top of page
Search

Vehicle Ownership Change in the Maldives (2025 Guide)

  • Writer: Hassan Shathir
    Hassan Shathir
  • Oct 23, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 19

By Shathir | Hushihei


(Updated to reflect current Ministry of Transport procedures – December 2025)


Vehicle ownership change in the Maldives is a legal process that requires the A1 form, MIRA clearance and DJA submission through the Transport Ministry. This guide explains the full process and how Hushihei handles it for you. Over recent years, the Ministry of Transport has strengthened verification, legal clearance, and compliance checks to prevent fraud, unpaid liabilities, and illegal transfers — especially in congested and high-risk zones.

Today, a successful ownership transfer requires legal clearance, financial verification, vehicle compliance, and direct confirmation by the Ministry.

This guide explains how vehicle ownership transfer works in the Maldives today, what is required at each stage, and how Hushihei supports owners through the full process — clearly, correctly, and without shortcuts.


vehicle ownership change in the Maldives process


How Vehicle Ownership Change Works in the Maldives

A vehicle ownership change legally transfers all responsibility for the vehicle from the seller to the buyer. This includes:

  • Traffic offences and fines

  • Insurance responsibility

  • Accident liability

  • Court and enforcement matters

Because vehicles are linked to court records, tax obligations, and financial liabilities, the Ministry applies strict rules before approving any transfer.

Once approved, the previous owner is fully released, and all responsibility moves to the new owner.

The Five Mandatory Requirements for Vehicle Ownership Transfer

Every ownership change must satisfy all five requirements below on the same day of submission. Missing or expired items result in immediate rejection.

1. Seller’s Legal & Financial Clearance (Qaanoonee / A1 System)

Before a vehicle can be transferred, the seller must pass the national legal and financial clearance system, commonly referred to as Qaanoonee.

Qaanoonee clearance consists of three mandatory components:

A1 Form

A physical form stamped by:

  • Bank of Maldives (BML)

  • Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB)

  • Job Tribunal

MIRA Tax Clearance

Confirms there are no outstanding tax obligations.

Judiciary (DJA) Record Summary

Confirms there are no court cases, enforcement actions, or judgments affecting the seller.

If any debt, tax issue, or court record exists, the transfer is blocked until resolved.

Hushihei coordinates the full Qaanoonee process and confirms readiness before submission.

2. Vehicle Compliance Requirements

The vehicle must be legally active at the time of submission:

  • Valid insurance

  • Valid roadworthiness certificate

  • Annual fee fully paid

All three must be active on the same day. Even a one-day expiry leads to rejection.

Where required, Hushihei assists with verification and renewal coordination.

3. Identity & Ownership Verification

The Ministry requires the following:

For Maldivians

  • Buyer’s National ID (front & back)

  • Seller’s National ID (front & back)

  • Vehicle registry (original or SIMS digital copy)

For Foreign Nationals

  • Passport

  • Valid visa

  • Work permit

⚠️ Regulatory Notice:As part of congestion-control reforms, new registrations and ownership transfers into a foreigner’s name are currently suspended until updated regulations are issued.Transfers from foreigners to Maldivians remain permitted.

4. Garage & Parking Requirement (Updated Rule)

Parking space is mandatory for cars and larger vehicles. However, the process has been simplified.

From 1 January, the following two documents are required:

  1. Building Use PermitIssued by the relevant council or HDC, confirming the building is approved for garage use.

  2. Garage Owner’s No-Objection LetterAccompanied by the garage owner’s ID card.

The separate Garage Permit is no longer required.

Hushihei assists with garage documentation across Addu mainland and supported islands.

5. Ministry Video Verification

(Effective from 1 January 2026)

After submission, the Ministry conducts a live Viber video call with all listed parties.

The call confirms:

  • Identity

  • Consent

  • Awareness of the transaction

Requirements:

  • All parties must be reachable on Viber

  • Calls are made on Ministry working days

  • Participants must hold valid ID or licence

If any party misses the call, the application is rejected.

Hushihei prepares all parties in advance to ensure smooth verification.

What Happens After Approval

Once approved:

  • Ownership is updated in the Ministry system

  • A new registry is issued

  • For online submissions, the registry is issued digitally

  • Legal responsibility fully transfers to the new owner

How Hushihei Supports Vehicle Owners

Hushihei manages the entire administrative process, including:

  • Qaanoonee & A1 clearance

  • MIRA & DJA submissions

  • Insurance & roadworthiness coordination

  • Garage documentation

  • Ministry video call preparation

  • Transport Ministry follow-ups

  • Registry issuance for online submissions

Our role is simple: prepare correctly, submit cleanly, and avoid delays.




 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page