Buying a used vehicle in Ecuador: legal steps that cannot be omitted

The purchase of a used vehicle in Ecuador is not limited to a mere economic transaction, but rather constitutes a legal act that requires the new owner to strictly comply with certain legal and administrative obligations.

Before closing any negotiation, it is essential to carry out a preliminary verification of the vehicle’s legal and technical status. This includes verifying that there are no outstanding fines with the National Transit Agency (ANT) or the Metropolitan Transit Agency (AMT), as well as confirming that the vehicle is not subject to liens, seizures, or restrictions on transfer. Likewise, the current vehicle inspection and technical review must be requested and approved.

The purchase agreement must be formalized before a notary public through the acknowledgment of the buyer’s and seller’s signatures. Subsequently, the agreement must be registered with the Internal Revenue Service (SRI) and the ANT within a period of thirty (30) days.

Failure to comply with this deadline exposes the new owner to legal penalties consisting of a deduction of 1.5 points from the driver’s license and a fine equivalent to 5% of the unified basic salary.

To complete the process, the buyer must declare and pay 1% of the vehicle’s value to the SRI, pass the Vehicle Technical Inspection (RTV), and pay the administrative fees for the registration certificate duplicate and the transfer of ownership. Additionally, for the issuance of the new registration in the name of the new owner, a vehicle inspection to verify the engine and chassis numbers (imprints) is carried out as a prerequisite to the final procedure before the ANT, during which the notarized purchase agreement, identification document, original registration certificate, and proof of tax payments must be submitted.

Proper compliance with these steps ensures a valid transfer of ownership and helps prevent future legal contingencies.

At Quevedo & Ponce, we have extensive experience in civil and traffic law, providing comprehensive legal advice in vehicle purchase transactions, transfer of ownership procedures, and vehicle registration regularization, ensuring strict compliance with the applicable legal framework.