Top 7 Important Used Car Documents to Get
Proof of Ownership
Proof of ownership is one of the most important used car documents you need to apply for after your purchase.
This document confirms that you’re the legal owner of the car. It includes your name, the car’s make, model, and chassis number.
To get your proof of ownership certificate, you'll have to process it with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the State Vehicle Inspection Offices (VIO).
Insurance Documents
The car insurance documents show that a legally recognized insurance provider covers your car.
If you just bought a used car, processing this document is necessary, especially with how tough Nigeria's driving conditions are.
Depending on the size of your vehicle and the type of insurance you're getting, you can likely get this document for about 7,000 - 15,000 Naira.
It lasts for a year, and you can confirm its validity using the NIID (Nigerian Insurance Industry Database) verification platform.
Plate Number Allocation
The plate number allocation paper is one of those car documents that the FRSC uses to confirm the vehicle is yours. It helps the State Licensing Office and FRSC know that the plate number truly belongs to you and it wasn't transferred illegally.
Roadworthiness Certificate
The roadworthiness certificate is a car document that proves that your car has passed safety inspections and is roadworthy.
It’s usually issued by the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) after a proper vehicle check. Just like your car insurance documents, this certificate is valid for a year and costs about 5,000-7,000 naira.
Original Customs Duty Papers (For Tokunbo Cars Only)
The car insurance documents show that a legally recognized insurance provider covers your car.
These papers usually include Form M, a bill of lading, and a duty payment receipt. If these documents are missing or fake, customs can seize your car.
Vehicle Registration Documents
A vehicle registration certificate proves that your car is officially registered with the government. It contains your car’s plate number, engine number, and your details.
IIf it’s expired or doesn’t match the car’s details, you could face fines or trouble during inspections.
It’s one of the car documents you need to renew your vehicle license and prove ownership history.
Receipt of Purchase
If you’re buying a Nigerian-used car, this is the only car document you should collect from the seller. The receipt of purchase proves that the transaction between you and the car dealer took place. Getting this document is important because you'll need oy to process other car documents.
How To Identify Fake Used Car Documents in Nigeria
Not all car documents are real; some might look official but are completely fake. When buying a Tokunbo car or Nigerian-used vehicle, it's important to double-check your car documents to avoid legal trouble.
Here's how to spot fake car documents in Nigeria:
- Verify Insurance via NIID: Use the Nigerian Insurance Industry Database (NIID) to confirm that the insurance is valid and traceable.
- Check for Poor Quality and Spelling Errors: Look out for typos, odd fonts, uneven spacing, or strange-looking logos. Authentic car documents usually follow a standard format.
- Pay Attention to Date Consistency: If the documents have different date formats (like DD/MM/YYYY in one and MM/DD/YYYY in another) or mismatched timelines, like insurance starting before the car even cleared customs, it’s a sign something’s wrong.
Conclusion on Used Car Documents
Buying a used car in Nigeria is a smart and cost-effective choice. However, the process doesn’t end once you make the purchase. Making sure you have the right car documents is important.
This is because these documents do more than prove that you own the car. They protect you from fraud and ensure legal compliance.
If you're ever in doubt about car prices or the condition of a used car, it’s best to consult a professional.
You can also use platforms like Tokunbo.io for verified pricing and inspection data to help you make a confident purchase.