Used car transfer of ownership costs for 2026: Requirements and procedures
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Motor Vehicle Transfer Fee (BBNKB) for used cars is no longer levied. Nevertheless, new owners are still required to pay several administrative fees for the issuance of vehicle documents.
This policy is a mandate of Law Number 1 of 2022 concerning the Financial Relations between the Central Government and Regional Governments (HKPD). Under these provisions, BBNKB is only applied to the first transfer of a motor vehicle, meaning used vehicles are no longer subject to BKBKB upon change of ownership.
Consequently, the term ‘free used car transfer’ must be understood accurately. What has been abolished is the BBNKB levy for used vehicles, not all costs incurred during the administrative process.
Used car owners may still be subject to Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) for the issuance of vehicle documents.
In East Java, for instance, Samsat (the regional vehicle registration office) explained that while used vehicles are exempt from BBNKB, owners must still pay PNBP for the issuance of the STNK (Vehicle Registration Certificate), BPKB (Vehicle Ownership Book), and TNKB (Vehicle Number Plate).
Regarding the specific administrative costs, owners should check the regulations of their respective local Samsat offices, as payment components may vary depending on the service and the condition of the vehicle.
In addition to PNBP, owners must also settle the Motor Vehicle Tax (PKB), which remains an obligation according to regional regulations.
Requirements for used car transfer of ownership:
The documents that need to be prepared for the transfer process include:
The new owner’s ID card (KTP).
The original STNK.
The original BPKB.
A receipt or proof of the vehicle sale and purchase.
Results of the vehicle physical inspection.
Additional documents if the vehicle originates from a different region.
The Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps (Korlantas Polri) also specifies the new owner’s ID, physical inspection results, and purchase receipts as essential documents for the transfer process.
Owners are advised to bring both original documents and copies to avoid obstacles during the administrative verification process.
The transfer process essentially begins by bringing the car to the Samsat location for a physical inspection. Once the inspection is complete, the owner submits the required documents to officers for verification. The subsequent process involves updating the vehicle ownership data and issuing documents under the new owner’s identity.
For vehicles originating from different regions, the process may involve a vehicle mutation (transfer of registration) before being registered in the destination region.
Regulations regarding motor vehicle registration administration are also governed by the Indonesian National Police Regulation Number 7 of 2021.
Free BBNKB does not mean all costs are eliminated.
Used car owners must remain mindful of other obligations. The abolition of BBNKB for used vehicles does not remove the obligation to pay PKB or the fees for issuing vehicle documents.
In East Java, Samsat officials emphasised that although BBNKB is not charged for used vehicles, owners must still pay PNBP for the STNK, BPKB, and TNKB.
Therefore, before conducting a transaction, prospective buyers should check the vehicle’s tax status and ensure all vehicle documents are in order.
Transferring ownership is important to ensure vehicle data matches the actual owner’s identity. This also facilitates the owner when paying taxes, extending vehicle documents, or managing other administrative matters.
Korlantas Polri also urges the public to update vehicle data following a sale and purchase transaction.
Furthermore, former owners should block their STNK after selling a vehicle so they are no longer recorded as the party responsible for that vehicle.
Applicability across Indonesia?
The abolition of BBNKB for used vehicles stems from the HKPD Law, but administrative implementation must follow the regulations of the respective Samsat and regional governments.
For example, the Jakarta Regional Revenue Agency (Bapenda DKI Jakarta) has explained that BBNKB is a tax on the first transfer of a motor vehicle. Meanwhile, the East Java Regional Revenue Agency reaffirmed in August 2026 that used vehicles are no longer subject to BBNKB.
Therefore, used car owners should check the latest information at the Samsat office in the region where the vehicle will be registered.
With the abolition of BBNKB for used vehicles, the cost of transferring ownership in 2026 becomes lighter as the BBNKB II component is no longer levied. However, owners must still prepare for PNBP, PKB, and other applicable administrative obligations.