The handover is not the end of the job. A few minutes of paperwork protects both sides, and this is where official sources are the best guide. We keep this post short on purpose and point you to them.
Both of you
- Complete the change of ownership using the steps on the Vehicle Registration Certificate and the official guidance. The seller is responsible for notifying the change, so do not leave it to chance.
- Keep copies of the receipt, the VRC pages you completed and any messages about the sale.
If you bought
- Arrange your own insurance before you drive the car away.
- Check what motor tax and NCT dates apply to the car now and diarise them.
- Book it in for a service if the history is unclear, so you start from a known point.
If you sold
- Tell your insurer the car has gone.
- Remove your details from any tolls, parking or other accounts linked to the registration, so charges do not follow you.
Something not right afterwards? Contact the other party calmly first, with your receipt to hand. For anything beyond that, go to the official sources below rather than relying on forum advice.
Further reading: CCPC: buying a car · Garda stations and contact details
These are general tips, not legal or financial advice. Shake On It is a listings site: we do not inspect cars, check sellers or handle payments, so always do your own checks.