Transfer costs
See what transferring your car costs and who usually pays which part.
Your situation
You still have the card, but not the full 9-digit code.
You get a new card with a new code.
Only if a dealer handles the transfer for you; often €25 to €75.
What does it cost and who pays?
Total
€13.10
Buyer
€13.10
Seller
€0.00
| Cost item | Amount | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership transfer (RDW)Usually paid by the buyer. Online via MijnRDW or at a PostNL counter. | €13.10 | Buyer |
| Total | €13.10 |
What does transferring a car cost in 2026?
| Item | Cost | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer (registration in the buyer’s name) | €13.10 | Buyer |
| New registration code if lost | €1.25 | Seller |
| New registration card with code | €39.80 | Seller |
| Urgent registration card, collect in Veendam | €61.50 | By agreement |
| Urgent registration card, by courier | €241.55 | By agreement |
| Dealer service fee | often €25–75 | Buyer |
The buyer paying the €13.10 is a convention, not a rule. Agree on it in the sale contract.
What do you need to transfer a car?
- The registration card and the full registration code (tenaamstellingscode): both parts together, 9 digits. The seller has them.
- You can transfer online via MijnRDW with DigiD (pay with iDEAL or Wero), at a PostNL registration counter or at the RDW.
- The buyer needs at least third-party (WA) insurance from the moment the car is in their name.
What do you arrange after the transfer?
As the seller you receive an indemnity certificate (vrijwaringsbewijs): proof the car is no longer yours. Keep it, because you need it to cancel your insurance. Road tax stops automatically and you get the overpaid part back pro rata.
As the buyer your insurance and road tax start on the day of the transfer. Work out the road tax in advance.
Read the full process in transferring ownership.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays the transfer costs of a car?
Usually the buyer. By convention the RDW’s €13.10 is for the buyer, but it is not a legal rule. Agree on it in advance. Costs for a new registration code or card are for the seller, who has to provide the papers.
What if I lost my registration code?
Request a new code from the RDW; it costs €1.25. Lost the registration card too? A new card with code costs €39.80. In a hurry, you can get an urgent card: €61.50 if you collect it in Veendam or €241.55 by courier.
Can I transfer a car online?
Yes, via MijnRDW with DigiD. You need the registration card and the full registration code, and you pay the €13.10 with iDEAL or Wero. You can also go to a PostNL registration counter or the RDW.
What is an indemnity certificate (vrijwaringsbewijs)?
Proof that the car is no longer registered to you. The seller receives it at the transfer. Keep it safe: you need it to cancel your car insurance and it protects you against fines incurred by the new owner.