Getting a Used Car Registered

To get a used car registered in Bangkok you must go to the Department of Land Transport Office (DLT) with the car owner. In our the car owner gave my Thai friend power of attorney to represent him (perfectly legal in Thailand), so she dealt with the paperwork for the owner. At the DLT, a DLT representative will do a check of the Blue Book and the engine serial number to make sure they match and the car isn't stolen. Do not give the owner any money until the legality of the car has been checked by the DLT as more than one suspecting western expat has been the victim of a car theft ring.

Once the car has been checked and registered as legal, you must give the DLT the following documentation in order to be able to register the car in your name - your passport, your non-immigrant visa and either your work permit or letter of residency certified by Thai immigration.

If the person you're buying the car from is Thai you will need a certified copy of his/her Thai ID card and house registration document. If the owner is not Thai, you must have certified copies of his/her passport, non-immigrant visa and work permit or residency letter.

Once all this paperwork has been handed in, along with the Blue Book, you'll be given a red license plate number plate, which you must display on the car until the permanent license plate comes through (about 3-6 weeks).

Now, pay the original owner the money for the used car, and the car is legally yours.

Buying a used car in Bangkok, Thailand isn't that much more difficult than buying one anywhere else. You just need to make sure all documentation is in order and you take a Thai speaker with you to the DLT to make sure you're understanding everything. Now, enjoy your used car!