How to Safely Change Ownership of a Used Car in Zimbabwe

Changing ownership of a vehicle is a process that requires careful verification to protect both the buyer and the seller from fraud. The process involves both the ZRP and ZIMRA.

Step 1: Due Diligence (For the Buyer)

Before any money changes hands, the buyer must perform these checks.

1. Inspect the Registration Book: Check the original logbook. The name of the seller must match the name on the logbook and their National ID. Check that the engine and chassis numbers on the car physically match those in the logbook.
2. Verify with CVR: You can take the vehicle details to the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) to verify that the logbook is authentic and the details are correct in the national database.

Step 2: Police Clearance (Responsibility of the Seller)

The seller must obtain a Police Clearance certificate for the vehicle before it can be sold.

1. Visit ZRP Vehicle Theft Squad (VTS): The seller takes the vehicle, the original logbook, and their ID to the nearest VTS depot (often located at a central police station).
2. Inspection: The police will physically inspect the vehicle, checking its engine and chassis numbers against their records to ensure it is not stolen.
3. Issuance: If the vehicle is cleared, the ZRP will issue a clearance certificate. This is essential for the final transfer.

Step 3: Agreement of Sale and Payment

• Draft an Agreement: Both parties should sign a simple Agreement of Sale. This should state the full details of the buyer, seller, and vehicle, as well as the agreed purchase price.
• Payment: The buyer should only make payment after verifying the documents and seeing the valid Police Clearance certificate.

Step 4: Final Transfer at ZIMRA

With the police clearance and signed agreement, both parties (or their representatives) go to a ZIMRA office to finalize the transfer.

1. Required Documents: You will need the original logbook, certified copies of IDs for both buyer and seller, proof of address for the buyer, the police clearance, and the agreement of sale.
2. Pay Transfer Fees: The buyer pays the required government taxes and transfer fees.
3. New Registration Book: ZIMRA will process the change of ownership. The new registration book in the buyer's name will be issued by CVR and may need to be collected after a few weeks.