Signing the sales contract is just the first step. To drive the car legally and without worries, there are still a few official steps ahead of you.

Buying a used car doesn't end with signing the contract and handing over the keys. For the car to properly become yours and to avoid unnecessary complications, there are a few more formalities to take care of. Most of them only take a few minutes, but it's good to know in what order and by when to deal with them.

Registration transfer at the vehicle registry

The new owner needs to be registered with the vehicle registry within 10 working days of the purchase. You'll need the vehicle logbook, proof of ID, and the sales contract, which we'll automatically issue for you when you buy a checked car from us. Without the transfer, you'll be driving under someone else's name, which can cause problems, for example, when dealing with a fine or an insurance claim.

Third-party liability insurance must be valid from the moment you collect the car

Without valid third-party liability insurance, you can't even drive the car home for a test run. So the policy needs to be arranged before the car leaves the dealership, ideally right when you sign the sales contract. Many insurers today can set up a policy online within a few minutes.

Service history and vehicle documentation

Besides the logbook and the contract, keep all the documents you receive with the car – the service book, MOT certificate, Cebia certificate, or purchase record. This isn't just for peace of mind, but also comes in handy if you sell the car in future, as a complete history increases the car's credibility and value.

If you're buying the car on finance

If you're financing the car through a loan or lease, keep in mind that until it's paid off, the logbook may show a lien in favour of the finance company. This limits what you can freely do with the car, such as selling it to a third party without the lender's consent. With us, you can arrange financing right on the spot, including an explanation of what a lien actually means in practice.

Seven days to change your mind still applies

Even once the paperwork is done and the car is registered in your name, with us you still have 7 days to return the car if a problem crops up that we both missed. This peace of mind is one of the reasons people prefer buying checked cars with Cebia certification rather than offers with no guarantee.

Tip from our current stock

Whether you're after a family SUV or a practical estate, complete paperwork and help with the registration transfer come as standard with every car. Take a look, for example, at the Škoda Kodiaq 2.0TDI 4x4 DSG Sportline from 2023, or the slightly more affordable Octavia 2.0TDI Style from the same year – both with a verified history and clear documentation.