Essential Documents to Check Before Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car in Nigeria can be a smart financial move — but only if you protect yourself with proper documentation. Unfortunately, many car buyers ignore this step, only to end up with vehicles that are stolen, impounded, or impossible to register.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through every document you must ask for and verify before buying a Nigerian-used or Tokunbo (foreign-used) vehicle. Whether you're buying from a dealer or directly from an individual, don’t skip this checklist.

✅ Why Verifying Car Documents Is Non-Negotiable

Many sellers will tell you things like:

“You don’t need the customs papers — nobody checks that.”
Or:
“Police don’t ask for these things anymore.”

🚨 Warning: This is a red flag. The absence of proper documentation could mean the vehicle is:

• Stolen

• Unregistered

• Improperly imported

• Or simply not yours in the eyes of the law

Let’s break down the key documents you must collect and verify before finalizing any purchase.

1. 📄 Proof of Ownership Certificate

This is the most important document. It confirms the registered owner of the vehicle. Make sure:

• It is the original, not a photocopy.

• It carries the name of the current owner or dealer.

• All details — including the VIN, engine number, and chassis number — match what’s physically on the car.

• Run a comprehensive vehicle history check to verify past ownership, theft records, or odometer tampering.

• Use trusted platforms like:

  • Verifyithq.com

  • Autobayng.com
    Both offer free VIN decoders and detailed vehicle history tools to confirm the VIN hasn’t been cloned or altered.

📌 A cloned VIN could mean the car is stolen or illegally duplicated — and this can cause serious legal trouble down the road.

2. 🪪 Plate Number Allocation Document

This shows that the vehicle plate number was legally assigned and registered. Without it, your vehicle may be flagged during routine checks.

3. 🛡️ Insurance Certificate

Make sure you receive the current and valid insurance document — ideally third-party or comprehensive.

• This protects you against certain liabilities.

• It’s legally required for road use.

4. 🔧 Certificate of Road Worthiness

This proves that the car has passed inspections and is considered safe for driving.

• Especially important for vehicles more than 1 year old.

• Must be current and properly stamped.

5. 💻 CMR – Computerized Motor Registration

This is proof that the car has been registered in the national motor vehicle database. It helps verify:

• The authenticity of the registration

• That the car hasn’t been reported stolen

• That the vehicle information matches what's on the official record

Before finalizing your purchase:

• Request the original copy, not a scanned or altered version.

• Check that the VIN, plate number, and registered owner's name match the other documents and the vehicle.

• Use VIN history platforms like:

  • Verifyithq.com

  • Autobayng.com
    to ensure the VIN hasn’t been cloned, and that the vehicle’s data aligns across all systems.

🔎 Tampered or cloned VINs are a major red flag and could indicate the car is stolen, salvaged, or fraudulently re-registered.

6. 📑 Custom Papers (For Tokunbo or First Import Vehicles)

If you’re buying a Tokunbo (foreign-used) car or one recently cleared through the port, custom papers are essential.

• Expect three or more pages, 

• Documents must clearly show the vehicle’s VIN, make, model, year, and importer’s name.

• Some dealers may offer photocopies if several cars were cleared together — but only accept clear, untampered copies with traceable references.

🚨 Do Due Diligence:
Before accepting any customs papers as valid:

• Run a customs duty verification to confirm the document’s authenticity.

• Use trusted platforms like:

  • Verifyithq Customs Duty Checker

  • AutobayNG Customs Duty Checker

These tools help confirm:

• If the duty was truly paid

• If the document is linked to the correct VIN

• And whether the vehicle was legally cleared at a recognized Nigerian port

🧾 If customs documents are missing or questionable, you can also request a reprint or initiate recovery verification through the same platforms.

🚫 Don’t fall for sellers who say, “nobody checks customs papers anymore.” That’s often the first sign of a smuggled or seized vehicle.

7. 🚗 Vehicle Licence

This document shows that the vehicle is currently licensed to operate on Nigerian roads.

• Check that the expiration date is valid.

• Ensure all details match the vehicle.

🧾 Transfer of Ownership Documents (For Nigerian-Used Cars)

If the car is not a direct Tokunbo, but has passed from one or more Nigerian owners, ask for these:

a. ✍️ Change of Ownership Document

• Must be signed by the previous owner and dated.

• Ideally includes both parties’ names and signatures.

b. 🧾 Receipt of Purchase

• From the last legal owner or dealer.

• Should include the seller’s name, phone number, and address.

c. 📄 Previous Change of Ownership Letter (If applicable)

• If the person selling to you isn’t the first Nigerian owner, get the original change of ownership letter from when they bought it.

🕵️‍♂️ Other Important But Optional Documents

Depending on the type of car and situation, you might also request:

• 🪞 Tinted Glass Permit (if the car has factory or aftermarket tint)

• 🚓 Police Report for:

  • Change of plate number

  • Change of engine or chassis number

  • Change of ownership

These help protect you from future legal disputes or accusations.

✅ Summary Checklist 

Here’s a quick reference list of documents to ask for:

🔚 Final Advice Before You Buy

• Always verify documents physically, not just scanned copies.

• Match all details (VIN, engine number, plate number) with the car.

• Be cautious with sellers who push you to “just pay quickly.”

• Use trusted platforms like:

  • Verifyithq.com

  • Autobayng.com

These tools can help you:

• Check VIN history

• Confirm customs duty

• Request document reprints or recovery

🚘 Buying a car is a big investment. Don’t rush. Don’t assume. Document verification could save you from financial loss or legal trouble.