BRTA Issues Urgent Notice on Motor Vehicle Ownership Transfer in Bangladesh
July 20, 2026 12:55 pm
BRTA Issues Urgent Notice on Motor Vehicle. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has issued an urgent public notice reminding all vehicle buyers and sellers to complete the ownership transfer process immediately after selling a car or motorcycle. The announcement aims to prevent legal disputes, tax liabilities, and financial penalties that continue to affect previous vehicle owners when ownership is not officially transferred.
According to BRTA, many buyers fail to complete the legal transfer process after purchasing a vehicle. As a result, the previous owner’s name remains in the official records, leaving them responsible for taxes, fines, and even legal issues related to the vehicle.
Why BRTA Is Warning Vehicle Owners
BRTA explained that delayed ownership transfers create serious problems for both buyers and sellers. If the vehicle remains registered under the seller’s name, the seller may continue to receive tax notices and could even be held responsible for future legal matters involving that vehicle.
The authority has urged everyone to complete the transfer process as soon as the sale is finalized.
BRTA Vehicle Ownership Transfer 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Application | Submit the ownership transfer request through the BRTA Service Portal. |
| Biometric Verification | Seller must complete fingerprint verification at the BRTA office. |
| Processing Time | Ownership transfer can be completed on the same day after successful verification. |
| Legal Requirement | Mandatory under Section 21 of the Road Transport Act, 2018. |
| Financial Penalty | Failure to transfer ownership may lead to Advance Income Tax (AIT), environmental surcharge, and penalties of up to 150% in certain cases. |
| Digital Registration | Buyer can submit biometrics for the Digital Registration Certificate (DRC) during the same visit. |
Legal Requirement Under the Road Transport Act, 2018
Under Section 21 of the Road Transport Act, 2018, ownership of any motor vehicle must be transferred to the buyer within the legally prescribed period after the sale.
Failure to comply with this requirement can result in:
- Financial liabilities remaining in the seller’s name.
- Advance Income Tax (AIT) obligations.
- Environmental surcharge payments.
- Government penalties and legal action.
- Responsibility for certain legal matters involving the vehicle.
BRTA New Digital Ownership Transfer Process
To make the process faster and more convenient, BRTA has introduced a simplified digital ownership transfer system.
Step 1: Submit an Online Application
The ownership transfer process begins by submitting an online application through the official BRTA Service Portal.
Applicants must provide the required vehicle details and supporting documents before scheduling the next step.
Step 2: Biometric Fingerprint Verification
After the online application is submitted, the seller must visit the BRTA office in person for biometric fingerprint verification using a handheld device.
This verification confirms the identity of the seller before ownership is officially transferred.
Step 3: Same-Day Ownership Transfer
Once the biometric verification is successfully completed, BRTA can complete the ownership transfer on the same day.
The new owner can also provide biometric information during the same visit to receive the Digital Registration Certificate (DRC) or Smart Registration Card.
Financial Risks of Not Transferring Ownership
BRTA has warned that sellers may continue to face financial obligations if ownership is not legally transferred.
Possible consequences include:
- Advance Income Tax (AIT) remaining under the seller’s name.
- Environmental surcharge liabilities.
- Government fines.
- Additional tax penalties that may reach 150% of the applicable Advance Income Tax in certain cases.
- Ongoing administrative complications.
Legal Consequences
The authority also emphasized that failure to transfer ownership may expose the previous owner to legal complications if the vehicle is involved in:
- Traffic accidents.
- Criminal investigations.
- Traffic law violations.
- Other legal disputes.
Although the vehicle has been sold, official records still identify the previous owner until the transfer is completed.
Benefits of the New BRTA System
The updated ownership transfer process offers several advantages:
- Fully online application process.
- Faster document verification.
- Biometric identity confirmation.
- Same-day ownership transfer in eligible cases.
- Digital Registration Certificate (DRC).
- Reduced paperwork.
- Better protection for both buyers and sellers.
BRTA Final Advice
BRTA strongly recommends completing the ownership transfer immediately after selling any motor vehicle. Buyers should not delay the legal registration process, while sellers should ensure the transfer has been officially completed before considering the transaction closed.
Following the official procedure protects both parties from unnecessary taxes, legal liability, and future disputes.
Conclusion
BRTA 2026 ownership transfer guidelines are designed to make vehicle registration safer, faster, and more transparent. Both buyers and sellers should complete the legal ownership transfer immediately after a vehicle sale to avoid unnecessary taxes, fines, and legal responsibilities. Using the online application system and biometric verification ensures that the vehicle is officially registered in the new owner’s name without unnecessary delays.
