Buying a car in the Dominican Republic involves finding a vehicle through a dealer or private seller, verifying ownership, securing financing if needed, transferring ownership (traspaso) at DGII, getting insurance, and renewing the annual vehicle circulation tax known as the “marbete.” Once your documents are in order, the transfer itself can be done the same day.
Car Ownership for New Residents in the DR
Relocating to the Dominican Republic means navigating a different vehicle market. Many residents choose popular Japanese brands such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan because parts and mechanics are widely available. The process is straightforward once you know the steps and which institution handles each one.
Step-by-Step: Buying a Car in the Dominican Republic
Step 1: Decide Between New and Used Vehicles
New cars are available through authorized dealerships. Used vehicles are more common and widely available. Japanese brands are popular in the used market because parts and service are easy to find.
- New cars: Authorized dealerships, mainly in Santo Domingo and Santiago
- Used cars: Private sellers, local lots and local Facebook Marketplace groups
- Importing your own vehicle: Possible; see the FAQ below for the costs involved
Step 2: Find a Vehicle Through Reliable Sources
Most residents find cars through word-of-mouth, local Facebook groups or established dealerships. Avoid unlicensed street dealers. Puerto Plata, Santiago and Santo Domingo all have established used car lots.
- Local Facebook groups (Sosúa, Cabarete, Puerto Plata)
- Established local dealerships
- Recommendations from neighbors and your community
- Ask your RealtorDR agent for local contacts
Step 3: Verify Ownership and Vehicle History
Before purchasing, check the original matrícula (the vehicle’s registration and ownership document) and confirm the seller is the registered owner. A DGII vehicle certification can show ownership information, import data, previous transfers and any registered oposiciones (restrictions or liens).
- Ask the seller for the original matrícula
- Request a DGII vehicle certification to check ownership and oposiciones
- Ask for the Plan Piloto certification (National Police stolen-vehicle unit), required for the transfer
- Confirm the vehicle identification number (VIN) matches all documents
Step 4: Negotiate Price and Terms
Prices are often negotiable, especially with private sellers. You can pay cash or look into financing through a local bank.
- Cash purchases: Most common, and may help you negotiate
- Bank financing: Some banks offer auto loans to residents; terms vary
- Down payment: Requirements vary by bank
Step 5: Sign a Notarized Sales Contract
DGII requires a sales contract for the transfer that is notarized and legalized. It should document the vehicle details, purchase price, and buyer and seller names and identification numbers. Both parties should keep copies.
- Include vehicle make, model, year and VIN
- State the purchase price
- Include the cédula or passport numbers of both buyer and seller
- Have the contract notarized and legalized
Step 6: Transfer Ownership (Traspaso) at DGII
The ownership transfer (traspaso) is done at a DGII vehicle services office and must be registered within 90 working days of the sale; after that, surcharges and interest apply. The transfer tax is 2% of the vehicle’s value, plus RD$100 to print the new matrícula in your name.
- Original matrícula
- Notarized and legalized sales contract
- Valid Plan Piloto transfer certification (National Police)
- Cédula or passport of buyer and seller; the buyer must be registered with DGII (RNC)
- Proof of bank payment if the sale exceeds RD$800,000
Step 7: Obtain Vehicle Insurance
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory to drive in the Dominican Republic. Use an insurer licensed by the Superintendencia de Seguros and compare coverage options.
- Third-party liability: Minimum legal requirement
- Full coverage: Includes collision, theft and comprehensive damage
- Insurers: Choose one licensed by the Superintendencia de Seguros
- Premiums: Vary by vehicle, coverage and insurer
Step 8: Renew the Annual Marbete
The marbete is the annual vehicle circulation tax (Impuesto de Circulación Vehicular). It is renewed once a year during DGII’s renewal period, not on your birthday month. For 2025–26, the period ran from October 21, 2025 to January 31, 2026. If you buy a used car that already has a current marbete, you renew it at the next renewal period.
- Cost: RD$1,500 for vehicles made up to 2020; RD$3,000 for 2021 or newer
- When: During DGII’s annual renewal period
- Payment: DGII website or app, authorized banks, or DGII collection offices
- Penalty: Driving without a current marbete can lead to fines
Cost Breakdown: Official Fees
| Cost item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership transfer (traspaso) | 2% of vehicle value + RD$100 | Paid at DGII; within 90 working days of the sale |
| Annual marbete | RD$1,500 (up to 2020) / RD$3,000 (2021+) | Renewed yearly during DGII’s renewal period |
| First registration of an imported vehicle | 17% of CIF value + CO₂ charge + marbete | Customs (DGA) duties are assessed separately |
Key Entities Explained
DGII (Dirección General de Impuestos Internos)
Maintains the National Motor Vehicle Registry and handles vehicle ownership transfers. When you buy a used vehicle, the traspaso must be completed at a DGII vehicle services office within 90 working days of the sale. DGII also collects the annual marbete. Note: DIGESETT is the traffic enforcement agency, not where you register a vehicle.
Marbete (Annual Circulation Tax)
The annual vehicle circulation tax (Impuesto de Circulación Vehicular), renewed during DGII’s yearly renewal period. The rate is RD$1,500 for vehicles made up to 2020 and RD$3,000 for 2021 or newer. Driving without a current marbete can lead to fines.
Matrícula
The vehicle’s official registration and ownership document. You need the original matrícula to transfer ownership, and DGII issues a new one in your name after the traspaso.
What This Means for US and Canadian Buyers
Prices Can Be Higher
Vehicle prices in the Dominican Republic can be higher than in the US or Canada because of import taxes and duties. Compare several sellers before you buy.
Insurance Is Mandatory
Third-party liability insurance is required by law. Compare coverage and premiums from insurers licensed by the Superintendencia de Seguros.
Your License Converts to a Dominican License
Visitors can drive with a valid US or Canadian licence during their permitted stay. Foreigners with legal immigration status (residency, work permit, business or student visa) can convert their licence to a Dominican one through INTRANT. The service is available at INTRANT’s main licence office in Santo Domingo, costs RD$1,900, and the licence is valid for four years. You’ll need a certification of your foreign licence; US citizens must obtain it in the US, have it translated into Spanish and legalized.
Fuel and Maintenance
Fuel prices are set weekly by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MICM). Parts for popular brands are widely available, and routine maintenance is available at local shops.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip ownership verification. Check the matrícula, a DGII vehicle certification and the Plan Piloto certification.
- Never drive without valid insurance. Third-party liability is mandatory.
- Don’t miss the 90-working-day traspaso deadline. Late transfers incur surcharges and interest.
- Don’t forget the annual marbete renewal period. Driving without a current marbete can lead to fines.
- Avoid unlicensed street dealers. Stick to established lots or private sellers with verifiable documents.
FAQ: Buying and Registering a Car in the DR
Yes, but costs add up. DGII charges 17% of the vehicle’s CIF value (cost, insurance and freight) for the first registration, plus a CO₂ emissions charge and the marbete. Dominican Customs (DGA) assesses duties separately. Request a customs estimate for your specific vehicle before shipping.
You can’t legally drive it in your name until the traspaso is completed at DGII. Complete the transfer within 90 working days of the sale to avoid surcharges and interest.
A standard ownership transfer at DGII is typically processed the same day when all required documents are in order. Waiting time depends on how busy the office is. Any registered restrictions (oposiciones) must be resolved before the transfer can be completed.
No. It’s a fixed rate set by DGII: RD$1,500 for vehicles made up to 2020 and RD$3,000 for 2021 or newer.
Dominican law requires at least third-party liability insurance, which covers damage you cause to others. Full coverage (collision, theft, comprehensive) is optional. Compare insurers licensed by the Superintendencia de Seguros.
Yes, visitors can drive with a valid US or Canadian licence during their permitted stay. If you have legal immigration status, you can convert it to a Dominican licence through INTRANT (RD$1,900, valid for four years).
Toyota, Honda and Nissan are popular because parts are widely available and mechanics know them well. Less common brands can be harder to service.
For short stays, renting is usually simpler. For a permanent move, compare the total cost of rental with buying, including the traspaso, insurance, marbete and maintenance.
RealtorDR Insight: Transportation and Your Relocation Decision
At RealtorDR, we help buyers understand all aspects of Dominican life, including practical decisions like car ownership. Reliable transportation makes exploring neighborhoods, attending property viewings and discovering your new community much easier.
Key Takeaways
- Ownership transfers (traspaso) are done at DGII, not DIGESETT, within 90 working days of the sale.
- The transfer tax is 2% of the vehicle’s value, plus RD$100 for the new matrícula.
- The annual marbete is RD$1,500 (vehicles up to 2020) or RD$3,000 (2021+), renewed during DGII’s renewal period.
- Third-party liability insurance is mandatory.
- Check ownership and oposiciones with a DGII vehicle certification and get the Plan Piloto certification before buying.
- Residents can convert a US or Canadian licence to a Dominican one through INTRANT.