Car Sale Contract in Egypt: Template, Registered Contract and How It Differs from a Power of Attorney

When buying a used car in Egypt, paying the price and taking the keys or signing a piece of paper between seller and buyer is not enough. There are important differences between a preliminary car sale contract, a registered sale contract, a power of attorney to sell the car, and transferring ownership registration at the traffic department. Confusing these procedures can leave the car registered in the seller's name even after the buyer has taken possession of it.

In short, the sale contract proves the agreement between the parties, the power of attorney authorises someone to act on the owner's behalf, while completing the registration transfer at the traffic department is the step that registers and licenses the car in the new owner's name. Digital Egypt offers two separate services, drafting a vehicle sale contract and drafting a vehicle sale power of attorney, while the Public Services Guide lists vehicle ownership transfer among the General Traffic Department's services. (Digital Egypt) (Public Services Guide)

Note: the information and template in this guide are for general educational purposes and are not legal advice or an approved government form. Consult a lawyer in cases involving instalments, liens, multiple owners, inheritance, chained powers of attorney, or a dispute over the car.

What Is a Car Sale Contract?

A car sale contract is an agreement under which the seller undertakes to hand over the car and transfer the related rights according to legal procedures, in return for the buyer paying the agreed price.

At a minimum, the contract should specify:

• Seller and buyer details.
• Detailed car details.
• The source of the seller's ownership of the car.
• The price and payment method.
• The amount paid and the balance, if any.
• Date and time of handover.
• The car's condition and disclosed defects.
• Documents and keys handed to the buyer.
• Both parties' commitment to complete notarisation and registration transfer.
• Both parties' signatures on every page of the contract.

Including these details does not automatically make the document a registered contract. The contract may be preliminary or informal between the parties, or it may be officially drafted or notarised through the competent authority.

Preliminary Contract vs Registered Contract vs Power of Attorney

Document or procedure	Purpose	Records the deal terms?	Grants authority?	Means a licence in the buyer's name?
Preliminary sale contract	Proves the agreement, price, handover and terms	Yes	No	No
Registered or notarised car sale contract	Officially notarises the sale document	Yes	No	No, traffic procedures must be completed
Car sale power of attorney	Authorises the agent to exercise specific powers on the owner's behalf	Does not serve the same function as a sale contract	Yes	No
Ownership registration transfer at traffic	Registers and licenses the vehicle in the new owner's name	Not a contract	Not a power of attorney	Aims to register it in the new owner's name

The structure of official services confirms this distinction: Digital Egypt offers one service for drafting a vehicle sale contract and a separate service for drafting a vehicle sale power of attorney. The Public Services Guide also lists vehicle ownership transfer as a separate traffic service.

Preliminary sale contract

This is the contract the two parties write to document their agreement before completing official procedures. It can include the price, the car's condition, the handover date and each party's obligations.

A preliminary contract helps prove the details of the deal, but it is not enough on its own to complete registration of the car in the buyer's name at the traffic department. Published sources on car sale documents explain that a preliminary contract can be useful for proving the agreement, but an official ownership transfer requires a notarised document that can be used in traffic procedures.

Registered car sale contract

A “registered car contract” usually means the official sale document notarised through the competent notary office or branch.

Digital Egypt offers a “Draft a vehicle sale contract” service through which you can start an application and choose a notary office or branch. But you must keep the application number and go to the chosen branch on the specified day and time to complete the service. (Digital Egypt)

Having a registered contract does not by itself mean the licence is now in the buyer's name. After notarising the sale, the car's ownership registration transfer must be completed at the traffic department.

Car sale power of attorney

A car sale power of attorney is a document by which the car owner grants another person specific powers to act on their behalf, according to the text of the power of attorney.

So the power of attorney and the sale contract should not be treated as a single document:

• The contract records the sale agreement and its terms.
• The power of attorney defines what the agent can do on the principal's behalf.
• The registration transfer completes registration of the vehicle at the traffic department in its new owner's name.

Read the text of the power of attorney itself to understand the agent's powers, rather than relying on its short title or a verbal description from the seller.

Which Is Better: a Registered Contract or a Power of Attorney?

If the goal is to buy the car and register it in the buyer's name, the most complete route is:

1. Verify the car, its owner's identity and its documents.
2. Write a contract proving the actual agreement, price and handover.
3. Notarise the sale document through the appropriate official channel.
4. Complete the ownership registration transfer at the traffic department.
5. Obtain the vehicle licence in the new owner's name.

A power of attorney is suitable when the owner needs to authorise someone to carry out certain procedures on their behalf. But it should not become a permanent substitute for completing the ownership transfer.

The Public Services Guide lists “Obtaining a vehicle ownership transfer” as a separate traffic service, which shows that drafting a contract or power of attorney is not, on its own, the end of the process.

Car Sale Contract Template in Egypt

You can copy the template below and adapt it to your deal. Don't sign the contract before confirming all details are correct, and don't leave any financial or technical field blank.

Preliminary car sale contract template

On the day of:......................
Date:....../....../..........
Governorate:......................

It has been agreed and consented between:

First: the seller

Mr/Ms ................................................................
Nationality ................................................................
National ID number ................................................................
Address as shown on ID ................................................................
Phone number ................................................................

Referred to in this contract as “the First Party” or “the Seller”.

Second: the buyer

Mr/Ms ................................................................
Nationality ................................................................
National ID number ................................................................
Address as shown on ID ................................................................
Phone number ................................................................

Referred to in this contract as “the Second Party” or “the Buyer”.

Both parties having acknowledged their legal capacity to contract and dispose, they have agreed on the following clauses:

Clause 1: Subject of the sale

The First Party has sold, relinquished and transferred to the Second Party, who accepts, the car described below:

• Make: ......................
• Model or trim: ......................
• Year of manufacture: ......................
• Colour: ......................
• Plate number: ......................
• Chassis number: ......................
• Engine number: ......................
• Engine displacement: ......................
• Fuel type: ......................
• Vehicle licence number: ......................
• Traffic unit the car is registered with: ......................
• Licence expiry date: ....../....../..........
• Odometer reading at the time of agreement: ...................... km
• Any additional details: ......................

Both parties acknowledge that these details were checked against the car's licence and the documents available when the contract was signed.

Clause 2: Ownership of the car

The First Party acknowledges being the legal owner of the car, or the person with legal capacity to dispose of it, and that the document proving ownership or capacity is:

................................................................
................................................................

If the sale is made under a power of attorney, write the following details:

• Power of attorney number: ......................
• Year: ......................
• Notary office: ......................
• Principal's name: ......................
• Agent's name: ......................
• Relevant powers: ......................

Clause 3: Price of the car

This sale is made for a total price of:

In figures: ...................... Egyptian pounds.

In words: ................................................................
................................................................ Egyptian pounds only.

Clause 4: Payment method

Choose the wording that reflects the actual payment and delete the unused options:

Option 1: full payment

The First Party acknowledges receiving the full price of the car from the Second Party at the signing of this contract by:

• Cash.
• Bank transfer.
• Bank cheque.
• Other method: ......................

Transfer or cheque number, if any: ......................
Transaction date: ....../....../..........

The First Party's signature on this contract is an acknowledgement of receiving only the amount specified in this clause.

Option 2: down payment with a remaining balance

The Second Party has paid ...................... Egyptian pounds, and a balance of ...................... Egyptian pounds remains.

The balance will be paid as follows:

................................................................
................................................................

Do not write that the car is “fully paid” if part of the price is still outstanding.

Clause 5: Condition of the car

The Second Party acknowledges having inspected the car sufficiently to know its visible condition at the time of contracting.

The First Party also acknowledges having disclosed the following notes or defects to the buyer:

1. ................................................................
2. ................................................................
3. ................................................................
4. ................................................................

This clause does not prevent the parties from writing any specific warranties or obligations they have expressly agreed on:

................................................................
................................................................

Clause 6: Legal and financial restrictions

Based on the documents and information available, the First Party acknowledges that:

• The car details in the contract match the documents provided.
• They have disclosed any lien, sale ban or third-party right they know of.
• They have disclosed any existing legal dispute concerning ownership of the car.
• They have disclosed any instalments or financial obligations linked to the car, if any.

Any existing restrictions are written here:

................................................................
................................................................

If the car is subject to a lien, sale ban or existing financing, don't use general wording stating it is free of restrictions; the restriction must be specified and legally reviewed before completing the deal.

Clause 7: Fines and dues

The parties agree that fines and dues relating to the car up to the date and time of handover stated in the handover record will be borne by:

................................................................

They also agree that fines and use after handover will be borne by:

................................................................

This private agreement does not replace completing the required procedures with the competent authorities.

Clause 8: Handover of the car

The car will be handed over to the Second Party on:

• Date: ....../....../..........
• Time: ......................
• Place: ......................

The parties will draw up a separate handover record, or one attached to this contract, showing the car's condition, odometer reading, keys, documents and amounts paid at handover.

Clause 9: Documents and attachments

At handover, the First Party will give the Second Party the following agreed documents:

• Original car licence, as applicable.
• Data certificate, if any.
• Previous documents relating to ownership or disposal, as applicable.
• Original power of attorney or documents proving capacity, as applicable.
• Fines certificate or clearance certificate, if any.
• Agreed payment receipts.
• Number of car keys: ........
• Owner's or service manual, if any.
• Other documents or attachments: ......................

Clause 10: Notarisation and registration transfer

Both parties undertake to cooperate in completing the notarisation of the sale and the car's ownership registration transfer with the competent authorities, and to provide the correct documents required for this purpose.

The parties agree that notarisation and registration transfer fees and procedures will be borne by:

................................................................

The agreed date for completing the procedures is:

....../....../..........

Clause 11: Notices

The addresses shown at the top of the contract are the chosen addresses for correspondence about this agreement, and each party must notify the other in writing of any change.

Clause 12: Copies of the contract

This contract is made in ........ original copies, one for each party to act upon, with the remaining copies allocated to the agreed procedures.

Seller's signature:
Name ................................................................
Signature ................................................................

Buyer's signature:
Name ................................................................
Signature ................................................................

First witness, if any:
Name ................................................................
National ID number ................................................................
Signature ................................................................

Second witness, if any:
Name ................................................................
National ID number ................................................................
Signature ................................................................

Car Handover Record (Annex)

A handover record helps establish the moment possession of the car actually changed hands, especially if the handover date differs from the contract signing date.

On the day of:......................
Date:....../....../..........
Time:......................

Mr/Ms ......................, as the seller, acknowledges having handed over the car that is the subject of the sale contract dated ....../....../.......... to Mr/Ms ......................, as the buyer.

The buyer also acknowledges receiving the car according to the details and condition shown below:

• Plate number: ......................
• Chassis number: ......................
• Engine number: ......................
• Odometer reading: ...................... km
• Approximate fuel level: ......................
• Number of keys received: ......................
• Documents received: ......................
• Accessories received: ......................
• Defects or notes at handover: ......................
• Amount paid at handover: ......................
• Remaining balance, if any: ......................

Photos of the car at handover attached: Yes / No.

Seller's signature: ......................
Buyer's signature: ......................
Witness signature, if any: ......................

What Details Should You Check Before Signing a Car Sale Contract?

The contract details must match the car, its licence and the official documents, especially:

• Owner's name on the licence.
• Seller's national ID number.
• Plate number.
• Chassis number.
• Engine number.
• Make and model.
• Year of manufacture.
• Colour.
• Traffic unit.
• Licence expiry date.
• Power of attorney details, if the sale is made through an agent.

Digital Egypt states that the vehicle details shown in the service come electronically from the traffic department, and that any difference between them and reality requires going to the traffic unit to correct the data.

So don't ignore any discrepancy in the engine or chassis number, the owner or other essential details.

Requirements for Drafting a Vehicle Sale Contract via Digital Egypt

According to the Digital Egypt service page for drafting a vehicle sale contract:

• The applicant must be at least 21 years old.
• Both parties' national ID cards must be valid.
• The second party's national ID number must be entered.
• The applicant must be one of the first parties to the document.
• Vehicle details come electronically from the traffic department.
• The published online service is limited to private cars with new letter-and-number plates.
• The document cannot be made for more than one second party through the platform.
• You must keep the application number and go to the chosen notary office or branch at the specified time.

The same official page contains references to “motorcycle” within the conditions of a service titled “Draft a vehicle sale contract”. So if your car or situation doesn't clearly match the published conditions, check with the official service or notary office rather than assuming the application will be accepted online.

How to Start a Car Sale Contract Application Online

You can start the application through Digital Egypt's vehicle sale contract service. The official page mentions entering the second party's details, reviewing the vehicle data received electronically from the traffic department, choosing a notary office or branch, then keeping the application number and attending on the specified day and time.

This means the service helps you start the application and organise your visit, but does not remove the need to attend the notary branch under the published conditions.

Requirements for a Car Sale Power of Attorney

Digital Egypt offers a separate service called “Draft a vehicle sale power of attorney”. Its published conditions include:

• The applicant must be at least 21 years old.
• The vehicle licence must be valid.
• The vehicle must be owned by a single citizen and not shared between several people.
• Both parties' national ID cards must be valid.
• The second party's national ID number must be entered.
• The applicant must be one of the first parties to the document.
• The vehicle must be a private car with new letter-and-number plates.
• Attending the chosen notary office or branch at the specified time.

Egypt Services Centre lists the following documents for a special power of attorney to sell a car:

• The principal's original valid national ID card.
• The valid car licence.
• Or a recent data certificate from the traffic department, no more than one month old, if the licence has expired and been withdrawn.
• The agent's name, occupation, address and nationality. (Egypt Services)

There is a difference between the two routes here: the Digital Egypt page requires a valid licence for the online service, while Egypt Services lists a recent data certificate as an alternative for the in-person service when the licence has expired.

Does a Power of Attorney Prove Ownership of the Car?

A power of attorney should not be treated as equivalent to a car licence in the buyer's name.

It proves that the principal has granted the agent specific authority and powers. The sale contract proves the agreement, and the ownership registration transfer at the traffic department aims to register the vehicle in the new owner's name.

So you need to check three separate things:

1. Has the car actually been sold under a clear contract?
2. Does the agent have the required power to dispose of it?
3. Has the registration transfer been completed and the licence issued in the new owner's name?

Power of Attorney to Manage vs to Sell a Car

A power of attorney to manage a car does not automatically mean the agent has the right to sell it. The powers are defined by the text written in the document.

Before accepting any power of attorney:

• Read the full text.
• Check the principal's and agent's details.
• Match the car details.
• Check with the notary office that issued it.
• Check the powers relating to sale, signing and procedures.
• Don't rely on the phrase “car power of attorney” alone.
• Review any previous powers of attorney linked to the disposal.

If the wording is unclear, have it legally reviewed before paying the full price.

Cost of a Car Sale Power of Attorney at the Notary Office

There is no single figure that can be considered a fixed price for all car sale powers of attorney.

Egypt Services Centre lists the documents required for the service, but the open page reviewed does not show the current fee.

On 2 February 2025, Al-Ahram Gate reported that the service fee was EGP 20, plus a proportional fee based on the model, type, number of cylinders and value of the car. By contrast, other pages show a figure of EGP 10 without a clear effective date appearing in search results. So neither should be treated as the October 2026 price without checking the official service directly.

In practice, check the cost shown when you submit your application or the amount set at the notary office, as it may include a service fee and a proportional fee based on the vehicle's details.

Cost of a Registered Car Contract in 2026

There is no single “registered contract price” for all cars. Fees vary according to the vehicle's details and the value used to calculate the fee.

Reports on the 2026 schedules indicate that ownership transfer fees are calculated using guideline values representing a minimum vehicle value for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2026, and that fees depend on the car type, model or year of manufacture, and engine capacity or classification.

Several reports also state that the notarisation fee is calculated at about 2% of the car's guideline value, not necessarily the price written in the contract between the parties. However, the open Digital Egypt service pages reviewed do not show this percentage directly before logging in. So the 2% figure should be treated as coming from published reports on the 2026 schedules, and the actual amount should be checked when applying.

To find the correct cost for your car, you will usually need details such as:

• Car type.
• Locally assembled or imported.
• Make and model.
• Year of manufacture or model year.
• Engine capacity.
• The vehicle's category.
• The guideline value applied to it.

Documents to Prepare Before Selling a Car

Required documents vary depending on how the procedure is completed and the status of the licence and car, but a practical list includes:

• The seller's valid national ID.
• The buyer's valid national ID.
• The valid car licence.
• A recent data certificate if requested.
• A document proving the seller's capacity if they are not the registered owner.
• The original power of attorney when acting through an agent.
• Previous powers of attorney, if any.
• Lien or ban-removal documents, as applicable.
• Full car details.
• The preliminary sale contract or agreement document.
• Proof of payment.
• The handover record.
• Copies of all documents to keep.

Having one document from this list does not mean the car's file is automatically complete; requirements change depending on the case and the chosen procedure.

Common Mistakes When Writing a Car Sale Contract

Writing “fully paid” before receiving the full amount

The seller should not sign an acknowledgement of receiving the full price if part remains outstanding or a cheque has not yet cleared.

Not recording the payment method

Write the amount, payment method and transfer or cheque number and date, where applicable.

Leaving car details incomplete

The chassis, engine and plate numbers are among the most important identifiers of a car; writing only the make and model is not enough.

Not specifying the handover time

Writing only the day may not be enough to settle responsibility for use of the car on handover day. It is better to write the date and time.

Not writing down known defects

Record the defects disclosed by the seller instead of relying on a general statement about the inspection.

Relying on a preliminary contract without completing procedures

The contract proves the details of the agreement, but does not on its own mean the traffic file has moved to the buyer's name.

Treating a power of attorney as a sale contract

A power of attorney is an authorisation, while a sale contract records the parties' agreement. Each has a different function.

Accepting a chain of powers of attorney without review

Any gap or problem in the capacity of one of the parties can hold up the procedures. The original powers of attorney, their sequence and their powers must be checked.

Ignoring a lien or sale ban

If the car is financed, pledged or subject to a disposal ban, the restriction must be resolved appropriately before completing the sale.

What If the Car Licence Has Expired?

Among the documents for a car sale power of attorney, Egypt Services Centre allows a recent data certificate, no more than one month old, from the traffic department when the licence has expired and been withdrawn.

But the Digital Egypt power of attorney service requires the vehicle licence to be valid. So the available route may differ depending on the licence status and how the service is requested.

Don't assume a data certificate solves every case automatically. Check with the traffic unit or notary office depending on the required procedure.

When Do You Need a Lawyer?

Get specialist legal review before completing the sale in the following cases:

• The car has outstanding instalments or financing.
• There is a lien or sale ban.
• The sale is made through an agent.
• There is more than one previous power of attorney.
• The car is owned by heirs.
• There are multiple owners.
• The car is owned by, or will be sold to, a company.
• The engine or chassis number does not match.
• The sale is in instalments or includes a retention-of-title clause.
• There is a court dispute.
• A minor or guardianship is involved.
• One party refuses to attend or complete the procedures.
• You are asked to pay the full price before the documents are verified.

Checklist Before Signing a Car Sale Contract

• I have verified the seller's identity.
• I have matched the seller's name with the owner's name on the licence or proof of capacity.
• I have reviewed the car licence.
• I have matched the chassis, engine and plate numbers.
• I have checked the validity of the power of attorney and the agent's powers, if any.
• I have checked for any lien or sale ban.
• I have had the car technically inspected.
• I have recorded the agreed defects in writing.
• I have written the price in figures and words.
• I have specified the payment method.
• I have not written “fully paid” until actual payment.
• I have specified the handover date and time.
• I have prepared a handover record.
• I have kept proof of payment.
• Both parties have signed every page.
• I have agreed with the other party who bears the fees.
• I have set a date for completing notarisation and registration transfer.
• Each party has kept an original copy of the contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a preliminary car sale contract enough?

It is enough to record the terms of the agreement between the parties, but not enough on its own to complete all registration transfer procedures at the traffic department. Official bodies offer separate services for drafting the sale contract and transferring vehicle ownership registration.

Does a registered contract mean the car is now in the buyer's name?

A notarised or registered contract is an official document in the sale process, but the registration transfer must be completed at the traffic department to issue the licence in the new owner's name.

Can you make a car sale contract online?

Digital Egypt lets you start the vehicle sale contract service online under specific conditions, but the official page requires keeping the application number and attending the chosen notary office or branch at the specified time.

Does a car sale power of attorney transfer ownership?

A power of attorney grants the agent specific powers to act on the principal's behalf. It should not be considered a substitute for a sale contract and completing the car's registration transfer at the traffic department.

How much does a car sale power of attorney cost?

The open Egypt Services Centre page did not show a current price for the service. Secondary sources contain old or conflicting figures, so check the cost when applying or at the notary office.

How much does a registered car contract cost?

There is no single price. Fees vary according to the car's details and the guideline value applied to it, including type, model, year of manufacture and engine capacity.

Are two witnesses required?

Witnesses can help prove the signing and the agreement, but the guidance template does not establish a uniform legal requirement for every case. Ask the notary office or a lawyer about the requirements for your transaction.

Should I write the real price in the contract?

Write the actual agreed price, the amounts paid and the payment method. Don't write incorrect financial details to reduce fees; reports on the 2026 schedules indicate that official guideline values are used when calculating fees.

What if the buyer doesn't transfer ownership?

Don't rely from the outset on a verbal promise to transfer ownership later. Write a clear date for completing the procedures, and keep a copy of the contract, the handover record, proof of payment and related documents. If a dispute does arise, get legal advice based on the deal documents.

Can you sell a car with an expired licence?

The in-person power of attorney service allows a recent data certificate when the licence has expired, while the Digital Egypt service requires a valid licence for the online power of attorney. So the route depends on the procedure and the car's actual status.

Conclusion

A car sale contract is not just a receipt for the vehicle's price. A good contract should specify the identity of both parties, the car details, the price, payment, technical condition, restrictions, handover date and the documents passed to the buyer.

But even a carefully written contract should not be the end of the process. Always distinguish between:

• The preliminary contract: proves the agreement between seller and buyer.
• The registered contract: officially notarises the sale document.
• The car sale power of attorney: grants the agent specific powers.
• The ownership registration transfer: completes registration of the car at the traffic department in the new owner's name.

Digital Egypt offers separate services for drafting a vehicle sale contract and a vehicle sale power of attorney, while there is a separate service for transferring vehicle ownership registration at the traffic department. So don't rely on a single piece of paper or a verbal promise, and don't delay the registration transfer after receiving the car.