What the total is made up of
Changing vehicle ownership in Lagos costs ₦38,675 on MVAA's own schedule. This is not one single fee. It bundles a new number plate, the ownership change itself, capital gains tax, an admin charge, a proof of ownership stamp and an ownership certificate.
Knowing the total helps you budget, but the breakdown matters too. If a station quotes you something close to this figure but skips a line item, ask which parts are missing rather than assuming a discount.
The documents you will need
MVAA's schedule lists The old registration form, proof of ownership, a valid vehicle licence, the purchase receipt, a sworn affidavit by the new owner, a police report and CMR information. A letter of authority is also needed to carry out the change on the owner's behalf where that applies.
Gather all of these before you go. An incomplete set is the single biggest reason this process stalls part-way through.
Why a police report is part of this
A change of ownership pulls in more than a straightforward payment and a signature. The document list includes a police report, alongside CMR information and a sworn affidavit from the new owner.
This is true even for a routine, uncomplicated sale between two willing parties. Do not skip this step assuming it only applies to disputed or suspicious transfers.
What comes after the ownership change
The vehicle licence is not part of this total. Once ownership has changed, the licence still needs paying separately, priced by engine size. See our vehicle licence fee by engine size post for that figure.
Budget for both the ownership change and the licence in the same sitting, rather than being caught out by a second bill you did not expect. The number plate that comes with the change of ownership is separate again from the plate fees a fresh registration would carry.
Where to apply
Handle this at a licensing station. Lagos runs any of 140 licensing stations, designated banks, or online at portal.autoreg.ng, and a station can confirm exactly which of your documents are in order before you commit to the full process.
Some steps can be started online at portal.autoreg.ng, though a change of ownership involves enough physical documents that a station visit is realistic to expect.
Common mistakes
Starting the process with an incomplete document set is the most common mistake, and the costliest in wasted time. Assuming the total quoted covers the vehicle licence too is another, when the two are billed separately.
Skipping the police report because the sale feels straightforward is a third mistake. MVAA's list does not make this optional.
Paying the seller before every document is confirmed is a fourth. Once money changes hands, your power to insist on a missing or incorrect document being fixed drops sharply.
For more on vehicle papers, see the licences and vehicles hub and our FRSC vehicle licence renewal guide.