JPJ vehicle ownership transfer refers to the legal process of changing a vehicle’s registered owner in Malaysia, managed by the Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan or JPJ). The process of ‘tukar nama kereta’ requires documents such as the JPJK3 form, identification, and PUSPAKOM inspection reports, with fees ranging from RM30 for motorcycles to RM100 for cars. The timeline typically takes 1-3 days for completion.
The process involves biometric verification, settling outstanding loans, and updating insurance and road tax under the new owner’s name. Key steps include PUSPAKOM inspections for vehicles over 3 years old, submission of the original Vehicle Ownership Certificate (VOC), and payment of transfer fees at JPJ counters. Special cases, such as transfers involving deceased owners or commercial vehicles, require additional documentation like court orders or SPAD permits.
Guide to JPJ Vehicle Ownership Transfer
What Is the Role of JPJ in Vehicle Ownership Transfers?
JPJ regulates and processes all vehicle ownership transfers in Malaysia, ensuring compliance with the Road Transport Act 1987. The department mandates in-person biometric verification for private vehicle transfers and issues updated Vehicle Ownership Certificates (VOCs) upon completion.
JPJ also oversees online transfers via the MySikap portal, though physical visits remain necessary for fingerprint authentication. For commercial vehicles or contested ownership cases, JPJ enforces additional checks, such as court orders for untraceable sellers. The department collaborates with PUSPAKOM for mandatory inspections, particularly for cars older than 3 years or with lapsed road tax exceeding 12 months.
What Are the Prerequisites for Transferring Vehicle Ownership?
Outstanding car loans must be settled before initiating a transfer. Buyers may arrange for their bank to clear the seller’s loan or pay the balance directly. The vehicle must also be free from blacklists, unpaid summons, or customs tax disputes.
Sellers must provide the original VOC and a valid PUSPAKOM inspection report (B5 for fully paid vehicles, B7 for financed ones). Buyers need a new insurance cover note under their name. For commercial vehicles, permits from agencies like SPAD or MITI may be required.
What Documents Are Required for a Voluntary Ownership Transfer?
The seller and buyer must submit the completed JPJK3 form, original VOC, and identification documents (MyKad, passport, or MyPR for non-citizens). Both parties must attend JPJ in person for biometric fingerprinting.
PUSPAKOM inspection reports are mandatory for non-motorcycle vehicles, with a fee of RM30. If the seller appoints a representative, an official authorization letter is needed. Corporate transfers require SSM-certified documents like Form 49 or board resolutions.
How Does the PUSPAKOM Inspection Process Work?
PUSPAKOM inspections verify vehicle roadworthiness and authenticity before ownership transfers. Inspectors examine chassis and engine numbers, window tint compliance, and structural modifications. Appointments can be booked via the MyPuspakom website or mobile app.
The inspection fee is RM30, and results are valid for 3 months. Vehicles with expired road tax for over 12 months or disputed ownership require a B2 report. Commercial vehicles undergo additional checks, such as PG11A for machinery or PG13B for hearses.
What Are the Steps for Online Ownership Transfer via MySikap?
Buyers and sellers must register on the MySikap portal and select the “Transfer of Ownership” option. A reference number is generated for first-time logins. Vehicle details, buyer/seller information, and payment receipts must be submitted online.
After online submission, both parties must visit JPJ for biometric verification. The transfer fee (RM100 for cars) is payable online or at JPJ counters. MySikap also allows road tax renewal and summons checks but does not replace in-person authentication.
How Are Non-Voluntary Transfers Processed?
Non-voluntary transfers apply to deceased owners, repossessed vehicles, or court-ordered cases. The new owner must complete the JPJK3A form and provide supporting documents like probate letters or repossession notices.
Biometric verification is required only for the new owner. For deceased owners, court orders or distribution certificates (faraid) are mandatory. Repossessed vehicles under the Hire Purchase Act 1967 require Schedule 4 or 5 notices from financiers.
What Fees Apply to Vehicle Ownership Transfers?
JPJ charges RM100 for car transfers and RM5 for motorcycles. PUSPAKOM inspections cost RM30. Additional fees may apply for late road tax renewals or special inspections like B2 reports.
Corporate transfers incur higher fees, depending on vehicle type and permit requirements. Online transfers via MySikap include the same JPJ fees but may save time for document submissions.
How Long Does the Ownership Transfer Process Take?
Standard transfers take 1-3 days if documents are complete and inspections are pre-booked. Delays occur if loans are unsettled or court orders are pending for non-voluntary transfers.
Online submissions via MySikap reduce processing time, but biometric verification at JPJ remains a bottleneck. Commercial vehicle transfers may take longer due to permit approvals from agencies like LPKP or MITI.
What Should Buyers Do After the Transfer Is Complete?
Buyers must renew road tax and insurance under their name immediately. The updated VOC from JPJ serves as proof of ownership for these updates.
Failure to update insurance voids coverage. Buyers should also verify that the vehicle’s blacklist status is cleared in JPJ’s system. For financed vehicles, the new loan agreement must be submitted to JPJ.
How Are Special Cases Like Overseas or Deceased Owners Handled?
Overseas sellers must provide embassy-certified passport copies and sale agreements. Buyers submit these with the JPJK3 form and a statutory declaration if the seller cannot attend.
Deceased owner transfers require probate letters or faraid certificates. Court orders are needed for untraceable owners. JPJ may request indemnity bonds for disputed cases.