Exporting a used car out of Singapore isn’t as simple as finding an overseas buyer. There is a regulated process, real costs, and a law change on the way that could affect how it works. Here are 10 things you need to know before you start.

1. You Need To Deregister Your Car To Export It

Before your car can leave Singapore, it has to be deregistered with LTA. You can check out how to deregister your car in our guide here. 

2. You Can Export A Car For Sale, Or For Personal Use Overseas

Exporting isn’t only for selling your car to someone else. You can also export your used car simply because you’re relocating and want to bring it with you. The two situations have different priorities: exporting for sale is about maximising your payout, while exporting for personal use is more about logistics, shipping method, import requirements at your destination, and timing your move.

Companies like Axpart International can facilitate both, whether you are selling your car for the best possible price, or you need help getting your own car shipped to your next home overseas.

3. Use A Direct Car Exporter Instead Of A Dealer

Many car exporters in Singapore don’t buy directly from individual owners. They typically work through intermediaries like scrap car dealer platforms and agents, especially for bulk export orders. Going through a dealer usually means an extra cut taken out of your payout.

Some exporters, like Axpart International, buy directly from individual sellers instead of requiring you to go through a dealer first. Going direct means one less party taking a cut of your car’s value. Hence, it is worth checking with at least a few car exporters in Singapore for a quote before confirming on one. 

4. The Payout For Your Used Car Has Two Separate Parts

What you receive for your car isn’t just one number. It is made up of:

• Paper value: Your PARF rebate (if your car is under 10 years old and hasn’t had its COE renewed) plus your COE rebate (a refund for unused COE time)
• Body value: What your car’s physical shell and parts are worth, based on weight, metal content, and condition

For a full breakdown, check out our guide on how to calculate your car’s scrap value here.

5. You Can Choose To Sell Outright, Or Keep Ownership And Claim Your Rebate Yourself

When working with an exporter, you generally have two options:

• Sell your car outright. The exporter takes over ownership, deregisters the car, and claims your PARF and COE rebate themselves. You get one lump sum from them, usually with a small cut deducted for handling everything upfront.
• Keep ownership and claim your rebate yourself. You stay the registered owner, deregister the car yourself, and claim your PARF and COE rebate directly from LTA. The exporter only pays you for your car’s body value, and should guide you through submitting your disposal documents.

Whichever you choose, ask your exporter to explain the full breakdown of your payout, not just hand you a single number.

6. There Is A Deadline To Submit Proof Of Export

Once you deregister, you generally have 1 month to submit proof of disposal (your export documents) to LTA. Miss this window, and you risk a fine of up to $2,000 or up to 3 months’ imprisonment for a first offence, rising to $5,000 or 6 months for repeat offenders. This is separate from, and less severe than, the penalty for keeping or using a deregistered vehicle, which carries a fine of up to $20,000 and/or 2 years’ imprisonment.

7. Exporting A Car Should Take Less Than A Month

According to Axpart International, the whole export process should typically take under a month. This matters, because LTA requires proof of disposal within 1 month of deregistering, or you risk a fine. 

If a buyer hasn’t been found yet, some exporters will store your car in an EPZ facility while they keep looking, so you still stay within the deadline.

8. A New Law Is Changing How Vehicle Export Works In Singapore

In September 2026, the Ministry of Transport, LTA, and the Singapore Police Force introduced a Bill to tighten rules on deregistered vehicles, after cases of deregistered vehicles found on the road jumped from 75 in 2024 to 245 in 2025. Among the proposed changes is the Authorised Exporter Scheme (AES), which would require deregistered vehicles to be handed to an LTA-Authorised Person (an authorised scrapyard, EPZ operator, or exporter) for disposal.

This matters because, under current rules, owners remain personally liable if a third party mishandles their export paperwork, even if they never touch the process themselves. The AES is designed to shift that liability off the owner once the vehicle is handed over to an authorised party. LTA has indicated a transition period of at least a year once the scheme takes effect, so it isn’t immediate, but it’s worth watching if you’re planning to export in the near future.

9. How To Make Sure You’re Getting A Fair Price If You’re Exporting For Sale

If you’re exporting to sell, a few things help you avoid a lowball offer

• Get quotes from more than one exporter or dealer. Check out this list of 9 car exporters here. Payout offers can vary noticeably between operators.
• Ask for a full breakdown of paper value vs. body value, rather than accepting a single lump-sum figure.
• Check whether they buy directly from individuals or route you through a dealer, since this can affect your final payout.
• Check reviews and credentials before handing over your car or documents.