Paperwork and transfer of an asset won at auction

Winning the lot is half the journey. The other half is the paperwork — and it has deadlines that, if missed, trigger fines. This guide covers vehicles and property in Brazil.

Vehicles: what you receive

• Sale note issued by the auctioneer, with your details and the amount.
• Transfer receipt (ATPV-e, or the older CRV) filled in by the previous owner or the selling institution, notarised where required.
• Inspection report, when the vehicle had medium damage.

Vehicles: deadlines and steps

1. Have the mandatory vehicle inspection done at a company accredited by your state's traffic department (Detran).
2. Settle any debts that are your responsibility under the terms (road tax, licensing, fines — check which).
3. File the transfer at the Detran or through an agent. The window is 30 days from the sale-note date; missing it triggers a late-transfer fine.
4. Receive the new registration document in your name.

Property: what you receive

In a judicial auction, the key document is the letter of award (or the award record signed by the judge), which serves as title for registration. In a federal direct sale (Comprei/PGFN), you receive the sale contract and, once paid off, the deed.

Property: deadlines and steps

1. Pay the transfer tax (ITBI) at the municipality where the property is located.
2. Take the letter of award or the deed to the competent Property Registry Office.
3. Once the registration is recorded on the title, the property is officially yours.
4. If the property is occupied, arrange repossession (may require a court action).

Keep everything

Keep digital and physical copies of: the terms, proof of payment for the lot and commission, the sale note/letter of award, tax receipts and the final document in your name. This set proves the lawful origin of the asset in any future resale.

About to take part in your first auction? Start with the step-by-step guide and see the available lots.