLA advises that you institute legal proceedings against the seller seeking a declaration of ownership or a vesting order. Once a court grants this order, the DVLA will update its records accordingly .
ASJ Final Tips
Avoid intermediaries. The DVLA warns against using “goro boys.” Deal directly with identified DVLA staff to avoid fake documents .
Check the chassis number. Before paying, verify that the chassis and engine numbers on the documents match the physical vehicle .
Onboarding fee. If the vehicle was registered before 2023, you may also be asked to pay the GH¢25 digital onboarding fee to migrate it to the new digital system. Do not pay more than this amount .
Quick Facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Transfer Fee (under 2000cc) | GH¢110 |
| Transfer Fee (over 2000cc) | GH¢120 |
| Deadline | 14 days after purchase |
| Both Parties Present | Yes |
| New Roadworthy Certificate | Required |
| Forms Required | C and VRC |
| Digital Onboarding (pre-2023 vehicles) | GH¢25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What documents do I need to transfer car ownership in Ghana?
You need a signed transfer letter, the vehicle for inspection, passport pictures of both buyer and seller, both ID cards, the original logbook, and you must complete Forms C and VRC at the DVLA .
2. How much does it cost to transfer a car in Ghana?
The fee is GH¢110 for private vehicles under 2000cc and GH¢120 for vehicles over 2000cc. This typically includes the transfer and roadworthy fee .
3. Do both the buyer and seller need to be present at the DVLA?
Yes. The DVLA requires both the vendor (seller) and the buyer to be present for the transfer process .
4. What is the 14-day rule for car ownership transfer?
The law requires the new owner to change the vehicle’s ownership within 14 days of the purchase. Failure to do so can void your insurance coverage in the event of an accident .
5. Do I need a new roadworthy certificate for the transfer?
Yes. Even if the current roadworthiness certificate is still valid, a new one must be obtained as part of the ownership transfer process .
6. What if I can’t find the seller to sign the transfer papers?
The DVLA cannot change ownership without the seller’s consent. You must go to court to seek a declaration of ownership or a vesting order. Once the court rules in your favour, the DVLA will update its records .
7. Is there a fee for digital onboarding of my vehicle?
If your vehicle was registered before 2023, you may need to pay a GH¢25 fee for biodata verification to migrate it to the digital system. Do not pay more than this amount .
8. Can I transfer ownership without a roadworthy certificate?
No. A new roadworthiness certificate is mandatory for the transfer process, even if the existing one is still valid
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
