Changing the ownership of a car in Luxembourg: the complete guide to the procedure

How do you transfer ownership of a car in Luxembourg?

In Luxembourg, the transfer of ownership of a vehicle is officially carried out through the Société Nationale de Circulation Automobile (SNCA). 
The procedure must begin with the signing of a contract of sale between the two parties, formalising the agreement. At the time of the transaction, the seller must hand over both parts of the vehicle registration certificate (Part 1, which is grey, and Part 2, which is yellow) to the buyer. 
The buyer must then register the vehicle in their own name with the SNCA before driving it on the road. 
For their part, the seller must notify the authorities of the sale of the vehicle in order to be released from liability. This comprehensive process formalises the transfer of ownership and updates the national vehicle register.

What documents are required when selling a vehicle?

To ensure that the transfer of ownership is registered without being blocked by the SNCA, a complete set of documents is required. 
 

The key documents include:

• Parts 1 and 2 of the original Luxembourg registration certificate, 
• the contract of sale, duly signed by both parties, (https://www.acl.lu/fr/ressources/contrats-de-vente/)
• as well as valid proof of identity for both the buyer and the seller. 
• If the vehicle is more than four years old, a valid roadworthiness certificate is required.
  Finally, the original European Certificate of Conformity (COC) must be included in the application to certify the vehicle’s technical specifications.
   

Please state somewhere: 

• Remove the number plates from the vehicle.

Is it possible to sell a car without a roadworthiness certificate in Luxembourg?

Legally, it is perfectly possible to sell a vehicle without a valid roadworthiness certificate. However, whilst the seller is free to sell the vehicle ‘as is’, the buyer will not be able to obtain a new vehicle registration certificate or register the vehicle without a valid certificate. 
As driving a vehicle without a roadworthiness test is a serious offence, the buyer must ensure they arrange a means of transport (flatbed lorry or trailer) to take the vehicle to the testing centre.

How do you register the sale of a vehicle in Luxembourg?

Once the vehicle has been sold, the seller must immediately inform the SNCA by submitting an official declaration of sale or by returning the notification of sale by registered post within five working days to take it off the road.

This step is crucial: it allows you to keep dated written proof of the transaction and to notify the administration that the vehicle is no longer under your civil or administrative responsibility. 
It also prevents the seller from receiving any fines for offences committed by the buyer before the final change of registration certificate has been completed.

Don’t forget to notify your insurer so that they can update your cover and cancel your policy.

Specific case: Selling your car to a non-resident

The procedure and formalities to be followed differ if the vehicle is to leave Luxembourg.

In this case, in addition to the steps described above, you must apply to the SNCA for an export certificate and send it to the new owner.

This will then enable them to register the vehicle in their country of residence. The non-resident buyer can also obtain this certificate themselves if the vehicle has been taken off the road by the owner.