The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has rolled out a new digital system regulating the sale and transfer of vehicles, effectively ending privately drafted agreements in the transfer of cars and motorcycles.
Under the new system, all agreements related to vehicle sales or transfers by gift will now be generated exclusively through the RRA e-Tax platform. The system will first verify whether a seller has outstanding tax obligations or any administrative restrictions before approving any transaction.
RRA said the reform is intended to improve transparency and curb fraud in vehicle ownership transfers.
“The system will generate agreements after verifying that the seller has no tax arrears or any other restrictions,” RRA stated.
To initiate a transfer, a seller must log into the e-Tax platform, select the vehicle using its number plate and chassis number, and submit a transfer request. A verification code is then sent to the seller’s phone, which can be shared with the buyer or a notary to confirm the transaction details.
Where no tax arrears or restrictions are detected, the system allows the process to proceed. However, if outstanding obligations are identified, the transfer is automatically blocked until they are cleared.
RRA Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Services and Communication Uwitonze Jean Paulin said the changes are aimed at protecting buyers from hidden liabilities and ensuring compliance.
“The goal is to ensure that no one purchases a vehicle with unresolved tax issues and that all agreements are properly generated through the system,” he said.
Only system-generated contracts will now be accepted by notaries, replacing previously self-drafted agreements between individuals.
The reforms also strengthen safeguards for spouses under matrimonial property regimes. Where couples are married under joint property arrangements, both spouses must now consent to the sale of a vehicle.
“This prevents cases where one spouse sells jointly owned property without the knowledge or consent of the other,” Uwitonze said.
RRA said the measure follows recurring disputes where vehicles were sold without mutual consent, leading to transaction complications and ownership disputes.
Notaries have also been instructed to verify chassis numbers and ensure consistency between physical vehicle documents and RRA records before approving any transfer.
The authority urged buyers to confirm the status of vehicles before completing payments, warning that failure to do so could result in financial loss.
The new system is expected to strengthen accountability, reduce fraud, and streamline vehicle transfer procedures across the country.
