What Documents Are Required for a Vehicle Ownership Transfer?

When buying a vehicle, the first step is to transfer ownership into your name. This process can be done through the one-day service or the regular method. However, if the necessary documents are not prepared properly, the process can become messy and time-consuming. That’s why MotorGuide has put together a complete guide on the documents required for a vehicle transfer and how the process works.

Required Documents

• Vehicle book or registration certificate
• Valid income license of the vehicle and a photocopy
• If the registration certificate mentions an institution as the absolute owner, a letter stating the release of ownership from that institution
• Two color or black-and-white photographs of the buyer (2 x 2.5 inches in size)
• Certification of one photograph by a Justice of the Peace, Grama Niladhari, or staff officer
• Duly filled M.T.A. 6a form
• Duly filled M.T.A. 6b form
• Duly filled M.T.A. 8c form
• Receipts and photocopies of luxury tax or diesel tax payments (if applicable)
• National Identity Card (NIC) and photocopies
• If transferring to a new address not listed on the NIC, a Grama Niladhari residence certificate
• If the transferee is a married woman with a name change, a certified copy of the marriage certificate

How Does a Transfer Take Place?

The transfer process requires specific forms, which can be obtained free of charge from the Department of Motor Traffic, any District Secretariat, or Divisional Secretariat.

• M.T.A. 6: Consists of 6 copies (A, A1, B, B1, C, C1).
• M.T.A. 8: Consists of 2 copies (C and C1).

Steps for the Current Owner

• Complete all copies of the M.T.A. 6 form.
• Keep copies A and A1 with you.
• Hand over copies B, B1, and M.T.A. 8 (C, C1) to the new owner.
• Submit a duly completed copy of M.T.A. 6 to the Commissioner General of Motor Transport by registered post or by hand.
• Obtain a receipt bearing C.M.T. 52 and keep A1 with you.

Steps for the New Owner

• Submit M.T.A. 6 (copy B), M.T.A. 8 (copy C), and other required documents to the Registration Title Transfer Division of the Department of Motor Traffic.
• Obtain a receipt bearing C.M.T. 52.
• Keep M.T.A. 6 (copy B1) and M.T.A. 8 (copy C1) with you for reference.

Where to Submit Documents

The documents for ownership transfer can be handed over to the Registration Title Transfer Division (General Services) at the following locations:

• Head Office of the Department of Motor Traffic, Narahenpita, Colombo 05
• District Office of the Department of Motor Traffic
• Relevant Divisional Secretariat

Documents can be submitted on government working days between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Transferring ownership of a vehicle requires proper documentation and careful handling of forms. By preparing all required documents in advance and following the correct procedure, you can complete the process quickly and smoothly. Always ensure that ownership is transferred legally to avoid future complications.

FAQs About Vehicle Ownership Transfer

How long does it take to transfer vehicle ownership?

If you use the one-day service, the process can be completed in a single day. Otherwise, the regular process may take several working days.

Can I transfer ownership without the seller?

No. The seller (current owner) must complete and provide the required M.T.A. forms to initiate the transfer.

What happens if I don’t transfer ownership?

If ownership is not transferred, the previous owner remains legally responsible for fines, taxes, and liabilities related to the vehicle.