Accessible via the official government websites for vehicle services, the new system aims to simplify the process of transferring ownership, which previously required sending physical documents to the Department of Transport’s offices in Shannon or visiting a motor tax office. Minister Lawless highlighted the efficiency of the service, stating that “the new service benefits both the seller and the buyer at the point of sale.”
The service lets buyers access key details about a vehicle, such as its make and model, colour, motor tax status, test status, and number of previous owners, in real-time. This transparency, Lawless explained, makes the transaction process smoother:
“The seller can be satisfied that the vehicle is no longer recorded in their name and that they have no further legal obligations with regard to it, while the buyer has confirmation that they are now the recorded owner.”
This initiative forms part of the Irish Government’s Public Service Transformation Framework, which seeks to digitise government services. The Department of Transport is aiming to move towards a fully digital platform for all transport-related citizen services, with this online vehicle ownership transfer being one of several steps in that direction. Other initiatives include the removal of paper discs from vehicle windscreens and the continued development of the Motor Tax Online website.
The Online Change of Vehicle Ownership service can be accessed at https://www.vehicleservices.gov.ie/cvo/ or via www.motortax.ie.