After buying a car in Curaçao, the transfer into your name runs through two agencies, the Belastingdienst (tax office) and the UOVV, using paper forms, in person. It is not the Dutch RDW process, and assuming it works the same way causes most of the confusion. This guide sets out who does what, in which order, with which documents and fees. For the full purchase journey around this step, see the complete buying guide.
Who is responsible for what
The seller and buyer together are responsible for reporting the change for the motorrijtuigenbelasting (road tax) at the Belastingdienst; the buyer then completes the transfer of the keuringskaart (inspection card) at the UOVV and arranges insurance and tax in their own name. Until the transfer is done, road-tax liability and traffic fines can still land on the seller, which is why sellers should insist on completing it promptly too.
Before you start: what you need
Your valid ID. The UOVV page lists a sédula or driving licence for the buyer; confirm accepted identification if you hold neither. Arrange your CRIB number through the Belastingdienst.
A signed sales receipt (kwitantie) with vehicle, chassis number, price and both names
Step 1: Report the transfer at the Belastingdienst
Seller and buyer prepare the Tegenaangifteformulier and submit the purchase documents to the Belastingdienst. The Belastingdienst says the seller is responsible for completing and signing the form; the buyer submits the inspection card, receipt/agreement, valid ID and form. Prepare the transfer together and check the current counter/location on the official page. You receive a stamped copy for step 2.
Step 2: Transfer the keuringskaart at the UOVV (Parera)
Take the stamped form to UOVV with the buyer's ID, seller's ID/driving-licence copy, receipt and old inspection card. The published fee is XCG 15 and no UOVV appointment is required for this service. Bring your own copies and confirm the accepted payment method. If the inspection card has expired, check the inspection requirement before purchase; see the keuring guide.
Step 3: Insure the car
Arrange mandatory WA (third-party liability) cover once the inspection card is in your name. Compare supervised providers and policy terms in the insurance guide.
Step 4: Put the road tax in your name
Complete the motorrijtuigenbelasting step with the Belastingdienst after insurance. Bring the inspection card and proof of insurance and confirm the current amount for the vehicle's category.
What you hold at the end
Keep the inspection card in your name, stamped transfer form, insurance proof, tax proof and signed receipt together. Check every name, vehicle number and date before leaving the counter.
Immediately after the transfer, check these
The name and chassis number (VIN) on the keuringskaart match your ID and the car
The insurance start date covers you from the moment you drive
The road-tax sticker is on the windshield
The seller no longer holds spare keys or documents
Save your insurer's claims instructions; ENNIA's current page lists Forensys 9233 locally and +5999 461-3282 from abroad
