How to Buy a Motorcycle in Colombia as a Foreigner

Paperwork needed to buy a motorcycle in Colombia

Here is a list of the documentation needed to purchase a motorcycle in Colombia. 

RUNT Registration: National drivers database registration. This is completed by going to the following website and registering yourself in the system by clicking on the button (Registro Nacional de Conductores).   

To register in the RUNT system for the first time in Colombia, you must be present in person for fingerprinting and photos. This process typically takes 20–30 minutes but can extend to a few hours if done at a transit office.

If you’d like assistance to streamline the process, we offer a complete service for $250 USD or 1,000,000 COP, which includes an English-speaking support agent to guide you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out with any questions. 

SOAT:  Mandatory Transit Insurance Policy. This form can be updated and or purchased by local sales representatives. There are many points across the city that can provide this for you. Some are located near or within local service stations. If you are purchasing new, the dealership will take care of this process for you. SOAT is used to protect all persons involved in a motor vehicle accident in Colombia. It will cover ambulance fees as well as hospital bills in case of an injury. Whenever you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in Colombia, we always recommend that anyone involved goes to the hospital to be checked by a physician as well as receive x-rays and tests to report back to the transit system. 

Matricula: Vehicle Registration Card. This process is completed while submitting paperwork for a newly purchased vehicle from the dealership or when you submit the vehicle transfer paperwork with the transit office or representative helping you. The matricula is the card that legally represents the motorcycle as well as the legal owner of the motorcycle.  Make sure your name and full identity is correct when submitting this form and when you receive the documentation. 

Impuestos Anuales: Annual Property Taxes. In Colombia you will need to pay annual property taxes to the department the motorcycle is registered in. The cost of these taxes are based on the current value of the motorcycle. Motorcycles under 125cc do not pay for this property tax. Rate: (1.5%) annually. 

Traspaso de Propiedad: Required when buying or selling a used motorcycle. This is just the transfer paperwork when buying and selling a used motorcycle. They complete a form that transfers one owner to another in the RUNT system and the transit system. 

Poder Paperwork: Useful for selling your motorcycle if you need to leave. Poder means Power of Attorney. It is important that if you wish to sell your Colombian motorcycle and need to leave the country, or if you need help selling your motorcycle, or if you’re using a rental, you will need to give power of attorney (or Poder) to a legal representative that can help you with the process or give you access to cross borders on a motorcycle that does not belong to you. The power of attorney documents give the person helping you the power to sign all contracts for you.

Tecnomecanica: Annual Motorcycle Revision (required for motorcycles older than 2 years). You can complete your tecnomecanica at any local registered CDA Location across every major city in the country. To find one, google CDA in Google Maps or Google Search. Here are two articles that explain it in more detail: cdamotolista and grupor5. But for a quick summary, see these ten points below.  

1. What is the Technical Mechanical Review for Motorcycles?
It is a diagnosis of the technical-mechanical conditions and emissions done by experts at a Centro Diagnóstico Automotor (CDA) endorsed by the Ministry of Transport.

2. What is a CDA?
It is an entity, either public or private, dedicated to vehicle examinations, authorized by the Ministry of Transport and registered with RUNT.

3. Checking if a CDA is Approved by the Ministry of Transport:
Instructions on how to verify the approval status of CDAs in your city.

4. Frequency of Motorcycle Technical Mechanical Review:
First review at two years from registration, followed by annual reviews as per MinTransport regulations.

5. Importance of Technical Mechanical Review:
Crucial to prevent vehicle failures, ensure safety for you and passengers, and avoid accidents.

6. What to Prepare for Your Motorcycle’s Inspection:
Submit necessary documents, answer personal and vehicle-related questions, ensure your motorcycle is in good condition, pay the fee, and verify certificate details for accuracy.

7. What’s Inspected During Motorcycle Technical Mechanical Review:
Includes gas emission analysis, mechanical system evaluation, brake system test, light inspection, electrical system test, tire and wheel check, and steering and suspension evaluation.

8. Cost of Motorcycle Technical Mechanical Review
The average price in 2024 is around $220,000 Colombian Pesos (approximately $55 USD).

9. What to Do if Your Motorcycle Fails Inspection:
You can appeal the results if you disagree or have 15 days to make necessary repairs and recheck without extra cost.

10. Penalties for Driving with Expired Technical Mechanical Review:
Authorities can issue a fine equivalent to 15 daily minimum wages (around $523,000 COP) and immobilize the motorcycle.