Transfer Ownership / Title

Whether you are selling or purchasing a vehicle, a transfer of ownership will occur in either case.

The Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing conducts these transaction daily and will be more than happy to assist you with any query you may have regarding this process.

Our Licensing Officers are trained to exercise extra due diligence during these transactions. Therefore, when carrying out this type of transaction we ask that all of the necessary documentation is provided to avoid unnecessary delays.

If you are transferring ownership of your vehicle to someone else, please be cognizant of Section 9 of the Traffic Act, (2021 Revision). In essence (where there is a Change of Ownership or alterations in the particulars of a registered vehicle, the owner MUST inform the Director within 14 days of such alteration taking effect to:

• complete the prescribed form (T.R. 5 & 6)
• pay the prescribed fee of $25.00 and,
• submit to the Director the certificate of registration (log book).
• All outstanding licensing fees, if any, are paid. The DVDL will not execute the transfer until all such fees are settled.
• There is no bank lien registered against your vehicle. If your purchase was financed by a bank or a lending institution, a lien would have been registered with the department. To proceed with the transfer of ownership, you must first obtain a “Notice of Lien Removal” from your lender. Removing a lien will incur a fee of CI$25.00.
• Sign on the line! It is important to place your signature where required on the Certificate of Vehicle Licence and Roadworthiness (log book). Refer to Section C (notification of changes to register), or on a transfer of ownership form. (T.R. 5 & 6)

Are you purchasing from a private individual a vehicle already registered in the Cayman Islands? If so, here are a few points to take into consideration.

• If you are a new resident on island and you are the holder of a valid full driver’s licence from a Geneva Contracting State, you are allowed to drive for a period of six (6) months. Within that six (6) month period you may obtain a local licence by having a “Geneva Transfer” done after first passing a written examination. If you are outside the six (6) month period, you must pass both the written and road examinations.
• Ensure that the individual with whom you are dealing with (if not a reputable company) is in fact the owner of the vehicle you intend to purchase (or an authorized individual, who is acting on the owner’s behalf). Protect yourself! Ask to see the Certificate of Registration/log book.
• Before attempting to transfer the vehicle, ensure that you have arranged automobile insurance. During the transfer process, you will be required to show proof of insurance, either a cover note, certificate of insurance or the actual policy.
• In order to licence a vehicle you must first have it insured and inspected for road use.

Are you purchasing a vehicle already registered in the Cayman Islands from a company?

• Ensure that the company is first a reputable company and is able to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing.
• The person signing the transfer application is an authorized signatory for that company.
• Once the transfer of ownership is complete, a new Certificate of Vehicle Licence and Roadworthiness (log book) will be printed, exhibiting the name and contact details of the vehicles’ new owner, along with the vehicle specifications.
• Apart from any back duty fees owed or having to remove a bank lien, the cost associated with a transfer of vehicle ownership is minimal fee of CI$25.00.
• You can choose to purchase new registration plates for your vehicle; a fee of CI$75.00 will be charged along with CI$400.00, the cost of a new coupon.

An important rule to remember: subsequent to any change of vehicle ownership, the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing should be notified within a 14 day period.

N.B. Under Section 9 (2), Traffic Act (2021 Revision) it is an offence if you fail to inform the Director of any change of ownership or alteration in the prescribed particulars of a registered vehicle. The penalty on summary conviction is a fine of CI$400.00 or imprisonment for a term of 3 months or to both.