How to buy and sell safely

Before you see the car

• Look the car up in Motorregistret using the licence plate: check the inspection date, road tax and whether there is outstanding finance (tinglysning.dk → the Danish car register of charges).
• Compare the price with similar cars on BilPorten. If it is markedly cheaper, ask why.

When you see the car

• Meet the seller at the seller's address — never in a car park.
• Ask to see the registration certificate (parts 1 and 2) and check that the VIN matches the car.
• Take a test drive on both country roads and the motorway. Listen for odd noises, check the brakes and the gearbox.
• Consider an independent inspection at FDM or a garage — it typically costs DKK 1,000–1,500 and can save you expensive surprises.

Payment and paperwork

• Never pay in advance or a deposit to “reserve” the car.
• Pay by bank transfer or MobilePay when you are standing there with the car and the paperwork. Put the sale in writing (FDM has a free template).
• Re-register the car in the Danish vehicle register straight away — otherwise the seller is still liable.

Typical signs of fraud

• The seller is “abroad” and wants to ship the car against advance payment.
• The price is far below the market and the seller is pushing for a quick deal.
• The seller will not show the registration certificate or let you see the car in person.