How to Change Car Ownership in Latvia: Step-by-Step Guide
Just bought or sold a car in Latvia? Great! But now comes the important part — officially changing the ownership. This article explains how to Change Car Ownership in Latvia step by step, so everything stays official, safe, and by the book.
✅ Step 1: Get Your Documents Ready
Before anything else, both the buyer and seller should make sure they’ve got:
- A valid ID or passport
- The car’s registration certificate (a.k.a. the “technical passport”)
- Valid OCTA insurance
- A technical inspection certificate (if required)
- A signed purchase agreement or invoice
If you’re buying from a dealership, they’ll often handle most of this for you.
✅ Step 2: Choose How You Want to Transfer Ownership
You’ve got two easy options:
1. Online via e-CSDD (fastest way)
- The seller logs in to e.csdd.lv and starts the process
- The buyer logs in and confirms
- Done! Ownership is officially changed
💡 You’ll need Latvian eID access (Smart-ID, eParaksts, etc.)
2. In-person at a CSDD office
- Both buyer and seller go together
- Bring your documents and ID
- Pay the fee (around €4.27)
- Walk out with updated ownership!
✅ Step 3: The Buyer Handles the Rest
After the transfer:
- Make sure OCTA insurance is active
- Check if a technical inspection is due
- Pay the vehicle tax (amount depends on your car’s engine and emissions)
Watch Out For These
- No insurance = no transfer
- Always sign a contract, even between friends
- If the car is being exported, more paperwork is needed
Quick Cost Overview
What | Approximate Cost |
---|---|
Ownership transfer | €4.27 |
Technical inspection (if needed) | €30–€50 |
Annual vehicle tax | Varies by car type |
Final Thought
To Change Car Ownership in Latvia is actually pretty simple — especially online.
Just make sure everything’s insured, signed, and submitted. Once it’s done, you’re officially the new owner and good to go.
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