How to Transfer a Car Hire Purchase Agreement in Thailand
TalataCars
You can pass a car with outstanding payments to someone else if the finance company approves a car hire purchase agreement transfer. The existing hirer must meet the minimum repayment requirements and have no overdue instalments. The incoming hirer must also pass a credit assessment, much like applying for a new loan.
Transfer fees typically range from 1,500 to 4,000 baht, depending on the finance company. If you are looking for someone to take over your payments or searching for a car with payments remaining, you can start by browsing used car listings on Talata.
What Is a Car Hire Purchase Agreement Transfer?
A car hire purchase agreement transfer moves the rights and obligations under an existing agreement from the current hirer to a new hirer. The finance company must consent and enter into an agreement with the incoming hirer.
While payments are still outstanding, the finance company owns the car and the hirer is its registered possessor. The hirer therefore cannot sell it outright in the same way as a fully paid-off car without the owner’s approval. The transfer involves four parties: the outgoing hirer, the incoming hirer, the incoming hirer’s guarantor and the finance company responsible for approval.
Finance companies may refer to this process as a “transfer of rights under a hire purchase agreement” or a “change of hirer.” Using these terms when making an enquiry can help clarify the service you need.
How Does a Transfer Differ from Refinancing or Debt Restructuring?
A transfer allows a new person to take over the remaining payments. With refinancing or debt restructuring, the same person keeps the car and remains responsible for the debt.
| Option | Who keeps using the car? | Who is responsible for the debt? | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire purchase agreement transfer | A new hirer | Responsibility moves to the incoming hirer | Someone who no longer wants to keep the car |
| Refinancing | The same person | The same person, with a new loan amount or repayment arrangement | Someone seeking additional funds or lower instalments |
| Debt restructuring | The same person | The same person, with an extended term or temporarily reduced instalments | Someone who wants to keep the car but is struggling with payments |
This article focuses on transferring the agreement to a new hirer. If you are still deciding whether to sell or keep the car, see our guide to selling a car with outstanding finance.
What Are the Risks of Handing Over the Car Without Transferring the Agreement?
Accepting an upfront payment and letting someone else drive the car and pay the instalments without notifying the finance company leaves the agreement in the original hirer’s name.
If the other person stops paying, the missed payments will be recorded against the original hirer, and the finance company may repossess the car. Both parties may also face legal disputes. Our guide to selling a car with outstanding finance explains these risks in more detail. Completing the transfer through the finance company is the safer approach.
Who Is Eligible for a Car Hire Purchase Agreement Transfer?
The outgoing hirer must have a good repayment history and meet the minimum repayment requirement. The incoming hirer needs sufficient income and must pass the credit assessment. The car must also be available for inspection. If these requirements are not met, the finance company will not proceed with the application.
How Many Instalments Must the Outgoing Hirer Have Paid?
The minimum number of instalments depends on the finance company. A requirement to have paid for at least one year does not apply to every agreement.
The following examples are based on information published by finance providers and checked on 2 October 2026.
| Finance provider | Minimum repayment requirement for the outgoing hirer |
|---|---|
| Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) | At least 6 instalments paid, with an outstanding hire purchase balance of at least 100,000 baht |
| Nissan Leasing | At least 12 months of payments |
| Krungsri, according to an article published by the bank | Generally 1 year or one-quarter of the total instalments |
Some providers do not publish a specific minimum number of instalments. Kasikorn Leasing, for example, states that the agreement must not fall under its restrictions on transfers.
Most providers require all overdue instalments and penalties to be cleared. SCB also states that the agreement must not be under a payment suspension or a step-up debt restructuring arrangement.
If you have not reached the minimum repayment requirement, contact the finance company with your agreement number. Confirm the conditions and available options before making an arrangement with an incoming hirer.
Eligibility Requirements for the Incoming Hirer and Guarantor
Finance companies assess incoming hirers much like new car finance applicants. SCB’s published criteria, for example, include an age range of 20–60 and a good credit repayment history. Salaried employees must have worked for at least 6 months, while business owners need documents showing their source of income.
Kasikorn Leasing requires both the incoming hirer and the guarantor to earn at least twice the monthly instalment, with a minimum income of 15,000 baht each. Nissan Leasing sets a maximum age of 60 and does not allow transfers between legally married spouses.
The guarantor commonly changes along with the hirer. Kasikorn Leasing states that the transfer changes the names of the hirer and guarantor. The guarantor must prepare income documents and attend the signing, just like the incoming hirer.
Vehicle Condition, Tax and Insurance Requirements
Finance companies need to inspect the car, and it must already be registered rather than carrying temporary red plates. SCB requires the car to be brought in for the process. Kasikorn Leasing requires an inspection on the document submission date, with arrangements based on the vehicle’s registration area.
Nissan Leasing requires cars registered outside Bangkok to be inspected at a transport office before the signing appointment. For Bangkok-registered cars, it accepts photographs of all four sides together with engine and chassis number rubbings.
Annual vehicle tax due within 3 months must be renewed. Kasikorn Leasing requires the incoming hirer to renew it when changing the registered possessor. It also requires the existing first-class insurance and compulsory motor insurance policies to have at least 3 months remaining. The incoming hirer must arrange first-class insurance naming the company as the beneficiary.
Check whether your finance company applies these conditions before submitting the application.
What Documents Are Needed to Transfer a Car Hire Purchase Agreement?
The main documents include identification for the outgoing hirer, incoming hirer and guarantor, along with income evidence and vehicle documents. Requirements vary, so request the finance company’s checklist before the appointment.
| Party | Documents |
|---|---|
| Outgoing hirer | Copy of national ID card, copy of house registration and the existing hire purchase agreement |
| Incoming hirer | Copy of national ID card, copy of house registration, payslips for the past 3 months or an employment income certificate, and bank statements for the past 6 months |
| Guarantor | The same document set as the incoming hirer |
| Vehicle | Copy of the vehicle tax disc and the car for inspection; some providers request photographs of all four sides plus engine and chassis number rubbings |
This table follows Nissan Leasing’s document requirements. All three parties must also sign the company’s forms, such as the transfer application, transfer agreement and consent to a credit information check.
A corporate incoming hirer must additionally provide a company registration certificate issued within the past 3 months. The finance company holds the original vehicle registration book during the repayment period, so the outgoing hirer does not need to obtain it separately.
How to Transfer a Car Hire Purchase Agreement, Step by Step
- Contact the finance company. The outgoing hirer should ask about transfer requirements, fees, the outstanding balance and the number of remaining instalments.
- Agree on the payment terms. Both parties should agree on the upfront payment, who pays each fee and the refund conditions if the application is rejected. Record these terms in writing.
- Submit the application documents. Provide the incoming hirer’s and guarantor’s documents and pay any fees due at submission. Kasikorn Leasing charges a 400-baht eligibility assessment fee at this stage. Nissan Leasing requires its transfer fee to be paid before signing the documents submitted for consideration.
- Arrange the vehicle inspection. Follow the finance company’s instructions.
- Sign the required documents. All parties sign before an officer. Some providers arrange this together at submission; others allow the incoming hirer and guarantor to apply first, with the outgoing hirer signing after approval.
- Pay the remaining charges after approval. These may include advance instalments, stamp duty and the registered possessor change fee. Kasikorn Leasing requires payment within 30 days of approval; otherwise, a new application is needed. The incoming hirer then pays the remaining agreed upfront amount to the outgoing hirer.
- Complete the registration change and handover. The finance company changes the registered possessor to the incoming hirer. Both parties then complete the handover of the car, keys and vehicle documents.
How Long Does the Transfer Take?
The process generally takes around 1–2 weeks to 1 month, depending on the finance company and whether the documents are complete.
Krungsri states that consideration takes approximately 7–10 working days after all documents have been submitted and all parties have signed before an officer. Nissan Leasing states that it notifies applicants of the result within 1 month.
The outgoing hirer must continue paying instalments while waiting. Do not stop paying simply because the transfer appears close to completion.
Whose Name Appears in the Vehicle Registration Book After the Transfer?
The finance company remains the owner until the incoming hirer finishes paying. The registered possessor changes from the outgoing hirer to the incoming hirer.
Some providers include this registration change in their transfer fee. TISCO, for example, lists a 2,500-baht transfer fee that includes changing the registered possessor.
Ask whether the finance company handles this process or whether you need to visit a transport office yourself. Once all payments are complete, ownership is transferred to the incoming hirer through the usual process.
Car Hire Purchase Agreement Transfer Fees and Who Pays Them
The main costs include the agreement transfer fee, eligibility assessment charges and amounts payable after approval.
The figures below come from finance providers’ published fee schedules and articles, checked on 2 October 2026.
| Item | Approximate amount | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Agreement transfer fee | Around 1,500–4,000 baht. Examples: TISCO charges 1,500 baht, or 2,500 baht including the registered possessor change; Nissan Leasing charges 4,000 baht, or 2,500 baht for customers covered by the 2022 OCPB notification | As agreed between the parties |
| Incoming hirer eligibility assessment | 400 baht at Kasikorn Leasing. A Krungsri article gives an approximate charge of 500 baht per person for the incoming hirer and guarantor | Incoming hirer |
| Registered possessor change and vehicle inspection | Kasikorn Leasing: 1,300 baht within the relevant area or 2,100 baht outside it. Some providers, such as TISCO, include this in the transfer fee | As agreed between the parties |
| Advance instalments | 2 instalments at Nissan Leasing and Kasikorn Leasing, payable after approval | Incoming hirer |
| Stamp duty on the new hire purchase agreement | 1 baht per 1,000 baht, or 0.1%. TISCO uses the hire purchase amount; Kasikorn Leasing uses the outstanding balance | As charged by the finance company |
| Vehicle tax due within 3 months and insurance | Actual cost | As agreed between the parties |
Fees may differ according to when the original agreement was signed. Nissan Leasing, for example, separates its rates according to eligibility under the OCPB notification. Provide your agreement number when asking for the exact amount.
Both parties can agree on how to share the costs. Record who is responsible for each item before submitting the application.
How Can Both Parties Agree on a Fair Upfront Payment?
The upfront payment is the amount the incoming hirer pays the outgoing hirer to take over the car and its remaining payments. The finance company does not set this amount. Both parties negotiate it, using the cash purchase price of a comparable car as a reference.
A reasonable upfront payment ≈ the car’s used-market value − all remaining instalments payable by the incoming hirer − transfer costs accepted by the incoming hirer.
For example, suppose a car has a market value of 450,000 baht and has 36 instalments of 8,000 baht remaining, totalling 288,000 baht. If the incoming hirer accepts 20,000 baht in fees and advance instalments, the example gives an upfront payment of approximately 142,000 baht. A substantially higher amount would make the total outlay greater than the cash purchase price of the same car.
A common source of confusion is using the early settlement balance instead of the remaining instalments. The settlement figure is often lower because of an early settlement interest discount. Someone taking over the payments, however, continues paying the full scheduled instalments. Using the settlement figure can therefore overstate the upfront amount. For help with the market value, see our guide to estimating a used car’s value.
Does Transferring a Car Hire Purchase Agreement Affect Your Credit?
It does not damage your credit if the transfer is completed correctly through the finance company and approved before any payments become overdue. Krungsri describes this as transferring the repayment obligation to the incoming hirer rather than defaulting on the debt.
Missed payments while waiting for approval, or an informal handover where the other person stops paying, can affect the original hirer’s credit history.
The incoming hirer will have a hire purchase credit account in their own name from the agreement’s effective date. Paying on time supports a good repayment history; missed payments affect their own credit record. If you are concerned about your credit bureau record, check it before applying.
What Should You Check Before Taking Over Car Payments?
Check that the name in the registration book matches the seller and confirm the details directly with the finance company using its official contact number. These checks also apply when buying other cars with outstanding finance.
For vehicle condition checks, see our used car buying checklist. When taking over an agreement, pay particular attention to your eligibility, the remaining repayment terms and when money changes hands.
Check Your Credit Eligibility Before Agreeing on an Upfront Payment
Review your income, existing debts and guarantor arrangements before agreeing on an upfront payment. If the finance company rejects the application, you cannot take over the agreement even if you have already reached a deal with the outgoing hirer.
Asking the finance company about its incoming hirer requirements before negotiating the price can save both parties time.
Check the Instalments, Interest and Remaining Term
The incoming hirer continues paying the instalment amount and remaining number of instalments under the original agreement.
Kasikorn Leasing gives the example of a 48-instalment agreement with 28 instalments already paid at 5,000 baht each. The incoming hirer continues paying 5,000 baht for the remaining 20 instalments. Nissan Leasing also states that the terms remain the same.
Ask the outgoing hirer to contact the finance company in your presence, or visit together, to confirm the instalment amount, remaining term and any arrears or penalties that must be cleared. Also check the expiry dates of the insurance and vehicle tax, as these may create additional costs soon after the handover.
When Should You Pay the Upfront Amount?
Do not pay the upfront amount before the finance company approves the transfer. If the outgoing hirer asks for a deposit to confirm the arrangement, keep it small and state in writing that it will be refunded in full if approval is refused.
Most of the money should be paid when signing before an officer or after receiving written confirmation of the transfer. See our car sale agreement guide for an example of how to record the arrangement.
Before committing, make sure both parties understand the finance company’s conditions. Compare the car with several examples of the same model before agreeing on the details with the outgoing hirer.
Why Use Talata to Find or List a Car with Payments Remaining?
Talata brings together used car listings from owners, helping people looking to take over car payments compare available options. You can filter by make, model, year, price range and province. When you find a car of interest, contact the advertiser directly to ask about the instalment amount, remaining term and a possible joint appointment with the finance company.
If you want someone to take over your car, clearly state in the listing that payments remain. Include the finance provider, monthly instalment, remaining number of instalments and the upfront amount you are asking for. This helps interested buyers assess their readiness before applying. Confirm the conditions with the finance company and record the agreement in writing before proceeding. Browse listings or advertise your car on Talata.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Transfer the Agreement to a Family Member?
Many providers allow this through the same process used for other applicants. The family member must pass the credit assessment and provide the required income documents.
Transfers between spouses may have restrictions. Nissan Leasing, for example, does not allow transfers between legally married spouses. Check with the finance company first.
If the New Hirer Stops Paying, Is the Outgoing Hirer Still Responsible?
Generally, no. Once the finance company enters into the agreement with the incoming hirer, the repayment obligation moves to that person. An exception is where the outgoing hirer agrees to act as their guarantor.
Request written confirmation of the transfer from the finance company and keep it as evidence.
Must the Outgoing Hirer Sign in Person, or Can Someone Act Under a Power of Attorney?
Most providers require the outgoing hirer to sign in person before an officer, although everyone may not need to attend on the same day.
Kasikorn Leasing allows the incoming hirer and guarantor to apply first, with the outgoing hirer signing after approval. Ask the finance company whether it accepts a power of attorney, as requirements vary.
What Can You Do If the Incoming Hirer Is Not Approved?
One option is to find a guarantor with a stable income and apply again. If the application still fails, the incoming hirer can seek finance from another provider to settle the original agreement, or the outgoing hirer can find another applicant.
Any privately paid deposit should be refunded according to the written agreement. Before applying, ask whether fees paid to the finance company are refundable and agree on who will bear them.
Can I Move to Another Finance Company Immediately After Taking Over the Payments?
If you intend to use another finance company from the outset, you do not need to transfer the existing agreement first. The buyer can apply for new finance to settle the original balance, followed by the ownership transfer process for a financed car purchase.
This avoids paying for an additional agreement transfer.
Can a Motorcycle Hire Purchase Agreement Be Transferred in the Same Way?
Yes, if the finance company accepts motorcycle agreement transfers. Kasikorn Leasing states that its transfer service covers both cars and motorcycles, and TISCO’s fee schedule also covers both vehicle types.
Minimum requirements may differ, so check with the finance company before accepting an upfront payment.
Can You Transfer the Agreement If You Have Previously Missed Payments?
You can do so if overdue instalments, penalties and collection charges are cleared before applying. Most finance companies will not consider an agreement with outstanding arrears.
