Vehicles and transportEditorially reviewed 02/09/2026

Buying a used car

Find out what to check before buying and how to transfer a used car already registered in Croatia into your name.

Choose an institution and location

Cost

Depends on the vehicle and circumstances

Usual time

Usually completed in one visit

Responsible institution

Stanica za tehnički pregled

How to apply

This procedure has one application method.

In person at a vehicle inspection station

Complete transfer of ownership and registration in your name at an authorised vehicle inspection station.

Required documents

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In person at a vehicle inspection station

Proof of vehicle ownershipThis can be a sale contract, dealer invoice or another valid acquisition document.
Vehicle registration certificateIf a vehicle booklet was issued with the registration certificate, bring it as well.
Proof of vehicle roadworthinessIf the current technical inspection is valid, its validity is checked during registration.
Mandatory insurance policy in writingIt may be an existing policy whose rights and obligations transferred to the new owner, or a new policy.
Proof of paid prescribed obligationsThe station checks and collects applicable registration obligations and administrative fees.
Valid identity card or passport
Power of attorney or authorisationRequired when an authorised representative completes the procedure or the vehicle is registered to a legal entity.

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Steps

In person at a vehicle inspection station

1
Check the seller and vehicle
Compare the seller with the owner in the registration certificate; check the VIN, keys, documents and possible encumbrances or entries on the vehicle.
2
Check the car’s actual condition
Before paying, inspect the car, compare identification data and arrange a professional inspection if needed.
3
Sign the sale contract or receive the invoice
The document must clearly identify buyer, seller and vehicle. A vehicle sale contract does not need notarisation.
4
Check or arrange insurance
If the previous owner’s valid policy has been transferred to you, it may remain valid until expiry. Otherwise arrange a new policy.
5
Register the vehicle in your name
Within 15 days of purchase at the latest, submit documents to an inspection station and pay applicable obligations.
6
Collect the registration certificate and plates
The station records the new owner and validates the certificate. If the registration area changes, the appropriate licence plates are issued.

Prices and deadlines

Procedure	Price	Deadline
Transfer of ownership and registration Administrative fees for a passenger car depend on engine power in kW and year of age. Costs for the registration certificate, licence plates, technical inspection and insurance may be added. The fee is not charged in prescribed cases.	Depends on the vehicle and circumstances	Usually completed in one visit

Procedure

Price

Deadline

Transfer of ownership and registration

Administrative fees for a passenger car depend on engine power in kW and year of age. Costs for the registration certificate, licence plates, technical inspection and insurance may be added. The fee is not charged in prescribed cases.

Depends on the vehicle and circumstances

Usually completed in one visit

Important notes

This guide concerns a car already registered in Croatia. A vehicle from abroad requires additional procedures such as conformity assessment and special tax.
The new owner must register the vehicle in their name or deregister it within 15 days of purchase.
A vehicle sale contract does not need notarisation.
Do not buy a vehicle from someone not recorded as owner unless they have valid authority to sell.
If registration or insurance is not valid, complete the required inspection and arrange a new policy before using the vehicle.
Licence plates must correspond to the new owner’s registration area.

Common mistakes

Not comparing the seller’s name with the owner in the registration certificate.
Not comparing the car VIN with the chassis number in documents.
Not checking encumbrances or entries on the vehicle.
Sale contract lacks complete buyer, seller or vehicle details.
Assuming the previous owner’s policy always remains valid automatically.
Missing the 15-day deadline to transfer the vehicle to the new owner.
Not accounting for administrative fees, insurance or new licence plates.

Institutions

Authorised vehicle inspection stationProcesses ownership changes, collects prescribed obligations and registers the vehicle to the new owner.

Find the nearest vehicle inspection station

Financial AgencyEnables checking for registered encumbrances or entries on the vehicle before purchase.

Find the nearest Fina branch

Official sources

Information was editorially reviewed on 02/09/2026. Before applying, check the latest information on official websites.

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