Transferring Car Ownership in Malaysia (JPJ e-Tukar)

What is JPJ e-Tukar?

JPJ e-Tukar is Malaysia's online vehicle ownership transfer system operated by the Road Transport Department (JPJ — Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan). It allows the transfer of a registered vehicle from one owner (pemilik) to another, either through the MyJPJ portal online or in person at any JPJ counter nationwide.

Ownership transfer is legally required whenever you buy or sell a used vehicle in Malaysia. Driving a car that is still registered in the seller's name puts both parties at risk — insurance complications, summons liability, and potential criminal exposure if the car is involved in an incident.

Two Types of Transfer

This guide focuses on private transfers (the more common scenario) where you are buying or selling a car between individuals rather than through a licensed dealer.

Documents Required

PUSPAKOM B5 Inspection

Before JPJ will process a private ownership transfer, the vehicle must pass a PUSPAKOM (Pusat Pemeriksaan Kenderaan Berkomputer) B5 inspection. This is a government-mandated identity verification check — PUSPAKOM confirms the car's chassis number (VIN), engine number, and plate number all match what is recorded on the grant (V5).

What the B5 Inspection Checks

• Chassis number (VIN) — stamped on the body, must match the grant exactly
• Engine number — checked under bonnet, must match grant
• Registration plate — confirmed against JPJ records
• Vehicle colour — must match what is registered; unreported colour changes will flag an issue
• Basic roadworthiness — lights, wipers, tyres must be functional

How to Get a PUSPAKOM B5 Inspection

1. Find your nearest PUSPAKOM centre

   There are PUSPAKOM centres in all major cities and towns. Walk-ins are accepted at most centres — no prior appointment needed. Arrive early to avoid long queues.

2. Bring the car, grant, and seller's MyKad

   The seller should drive the car (or be present) since the grant is in their name. Both buyer and seller attending PUSPAKOM together is the safest approach. Bring the original vehicle grant (V5), not a photocopy.

3. Complete the inspection (~30–45 minutes)

   PUSPAKOM staff will check the numbers, document the vehicle condition, and issue a B5 report. The inspection costs RM65–RM100 depending on the PUSPAKOM centre and vehicle type.

4. Collect the B5 report

   This document is required for your JPJ counter visit. Keep it safe — JPJ will retain a copy. If the car fails (number mismatch, serious defects), the issue must be resolved before proceeding with the transfer.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

The full ownership transfer involves several stages across PUSPAKOM, your insurer, and JPJ. Here is the complete sequence:

1. Agree on sale price and sign a Surat Jual Beli

   A written sale agreement protects both parties. Include the car registration number, chassis number, agreed price, date, both parties' names and IC numbers, and signatures. Templates are available from JPJ's website and licensed car dealers. Have it witnessed if possible.

2. Confirm loan status (if applicable)

   Check if the seller's car has an outstanding hire purchase (HP) loan via JPJ MyCarInfo (app or portal). If there is an outstanding loan, the seller must settle it with the bank and obtain a discharge letter before proceeding. Never skip this step — the bank holds the V5 until the loan is cleared.

3. Buyer arranges car insurance in their own name

   Contact your preferred insurer and purchase a new comprehensive or third-party fire & theft policy covering the vehicle. You need the insurance certificate before visiting JPJ — the transfer cannot proceed without it. Compare prices from insurers such as AIG, Allianz, Zurich, or use a comparison portal like iMoney or RinggitPlus.

4. PUSPAKOM B5 inspection (seller's car)

   Seller brings the car and grant to the nearest PUSPAKOM centre. Buyer should attend together. Pass the B5 identity check and collect the inspection report. This report is valid for a short period — complete the JPJ transfer promptly after.

5. Check and clear any outstanding summons

   Outstanding traffic summons (saman) stay with the vehicle, not the owner. Use JPJ MyCarInfo or the PDRM Semak Saman portal to check. Clear or negotiate any outstanding summons before transfer — otherwise they become the buyer's liability after the transfer is complete.

6. Visit JPJ counter together (or appoint a licensed agent)

   Both buyer and seller must attend JPJ in person, or both must sign a Power of Attorney authorising a licensed runner (kerani/agen JPJ) to complete the transfer. Bring all required documents: MyKad (both parties), V5 grant, PUSPAKOM B5 report, buyer's insurance certificate, road tax disc, and the Surat Jual Beli.

7. Submit documents and pay the transfer fee at JPJ

   Queue at the JPJ counter and submit your documents for processing. The officer will verify the documents, cross-reference the PUSPAKOM B5 report, and process the ownership change in JPJ's system. Pay the transfer fee (approximately RM100 for private cars). The grant (V5) is updated and returned to you, now in the buyer's name.

8. Renew road tax (same visit, if applicable)

   If the road tax is expiring or has already expired, renew it at the same JPJ counter visit. You will need valid insurance to renew road tax. If the car is more than 5 years old, a B2 PUSPAKOM inspection (roadworthiness) is also required for road tax renewal — plan ahead.

9. Collect updated grant and road tax sticker

   The updated V5 grant now shows the buyer as the registered owner. You are done. The seller should keep a copy of the completed sale agreement and the PUSPAKOM report for their records.

Using a Licensed Agent (Kerani/Runner)

If it is difficult for both buyer and seller to attend JPJ at the same time, you can appoint a licensed JPJ agent (kerani kereta). A legitimate agent is registered with JPJ and carries a valid JPJ authorisation card. They handle PUSPAKOM, JPJ counter, insurance, and road tax as a bundled service.

• Cost: RM200–RM400 for a bundled ownership transfer service
• What they handle: PUSPAKOM booking, JPJ submission, insurance coordination, road tax renewal
• What you still need to do: Sign documents and provide your MyKad — some steps still require your physical presence or notarised consent
• Verify legitimacy: Ask to see the agent's JPJ authorisation card before handing over any documents or money

Full Cost Breakdown

JPJ Transfer Fee by Vehicle Type

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Driving the car before transfer is complete — the car is still legally under the seller's name until JPJ processes the change. Any accident during this period creates serious insurance and liability complications for both parties.
• Forgetting to check for outstanding summons — summons follow the vehicle, not the owner. Clear them before the transfer or deduct the amount from the purchase price. Use JPJ MyCarInfo and PDRM Semak Saman to check.
• Buying insurance after visiting JPJ — you need the buyer's insurance certificate before JPJ will process the transfer. Sort insurance first, then go to JPJ.
• Not attending PUSPAKOM yourself — accepting a PUSPAKOM report you did not witness means you cannot verify the car's numbers were genuinely checked. Always attend in person.
• Paying the full purchase price before loan settlement is confirmed — if the seller's bank has not issued a discharge letter, the bank can still repossess the car even after you have paid. Never complete payment before loan clearance.
• Letting the transfer lapse beyond 7 days — the law requires transfer within 7 working days. Delays expose both parties to fines and complicate insurance claims if anything goes wrong in the interim.
• Not getting a signed Surat Jual Beli — a handshake deal with no written agreement leaves you exposed if the seller later disputes the terms or the price.
• Assuming road tax is still valid — check the road tax expiry before leaving JPJ. Expired road tax means you cannot legally drive on public roads. Renew at the same JPJ visit.

Pro Tips

Before You Go to JPJ

• Use JPJ MyCarInfo to check everything first. The app (or myjpj.com.my portal) lets you verify ownership status, outstanding summons, road tax expiry, and encumbrances — do this before committing to buy.
• Schedule PUSPAKOM on a weekday morning to avoid weekend queues. Some PUSPAKOM centres have online booking — check the PUSPAKOM website before going in person.
• Take photos of all documents before submitting — grant (both sides), PUSPAKOM report, insurance cert. If anything gets lost in the process, you have a record.

At the JPJ Counter

• Arrive early. JPJ counters get busy, especially on Mondays and after public holidays. Arriving at opening time significantly reduces wait times.
• Bring extra photocopies of all documents. JPJ counters often require copies alongside originals. Bring at least two sets to avoid hunting for a photocopy machine at the last minute.
• Combine road tax renewal at the same visit to avoid a second JPJ trip. If you need a B2 PUSPAKOM inspection for road tax (car over 5 years), do it on the same day as B5 to save time.

Seller's Perspective

• Cancel your insurance policy after the transfer — most insurers will prorate a refund for the remaining months. Contact your insurer with the completed transfer documents.
• Keep a copy of the Surat Jual Beli for at least 3 years. If the new owner accumulates summons or is involved in an accident after the transfer date, you need proof the car was no longer yours.
• Confirm with JPJ that the transfer is processed. You can check online via MyCarInfo that the registered owner has changed before you hand over the keys and walk away.

Frequently Asked Questions

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