In a country where having your own set of wheels isn’t just a luxury but an absolute necessity, many individuals who relocate to Mauritius initially lean towards long-term car rentals. Oftentimes, they eventually opt to purchase a secondhand vehicle once they’ve found the perfect fit for their needs. The process of transferring ownership might seem daunting, with its fair share of paperwork and bureaucracy. However, there’s no need to worry, because what initially might appear complex is a journey that can be streamlined and completed in a single day. Our comprehensive guide is here to unravel the perceived intricacies and provide you with a clear roadmap for seamlessly acquiring a secondhand car in Mauritius.
The second hand car ownership transfer process in Mauritius
Step 1: Secure the No Lien certificate
Your journey begins with a visit to the Curepipe Vehicle Examination Centre, where you will get the ‘no lien’ certificate. A ‘no lien’ certificate, also known as a ‘clearance certificate’ or ‘lien release certificate’, is an official document that certifies that a vehicle is free from any financial encumbrances or legal claims. In other words, it confirms that the vehicle does not have any outstanding loans, debts, or legal disputes attached to it.
By presenting your registration book, which is the existing horsepower card in the name of the previous owner, deed of sale, and passport, you’ll patiently await your queue number to be called. The process is surprisingly swift, with the entire ordeal clocking in at around an hour. If you reach at 8:45, you might still have chance to complete the next step in Port Louis on the same day.
Step 2: The Registrar's Office in Port Louis
Once armed with the ‘no lien’ certificate, your voyage continues to the heart of Port Louis, where you’ll find the Registrar’s Office. The closest parking is Luna Park. It’s here that you’ll experience the efficient yet structured routine of document submission, payment, and collection. Counters are divided into 3 categories and queue numbers showecased on a TV will guide you through the stages:
1) Depositing documents. The documents you’ll have to deposit are : No Lien certificate, existing horsepower card in the name of the previous owner, deed of sale, and your passport.
2) Paying Registration amount (can be done with cards)
3) Collecting documents (a receipt of having paid your registration tax)
Step 3: The Insurance
Before the final pieces of your automotive puzzle fall into place, it’s time to tackle the crucial matter of insurance, which you need to start driving in Mauritius. We recommend you to either get Quantum Insurance online on the day before or go for Swan Insurance, just 5 mins walk from the Registrar’s Office.
Step 4: The Registration Book
Next, you’ll have to go to a small window within the open lobby of the Registrar’s Building. Armed with your registration tax receipt and insurance papers, you’ll get a queue number from a security guard. Once its your turn, you’ll need to give registration tax receipt, insurance paper, the horsepower card of previous owner, and passport. They’ll churn out a new laminated horsepower card on the spot, which is your registration book.
Step 5: Conquering Road Tax
As you are in the Registrar’s Office, you can then make a brief stop at the nearby post office, nestled within the open lobby. Here, you’ll conveniently tackle your road tax payment, ensuring that all legal obligations are met.
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