New online service simplifies transfer of vehicle ownership

An newly launched e-government service now allows private (non-trade) vehicle owners to transfer vehicle registration to another private owner, entirely online. 

The Online Change of Vehicle Ownership service will allow buyers to check vehicle details against the vehicle register. These include make/model, colour, motor tax status, test status, number of previous owners, and whether or not the vehicle was imported. It was launched by Minister of State with special responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, James Lawless and can be accessed at https://www.vehicleservices.gov.ie/cvo/ or through www.motortax.ie (www.motarchain.ie as gaeilge). 

The new service enables the buyer to get accurate and real-time information about the vehicle before completing the purchase, making the experience more transparent and efficient. 

It is another important step in the Public Service Transformation Framework in the Government’s Better Public Services strategy, which aims to increase access to a range of government services online and other digital initiatives. 

Previously, anyone transferring ownership of a vehicle would need to post their Vehicle Registration Certificate to the Department of Transport’s offices in Shannon, or visit a motor tax office. 

This new online service complements other initiatives of the Department of Transport such as the plan to remove the need for paper discs in vehicle windscreens and the highly effective and simple Motor Tax Online website. These initiatives lead towards the goal of having a digital Life Events portal for all transport-related citizen services in the future.

There are approximately one million changes of vehicle ownership per year in Ireland, and half of these tend to be private sales. Sellers and buyers are legally obliged to notify the Department of Transport of changes in vehicle ownership, and details are recorded on the Department’s National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF).