How to transfer a used car in Paraguay step by step
Buying or selling a car in Paraguay doesn't end with payment. Transfer at the Dirección Nacional del Registro de Automotores (DNRA) is what makes you the legal owner. Here's the documents, steps and pitfalls.
Before you proceed
This guide summarizes the general procedure and requirements verified as of 2026. Fees and requirements change. Verify current official fees at dnra.gov.py and confirm the exact document list with your notary before signing. This guide doesn't replace professional advice.
As long as the car stays registered to the previous seller, any fine, accident or legal issue can affect you (if buyer) or the seller (if not transferred). Formal transfer protects both parties.
The DNRA (Dirección Nacional del Registro de Automotores), under Paraguay's judicial branch, is the responsible body. Important: under Article 700 of the Paraguayan Civil Code, vehicle transfer can ONLY be done by public deed before a notary. Private contracts are not legally valid for this.
Documents you'll need
Full list of what you'll need before starting the process.
- Vehicle ownership title (original, in current seller's name).
- Cédula del Automotor (also called cédula verde): the vehicle's circulation card.
- Patente tax payment receipt for the current year.
- Original and valid seller's ID card.
- Original and valid buyer's ID card.
- Buyer's proof of address (utility bill for electricity, water or phone, or sworn statement).
- National Police certificate confirming the vehicle has no theft report (cost approximately ₲50,000-100,000, valid 30 days).
- Municipality certificate confirming no patente debts (cost approximately ₲30,000-80,000, valid 30 days).
- Valid Vehicle Technical Inspection (some notaries request it; confirm with the notary you choose).
- If there's a prior lien or financing: lien cancellation certificate issued by the creditor.
The process steps
Step 1: Transfer must be done by public deed (mandatory)
Under Article 700 of the Paraguayan Civil Code, vehicle transfer can ONLY be done by public deed before a notary. Private contracts are not legally valid as instruments of vehicle ownership transfer. This isn't a recommendation, it's the law. Choose a notary before starting.
Step 2: Get the no-impediment certificates
The seller must obtain the National Police certificate (no theft) and Municipality certificate (no patente debt). These certificates have limited validity, generally 30 days, so get them close to the transfer date.
Step 3: Gather the documentation
Verify all documentation is complete and current. The cédula del automotor must be in the current seller's name. If the car was imported, you also need current import and nationalization documents.
Step 4: Process at the DNRA
With all documentation, go to the Dirección Nacional del Registro de Automotores. There are offices in Asunción and in departmental capitals. Some procedures can start on the DRA digital platform.
Step 5: Pay fees and sign
Transfer requires payment of official fees (vary by vehicle value). Buyer and seller sign before the DNRA officer. At this moment the new Cédula del Automotor is issued in the buyer's name.
Step 6: Update patente and insurance
Once transferred, update the municipal patente to your name and your insurance policy. If you'll drive before having the new cédula, carry a copy of the started process.
Common mistakes that cost dearly
- Trusting a 'partial' transfer where the seller hands you signed papers but doesn't complete the official process. If something happens, you're responsible and the car remains legally in the other party's name.
- Paying everything before verifying the car has no patente debts or fines. Those debts travel with the car.
- Accepting expired certificates. If the technical inspection expired 3 months ago, the process gets stuck.
- Not verifying the cédula del automotor is actually in the current seller's name (there may be unfinished prior transfers).
- Forgetting to cancel prior liens or encumbrances before transferring.
- Leaving the municipal patente without updating. Fines keep coming to the previous address and accumulate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transfer a car in Paraguay?
How long does the process take?
Can I do the transfer digitally?
What happens if I don't transfer the car?
Is a notary mandatory to transfer a car in Paraguay?
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