Registering a vehicle in Cambodia

In 3 bullets

• Every 4-wheel vehicle (and now motorbikes) must be registered via the vehicle.mpwt.gov.kh portal or at an MPWT agency.
• Base fees: 125,000 KHR (≈ 30 USD) — much more if you want a personalised plate.
• Ownership transfer between individuals requires physical presence of both parties + payment of a stamp duty to the GDT .

Eligibility

To register a vehicle in your name, you must have:

• A resident or identifiable status in Cambodia: KH ID card (Cambodians), passport + long-stay visa + address booklet / Sangkat letter (foreigners).
• An eligible vehicle: new from an authorised dealer, imported with clearance, or used with valid registration.
• A valid Chhiek technical inspection certificate (except new vehicle, where the dealer provides it).
• An address in Cambodia in the province of registration: the plate must reflect the province of residence (provincial series number).

Cost and duration

Official MPWT rates (to confirm at counter):

To these fees are added customs duties if the vehicle is imported (very high in Cambodia — can double the foreign purchase price).

Registration lead time: 5 to 10 business days online, sometimes more if paper file or personalised plate.

How to register

1. New car via dealer

The simplest scenario: the dealer does everything (Toyota, Hyundai, Range Rover, etc.). You provide:

• Passport + visa.
• Sangkat letter or address booklet.
• Payment (vehicle + registration + first-registration tax).

The dealer hands you the registration in your name, already with plate mounted. Count 1 to 3 weeks depending on model and availability.

2. Personally imported car

Much more complex. Steps:

1. Customs clearance at port (Sihanoukville) or airport, payment of customs duties (GDT calculation).
2. Receipt of the official clearance form.
3. Pass Chhiek (technical inspection).
4. Online registration at vehicle.mpwt.gov.kh:
   • Personal account (passport + visa).
   • Photos and vehicle characteristics.
   • Attachments: customs receipt, chhiek certificate, passport copy + Sangkat letter.
   • Choice of plate number (standard or personalised).
5. Payment via Wing, Ly Hour or bank counter.
6. Receipt of registration + plates at home or for pickup at MPWT agency.

3. Used car between individuals

The ownership transfer (“vehicle ownership transfer”) requires the physical presence of both parties before the MPWT officer. Procedure:

1. Seller and buyer gather: registration, passports / IDs, chhiek certificate, last annual tax receipt, non-litigation certificate.
2. Online submission of the request at vehicle.mpwt.gov.kh or trip to the designated MPWT office.
3. Payment of GDT stamp duty (4% of declared value).
4. Physical presentation of both parties before the officer in charge.
5. Issuance of the new registration in the buyer’s name within 10 business days.

Required documents

For initial registration

• Import duty receipt (customs) or dealer invoice.
• Dealer’s letter / certificate (for new vehicle) or seller’s registration (used).
• Valid Chhiek certificate.
• Passport + long-stay visa.
• Sangkat letter or address booklet / family record book.
• Recent photo.

For ownership transfer

• All the documents above.
• Bill of sale signed by both parties (template available on the MPWT portal).
• Original seller registration.
• Receipt for the current year’s annual tax paid.
• Physical presence of both parties.

MPWT centres for registration

For other provinces, see the Provincial Departments of Public Works and Transport in each Khaet .

Extension / Renewal

Initial registration is final. You will need to update it in some cases:

• Address change (province move): plate transfer to the new province.
• Owner change: see transfer section.
• Loss or theft of registration: duplicate via vehicle.mpwt.gov.kh (~50,000 KHR).
• Loss / damage of plates: duplicate.

Common pitfalls

FAQ

Can I drive a vehicle registered in my employer’s or a relative’s name?

Yes, legally, provided you have a valid licence and the owner authorises you. In case of check, present the registration + licence. For long-term use, do a transfer: otherwise you’re dependent on the owner’s goodwill for resale.

My vehicle is registered in Sihanoukville but I live in Phnom Penh — problem?

Not in driving, but annual tax payment must be in the province of registration (in practice, all GDT partner banks accept indifferently). For a plate transfer to Phnom Penh: re-file an MPWT case with a PP Sangkat letter.

How much does a new car registered in Cambodia cost?

Indicatively (April 2026): a Toyota Corolla Cross registers around 28-32,000 USD all-in. A Hilux between 35 and 50,000 USD. Japanese used vehicles are cheaper (15-25,000 USD for a recent vehicle), often imported via Thailand.

Is the vehicle.mpwt.gov.kh portal in French?

No, only in Khmer and English. The English version is sufficient for most procedures. For complex cases (import, transfer with dispute), go through an agent.

What if I leave Cambodia with my KH-registered vehicle?

You can sell it (transfer) or export it (heavy customs formalities — rarely worth it). Many expats list it for sale on the Facebook groups “Phnom Penh Cars / Motos” or via used dealers.