A vehicle ownership transfer in North Cyprus means moving the car’s koçan (registration) officially from the seller to the buyer. Paying for the car and getting the keys is not the end of it: until the transfer is registered at the Traffic Department, the vehicle is still legally the seller’s. The good news is that when the paperwork is complete and the car is debt-free, the transfer is usually finished the same day.
Instead of a plain document checklist, this guide is built around who does what: first the online appointment, then the seller’s responsibilities, then the buyer’s, and finally transfer day — so both sides can see their own steps clearly.
Table of Contents
What a vehicle ownership transfer means
Locally known as “koçan devri,” this is the single application that re-registers the car in the new owner’s name. The transfer is handled at the Traffic Department’s Vehicle Registration, Inspection and Licensing Branch, which sits under the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation. Once complete, the car passes into the buyer’s name and a new koçan is printed for the new owner.
If you’re still choosing a car, our guide to buying a car in North Cyprus walks through what to look for first.
Before transfer day: the online appointment portal
Vehicle transfers in North Cyprus run through the Traffic Department’s official online appointment portal: arackayit.trafikdairesi.gov.ct.tr. You enter the car’s plate and required details in the “Appointment Details” section, then pick an available day and time from the calendar.
- The plate drives the process: the appointment is created against the vehicle plate you enter.
- Slots open weekly: new appointments are released on a weekly basis, typically from Saturday. In busy periods, check early to find a workable slot.
Before you go, confirm both your documents and the current fees with the Traffic Department — published charges can change over time.
The seller's responsibilities
The heaviest part of the transfer falls on the seller, because a transfer cannot go through unless the car is debt-free. Before the appointment, the seller must clear:
- Road tax (seyrüsefer) arrears: unpaid road tax blocks the transfer. Our North Cyprus road tax guide explains it in detail.
- Traffic fines: there must be no outstanding traffic fines or fee arrears on the vehicle.
- Tax debts: any vehicle-related tax debts must be settled.
- Valid inspection: the car’s inspection should be current — see our vehicle inspection guide.
Once debts are cleared, the seller fills in the transfer application form (Form Tr.2T – the Vehicle Transfer Application Form) and has their signature authenticated before a muhtar or tasdik memuru (authentication official). For more on selling smartly, read things to consider when selling a car.
The buyer's responsibilities
The buyer’s key job is to insure the car in their own name with compulsory traffic (third-party liability) insurance. In North Cyprus this cover is mandatory and must be arranged before the car goes on the road; the policy should be valid in the buyer’s name as of the transfer date.
The buyer should also have their ID/passport ready and be prepared to pay the transfer fee and the new koçan charge.
Required documents (checklist)
- The car’s current, original koçan (registration)
- Buyer’s and seller’s ID card or passport (with photocopies)
- Valid compulsory traffic insurance in the buyer’s name
- Form Tr.2T transfer form, authenticated by a muhtar/tasdik memuru
- A valid notarised power of attorney if either party cannot attend
- Debt-free status: no tax, road tax or traffic-fine arrears
Transfer day, step by step
- Appointment: book a slot by plate at arackayit.trafikdairesi.gov.ct.tr.
- Debt check: confirm the car has no tax, road tax or traffic-fine arrears; the seller clears any that remain.
- Form and signature: the seller completes Form Tr.2T and authenticates the signature before a muhtar/tasdik memuru.
- Insurance: the buyer arranges compulsory traffic insurance in their name.
- Pay the fee: with the authenticated papers and the koçan, the transfer fee / koçan charge is paid.
- New koçan: once complete, registration updates to the buyer’s name and a new koçan is printed — usually the same day when documents are in order.
Koçan types and special cases
How fast a transfer goes depends partly on the koçan type:
- Münferit koçan (single owner): shows the car belongs to one person. Only the koçan holder needs to sign, so it’s the fastest type of transfer.
- Hisseli koçan (shared ownership): the car has more than one owner. All co-owners must sign the transfer document or appoint a legal representative; if an owner is off-island, this can take longer.
- Acting by power of attorney: if the buyer or seller can’t attend in person, a representative can complete the process with a notarised power of attorney.
Transfer costs and fees
The cost of a vehicle transfer in North Cyprus is not a single fixed figure; it typically combines a Form Tr.2T fee, a transfer registration charge, a new koçan printing fee, and the muhtar/authentication fee. The transfer registration charge can be calculated on a unit-point basis, so it may be revised periodically.
Note: because current amounts change over time, we don’t quote exact figures here. Always confirm the valid charges and fees with the Traffic Department / Tax Office before your appointment. (Approach current as of September 2026.)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a car with debts: a car with an encumbered koçan can’t be transferred — verify debt-free status before you buy.
- Delaying the transfer: leaving the car in the seller’s name for a long time is risky for fines and tax liability. Don’t put it off.
- Driving uninsured: the car shouldn’t be driven without compulsory traffic insurance in the buyer’s name.
- Turning up without an appointment: the process runs on the online booking system, so arriving without a slot wastes time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is a vehicle ownership transfer done in North Cyprus?
At the Traffic Department’s Vehicle Registration, Inspection and Licensing Branch, with an appointment booked through arackayit.trafikdairesi.gov.ct.tr.
Can a car with a missing or debt-laden koçan be transferred?
No. A current koçan and debt-free status are mandatory; the seller must clear all debts first.
How long does a transfer take?
When documents are complete and the car is debt-free, the transfer is usually finished the same day and a new koçan is printed in the buyer’s name.
What if the buyer or seller can’t attend?
Once signatures are authenticated before a muhtar/tasdik memuru, or a valid notarised power of attorney is given, the process can be handled through a representative.
Transfer done — find your next car on Pazar Kıbrıs
Whether you’re selling to upgrade or buying your first car, North Cyprus’s largest listings pool is on Pazar Kıbrıs. Browse the latest car listings or explore the full vehicles category. If your licence is due, our driving licence renewal guide has you covered.
