After the car has been transferred, the seller receives a vrijwaringsbewijs (indemnity certificate). It is the RDW's proof that the car is no longer registered in your name. With an online transfer, the buyer receives a link to the certificate by email and forwards it to the seller. At a counter, the buyer is handed the document and passes it on to the seller.
Why it matters when buying or selling
For a seller, this is the most important document after the sale. You need it to cancel your car insurance, and it shows from which moment traffic fines and taxes are no longer your responsibility. Road tax stops automatically, and you get any overpaid amount back pro rata.
So only hand over the car and keys once the transfer is complete and you have the certificate. Do the transfer together with the buyer, online or at a registration counter (kentekenloket), and keep the certificate both digitally and on paper. Use our handover checklist so you don't miss a step.