Transferring ownership of a registered vehicle in Cyprus is usually straightforward, provided you have all the required documents before visiting the Road Transport Department.
Here's what you'll need.
Proof of identity
The identification requirements depend on how long you've been living in Cyprus. If you arrived in Cyprus less than six months ago, you can usually register the vehicle using your passport.
You'll also need to provide proof of your arrival, such as:
- your flight ticket; and
- an entry stamp in your passport (for non-EU citizens).
If you've been in Cyprus for more than six months, you'll normally need a valid:
- Alien Registration Card (ARC); or
- Cyprus residence permit.
Valid motor insurance
Before the ownership transfer can be completed, you'll need valid insurance for the vehicle. A Cover Note issued by your insurer is generally accepted as proof that the car is insured.
Form TOM 9
The ownership transfer itself is completed using Form TOM 9, which contains the details of both the buyer and seller and must be signed by both parties. The form also records the insurance details and the type of ownership being transferred.
Recall clearance documents
Cyprus now requires confirmation that the vehicle has no outstanding manufacturer safety recalls before ownership can be transferred. The document you'll need depends on where the vehicle originally came from.
Cyprus-registered vehicles
If the car was originally supplied in Cyprus, you'll need Form TOM 369, completed by the manufacturer's official distributor or authorised dealer. The certificate confirms that there are no outstanding recalls and that the vehicle has been entered into the manufacturer's recall database for future notifications.
Imported vehicles
For imported vehicles, you'll generally need Form TOM 371, together with any available evidence showing that there are no outstanding recalls. Under this declaration, the buyer confirms they have checked for recalls through the manufacturer or other available sources and accepts responsibility for monitoring any future recall campaigns.
First registration with the Road Transport Department
If this is your first vehicle registration in Cyprus, you'll first need to be registered in the Road Transport Department's system.
You'll normally be asked to provide:
- an original identification document;
- your residential address;
- a contact telephone number.
Once you're registered in the system, future ownership transfers become much simpler.
Your full checklist
Before visiting the Road Transport Department, make sure you have:
- Passport (or valid ARC / residence permit)
- Proof of arrival if you've been in Cyprus for less than six months
- Valid insurance (Cover Note)
- Completed Form TOM 9
- TOM 369 (Cyprus vehicles) or TOM 371 (imported vehicles)
- Recall confirmation, where applicable
- Original ID, address and phone number if this is your first registration with the Road Transport Department
