How does a plate transfer work?

The deal, step by step

1. 1

   Agree on the price

   Contact the seller via the phone number on the listing and agree on the price and payment. We recommend meeting in person and settling at the moment of transfer.

2. 2

   Plate reservation at CSDD

   If the plate is not currently mounted on a vehicle, the seller keeps it reserved at the CSDD. A reserved plate can be re-registered to another person.

3. 3

   Re-registration

   Both parties visit a CSDD branch or use e-CSDD. The seller hands over the plate; the buyer registers it to their vehicle or keeps it reserved. CSDD service fees apply per their price list.

4. 4

   Mark as sold

   After the deal the seller marks the listing as sold and may disclose the price — that builds the sold archive that helps everyone judge the market.

What you need

CSDD sets the exact list of documents, and it differs depending on whether the plate is held in reserve or fitted to a vehicle. You will usually need:

• Proof of identity for both parties — or authentication in the e-CSDD portal if you are handling it remotely.
• The vehicle registration certificate, if the plate is currently fitted to a car.
• Authorisation from the leasing company or the business, if the vehicle is not registered to a private individual.

Costs

There are two separate amounts in a deal: the price the buyer and seller agree on, and the CSDD service fee for the re-registration or reservation. The CSDD fee is set by its current price list — always check the live rates on csdd.lv.

vnz.lv takes no commission on the deal. The only fee on our side is publishing the listing, and the full price of the plate goes to the seller.

Common mistakes

• Paying before the re-registration. It is safer to meet in person and settle up at the moment the CSDD registration is complete.
• Forgetting the car still needs a plate. If the plate being sold is currently on a vehicle, the seller must arrange another plate first or deregister the vehicle.
• Not checking who the vehicle is registered to. If the car is leased or held by a company, the decision belongs to the owner, not the everyday driver.
• Not marking the listing as sold. It misleads the next buyers and stops the market from seeing real prices.

Frequently asked questions

Can a plate be sold without the car?

Yes. In Latvia a number plate belongs to a person rather than to a particular vehicle, and it can be held in CSDD reserve. A reserved plate can be re-registered to another person with no car involved at all.

What does transferring a plate cost?

The buyer pays two separate amounts: the price agreed with the seller, and the CSDD service fee. The CSDD fee is set by its current price list on csdd.lv. vnz.lv takes nothing from the deal.

Is vnz.lv a party to the deal?

No. vnz.lv is a classifieds site — we put buyers and sellers in touch. The money, the paperwork and the plate transfer happen between the two parties and CSDD, with no involvement from us.

What if the car is on lease?

Then the vehicle is not registered to the person driving it, and changing the plate needs the leasing company's approval. Check who the vehicle is registered to before agreeing a price.

How long can a plate stay in reserve?

CSDD sets the reservation period and the rules for extending it. Check the current term on csdd.lv before buying, so you know how long the plate will stay reserved in your name.

Can I choose the plate myself?

Yes — CSDD offers personalised plates with a letter and number combination you pick. If you are after a plate that already exists, those are bought and sold here.