Vehicle ownership transfers in Guatemala go through SAT (Superintendencia de Administracion Tributaria) and the Declaraguate portal. Both buyer and seller must have an active NIT and a valid DPI.
Quick summary: A vehicle transfer costs Q120 plus 12% IVA on the declared sale value. Both parties need a NIT and valid DPI. The transfer must be completed within 30 business days after the ownership certificate is endorsed.
Prices verified February 2026. Check our exchange rate page for today’s USD/GTQ rate.
Transfer Costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer fee + certificate (SAT-8611) | Q120.00 |
| IVA on the sale (SAT-2311) | 12% of sale value |
| Pending ISCV (if applicable) | Variable by vehicle type |
Requirements
- DPI of buyer and seller (original); passport if foreigner
- Vehicle circulation card
- Endorsed ownership certificate (signed by seller and buyer)
- Ownership certificate legalized by an active notary
- Vehicle Circulation Tax (ISCV) paid through current year
- Form SAT-8611 (transfer fee) generated on Declaraguate
- Form SAT-2311 (IVA payment) generated on Declaraguate
Process — In-Person Transfer
- Go to Declaraguate
- Fill out and generate Form SAT-8611 (transfer and ownership certificate)
- Fill out and generate Form SAT-2311 (IVA on the sale)
- Pay both forms at an authorized bank using the SAT-2000 receipts
- Return to Declaraguate to generate the sworn declaration annex
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest SAT office through the Virtual Agency
- Both buyer and seller must appear with all documentation
- Receive updated documents or download them through the Virtual Agency
Process — Electronic Transfer (with Notary)
Additional requirements:
- Both parties must have an active SAT Virtual Agency account
- Updated RTU (Unified Tax Registry)
- ISCV current
- The notary must have: electronic signature, fingerprint registered at SAT, biometric reader
Important Deadlines
- IVA must be paid within 15 business days after endorsing the ownership certificate
- The transfer must be completed within 30 business days
From the US (Diaspora Info)
This procedure requires both parties to be present in Guatemala:
- You cannot do a vehicle transfer remotely or at a consulate
- Both buyer and seller must appear at SAT, or both must have active SAT Virtual Agency accounts for the electronic option
- Power of attorney is possible — authorize a representative through a poder especial notarized at a Guatemalan consulate to act on your behalf
- If importing a vehicle from the US, additional customs documentation is required — see our guide on shipping to Guatemala
- Make sure the seller has all ISCV payments current before closing any deal
Tips
- Before buying: Verify the seller has ALL vehicle circulation tax (ISCV) payments up to date
- The buyer must also have an active NIT/RTU
- The notary who legalizes must be active in SAT’s RTU
- If the vehicle was imported, additional customs documentation may be needed — check our shipping guide
- Keep all payment receipts as proof
- You’ll need a valid driver’s license to legally drive