The Automotive Registries, created two decades ago, are in charge of patenting and documenting changes in ownership of vehicles that circulate throughout the national territory and have headquarters in all provinces. They operate under the orbit of the National Directorate of Automotive Property Registries (DNRPA), which depends on the Ministry of Justice. They are a state public service but privately administered. Currently, the registration of any vehicle in the automotive registry is mandatory and a fee set by the Executive must be paid, with some exceptions. But DNU 70 by Javier Milei introduces important changes, although matters related to records have not been regulated and require a digital adaptation that will take time.
National Directorate of the National Registries of Automotive Property and Pledge Credits.jpeg
The national government will eliminate 40% of Automotive Registries throughout the country.
Numbers
In Argentina there are 1,558 automotive registrations, according to the database of the National Directorate of Automotive Property Registries.
During 2023, more than three million procedures were carried out nationwide. On average, there were more than 250,000 procedures per month, 452,000 cars and 481,000 motorcycles were registered. In relation to transfers, 1,655,010 cars and 449,541 motorcycles were registered.
READ MORE: The national government will eliminate 40% of Automotive Registries throughout the country
Tasks
As explained by the Argentine Association of Automotive Property Registries (AAERPA), each procedure is reviewed and qualified by a professional Registrar and responds with their assets to any error.
This task prevents the purchase of stolen cars, the registration of twin cars, the insurance coverage being doubled and ensures the repair of the victim in the event of accidents or damage to motor vehicles.
READ MORE: Automotive Registries go on strike starting this Monday
Privately managed state
Automotive registries are state-owned, but privately administered, therefore, the employees are not public employees. The cost of the service they offer is the responsibility of the holders of each of the records, who cover all operating expenses, salaries and documentation provided to them by the National State.
In each section, domain registrations, modifications, extinctions, transfers and liens are made. Seizures, precautionary measures and complaints of robbery or theft are also recorded. The Ministry of Justice establishes the fees for the procedures and the prices of the forms, as well as the proportion of the income that must be allocated to the State, with predefined limits.
Automotive Registry patenting deputy Patricia Vázquez.jpg
Election of the holder of an Automotive Registration
Since 2003, there is a public competition to be in charge of an Automotive Registry. Only lawyers, notaries or public accountants can access the position and are appointed by the Minister of Justice.
When there is a vacant record, it is published in the Official Gazette and in the newspapers of the province or municipality where it is located. The Court that takes the exam for applicants is tripartite and is made up of a member from the Ministry of Justice, one from the National Directorate and one from the AAERPA.
What changes does the DNU establish?
Although progress remains to be made in its regulations, the Decree of Necessity and Urgency signed by the Executive in December 2023, contains 14 articles that propose modifications in the procedures carried out in automotive registries.
The most important thing has to do with all procedures becoming digital, including the delivery of identification cards, which will no longer expire until there are changes in the ownership of the vehicle.
The move towards a hybrid system, as proposed by the Argentine Association of Automotive Property Registries (AAERPA), adapts to the comforts and preferences of citizens. However, the computer situation of each of the sections of the automotive registries and those people who do not have access to the Internet or do not know how to use digital tools must be taken into account.
- Procedures become digital, including the delivery of identification cards
- The licenses will not expire until there are changes in the ownership of the vehicle.
- The existence of debts from fines and patents will not prevent a transfer from being made. Filing changes, duplicates of the automotive title and identification cards are simplified.
- Domain reports will not be required for the transfer process.
- To circulate it will only be necessary to show a driver’s license, green card and proof of payment of license plate.
- VTV up to date or insurance will not be required. Vehicles may not be detained if there is no report of theft or robbery or an order from a judicial authority.
