The Vehicle Registration Certificate is the official document verifying ownership and technical specifications (such as battery and power info for EVs), and is mandatory for driving in traffic, insurance, and sales. While commonly referred to as a "license" (ruhsat), it legally serves as the primary proof of ownership, distinguishing it from the traffic document which indicates technical roadworthiness.

What is a Vehicle Registration Document and Why is it Necessary?


The vehicle registration document is the fundamental document showing that a vehicle is officially recorded and certifying the accuracy of ownership and technical information. Registration is mandatory for electric vehicles just as it is for internal combustion vehicles; because information such as battery capacity, engine power (kW), vehicle class, and purpose of usage are processed into official systems only during registration. It is not possible for a vehicle to enter traffic, get insured, or complete a sale without a registration document.

Although many people refer to the registration document as the "license" in daily language, the license actually contains both the vehicle registration document and the vehicle traffic document information together. The registration document is the property document showing who the vehicle belongs to, and the registration date, known as the "date of ownership document," is located here. The traffic document, on the other hand, shows the vehicle's technical capabilities, inspection status, and suitability for driving in traffic. While these two structures have merged into a single license appearance with digitalization, legally, the registration document is the document that officially determines the real owner of the vehicle.


How to Obtain a Vehicle Registration Document?


Obtaining a vehicle registration document is now a quite fast and digital process. As soon as the sale is completed at the notary, all necessary information for registration is automatically transferred to the system. After the mandatory traffic insurance is issued, the vehicle owner can view their license via e-Government (e-Devlet) and verify that the registration process is complete. For electric vehicles, information such as battery, engine power, and vehicle class is also added to official records during this process. All information is accessible in the digital environment without the need to carry a physical document.


Where to Obtain a Vehicle Registration Document?


In current practice, the vehicle registration document is largely created automatically by the notary at the moment of sale. Apart from this, access and verification operations can be provided via e-Government, the Notary Registration System (NTV), and, when necessary, Provincial/District Police Departments. Thanks to digitalization, there is usually no need to make a separate application to access the registration document.


Where is the Ownership Document Date Written and How to Find It?


The "Ownership document date" refers to the day the vehicle officially passed to the current owner and is one of the most important fields of the registration document. This date is clearly visible within the digital license and can be easily learned from the "My Vehicles" menu on e-Government. Additionally, the notary sales contract and notary registration records provide a reference for verifying the ownership document date. This date is a critical indicator in second-hand vehicle buying/selling, warranty processes, and insurance transactions.


Things to Consider in Vehicle Registration and Ownership Documents


When examining registration and ownership documents, the accuracy of the information is of great importance. One must ensure that the chassis number, license plate, engine power, and specifically battery information in electric vehicles are written correctly. An incorrect ownership document date can cause problems in future sales, comprehensive insurance (kasko), and depreciation processes. Although the digitalization of the license makes access to these checks easier, the accuracy of the information is still the responsibility of the vehicle owner.


Vehicle Registration Document Fees and Payments


The costs paid for the vehicle registration document consist of the notary sale fee, registration service fee, and, when necessary, the license plate printing fee. Although there is an MTV (Motor Vehicle Tax) advantage for electric vehicles, registration document fees are independent of the vehicle type. All payments are made during notary transactions or via relevant institutions, and when the transaction is completed, registration information is automatically processed into the digital license.


Common Problems and Their Solutions

 

What Should Be Done If the Vehicle Registration Document Is Lost?

Various errors or document losses may occur during the vehicle registration process. When the registration document is lost, access to the digital license can be provided via e-Government, and if necessary, the document can be re-issued by the notary or relevant traffic units. The document can be viewed digitally and re-issued when needed.


What Happens If the Ownership Document Date Is Written Incorrectly?

In the event that the ownership document date is written incorrectly, a correction is made through notary records; the date is corrected based on the notary records, and a new license is created.


Can a Vehicle Go into Traffic Without a Registration Document?

Going into traffic without a registration document poses a serious risk due to both penal action and the invalidity of insurance.


What Is the Difference Between the Ownership Document and the License?

While the ownership document shows who the vehicle belongs to, the license is the general document containing all technical and administrative information of the vehicle; the ownership document is located within the license.


If you would like to learn more about the advantages offered by ChargeIQ and its usage processes, you can reach comprehensive explanations by examining the FAQ page where frequently asked questions regarding the topic are located.


Sources

  1. Türkiye Noterler Birliği, Araç Tescil Sistemi Ana Sayfa (Union of Notaries of Turkey, Vehicle Registration System Home Page) - https://portal.tnb.org.tr/Artes/Sayfalar/AnaSayfa.aspx 
  2. Emniyet Genel Müdürlüğü, Trafik Tescil Hakkında (General Directorate of Security, About Traffic Registration) - https://www.egm.gov.tr/trafik-tescil-hakkinda 
  3. Maliye Bakanlığı, Araç Tescil Belgelerinin Tahsili (PDF) (Ministry of Finance, Collection of Vehicle Registration Documents (PDF)) - https://ms.hmb.gov.tr/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/20180430-7536.GID_.GY-Arac-Tescil-Belgelerinin-Tahsili.pdf
  4. Google Gemini AI was utilized for images.