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What is COE & How Does Bidding Work in Singapore?
In Singapore, you can’t just buy a car and drive away. A permit, known as the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), gives you the right to own a vehicle for 10 years. To obtain one, drivers need to bid for it twice a month in an auction where price depends entirely on supply and demand.
So if you’re intending to bid for a car but don’t know how, this guide will walk you through how COE bidding actually works, what it costs, and how to bid strategically.
Keep in mind that COE is just one part of the car ownership equation—you’ll also need comprehensive car insurance to protect your new investment.
So if you’re intending to bid for a car but don’t know how, this guide will walk you through how COE bidding actually works, what it costs, and how to bid strategically.
Keep in mind that COE is just one part of the car ownership equation—you’ll also need comprehensive car insurance to protect your new investment.
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How to Choose COE Categories?
With limited land and high population density, Singapore strictly controls how many vehicles can be on the road through the COE system. It keeps both vehicle numbers manageable while making car ownership more transparent through auction-based pricing.
However, before you bid, you need to know which COE category applies to your vehicle. Singapore has five categories, and bidding in the wrong one means overpaying… permanently. Here's how to identify yours.
However, before you bid, you need to know which COE category applies to your vehicle. Singapore has five categories, and bidding in the wrong one means overpaying… permanently. Here's how to identify yours.
| COE category | Vehicle type | Bid against | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Small cars (≤ 1,600cc, ≤ 97kW) & entry-level EVs | Other compact car buyers | $102,000–$125,000 |
| B | Premium cars (>1,600cc or >97kW), SUVs, larger EVs | Other high-spec car buyers | $105,000–$130,000 |
| C | Commercial vehicles & buses | Other business vehicle buyers | $75,000–$92,000 |
| D | Motorcycles | Other motorcycle buyers | $10,000–$15,000 |
| E | Any vehicle (except motorcycles) | Any non-motorcycle buyer | $113,000–$130,000 |
Disclaimer: Cost ranges reflect Jan–May 2026 COE bidding results from SGCarMart. Quota premiums fluctuate twice monthly based on demand and supply. Always check the LTA OneMotoring Portal for current rates before bidding.
How to Bid For a COE?
Ready to bid? Whether you’re going solo or using a dealer, here’s what the actual COE bidding process looks like:
Step 1
Check your eligibility
- Private bidding: Must be at least 18 years old, a Singaporean, PR, or eligibility entity (for businesses)
- Dealer bidding: If using a dealer, confirm they’re LTA-registered and clarify service fees upfront
Step 2
Prepare required documents
- Individual: NRIC/FIN, active bank account with sufficient funds, proof of address (if needed)
- Company: ACRA bizfile, company stamp, authorisation documents
- Third-party bidding: Letter of authorisation if bidding for someone else
Step 3
Decide dealer vs private bid
If using a dealer
⭐ Most Singapore car buyers choose this route.
A dealer manages the entire process from timing, documentation, payment, and troubleshooting. You pay a service fee but avoid the stress and technical risks.
If bidding privately
You have total control but must handle all steps yourself.
You must bear responsibility for timing errors, platform issues, and missed deadlines.
Step 4
Choose bidding platform
There are 2 main options:
-
OneMotoring (LTA) Open Bidding System:
- Offers up-to-date interface, real-time bid tracking, and digital convenience
- Requires Singpass MyInfo access and internet banking
-
ATMs at DBS/POSB, UOB, or OCBC:
- For those preferring physical interfaces
- Banking cut-off time applies
- No live updates
Step 5
Prepare your bid deposit
Deposit amounts:
- Cars (Categories A, B, E): $10,000
- Motorcycles (Category D): $1,000
- Goods vehicles (Category C): $10,000
This deposit is fully refundable if your bid is unsuccessful. Confirm your bank's transaction limits can accommodate this amount.
Step 6
Understanding bidding timelines
- COE bidding runs twice monthly, usually on the 1st and 3rd Monday.
- Sessions open at 12pm, noon (Day 1) and close at 4pm (Day 3).
- 💡 Reserve price: Set the maximum you're willing to pay. You can revise the bid upwards during the session, but not downwards.
- ⚠️ Avoid last-minute bidding. System congestion near the 4pm deadline can cause payment delays and submission failures.
Step 7
Enter and confirm your bid
Before submitting, double-check three things:
- Your vehicle category (wrong category can't be reversed)
- Your reserve price amount
- All bidder details
Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation receipt. If anything seems wrong (e.g. no confirmation, transaction failure, or incorrect amount), contact your bank or OneMotoring support immediately.
Step 8
Wait for results
Final results are typically published after the session closes on the third day (after 4pm Wednesday). How you track results depends on your bidding method:
- OneMotoring: Monitor live bid status updates in real-time
- ATM: Check results after publication (no live tracking)
- Dealer-assisted: Your dealer will inform you and advise on next steps
- Private bidder: Check the OneMotoring portal directly
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What to Do After COE Bidding Ends?
✅ If successful
Congratulations, now it’s time to act fast to meet your COE deadlines!
Immediately
- Pay the remaining quota premium balance within 1 month
- Use our MoneySmart car insurance comparison tool to secure comprehensive coverage before vehicle registration
Within 6 months
- Complete vehicle registration with LTA
- Conduct vehicle inspection if it’s used or parallel-imported
- Collect vehicle log card
Ensure you have these key documents throughout the process:
- COE award letter
- NRIC/FIN
- Proof of address
- Car insurance certificate
- Payment receipts
❌ If unsuccessful
While it’s normal to be disappointed, fret not; there’s a next round two weeks later.
Immediately
Expect your bid deposit to automatically return within 1–3 business days to your bidding account.
Next steps
- Review your bidding strategy: Was your reserve price too conservative? Did the quota shrink unexpectedly?
- Update documents if needed i.e. NRIC, proof of address, bank account, etc.
- Regroup with your dealer if using one & clarify their timing for the next round.
💡 If your bid failed due to a technical error or system disruption, you may appeal to LTA within 7 days of result. Do include your bid receipt and evidence of error.
COE Costs, Renewal Fees & Rebates: Breakdown
COE ownership involves multiple costs across its 10-year (or longer) lifespan. Understanding these helps you budget realistically and plan your exit strategy.
Upfront COE costs
The bid deposit ($10,000 for cars, $1,000 for motorcycles) is your entry fee. If you win, it's deducted from your quota premium. If you lose, you get it back within days.
The quota premium (QP) is the actual COE cost. It's the market-set price from the auction. If Category A's QP is $85,200, that's what all successful bidders pay, regardless of how high they bid.
Add a small admin fee ($10–$30 per bid, non-refundable) and mandatory car insurance ($800–$1,200/year for basic; $1,500–$3,000+/year for comprehensive).
COE renewal: 10-year vs 5-year options
After 10 years, you face a choice: renew for another 10 years or opt for a 5-year renewal at half cost. Your COE renewal cost is based on the Prevailing Quota Premium (PQP)—the moving average of the last three months' quota premiums in your category.
If the PQP is $85,000, here are your renewal options:
- 10-year renewal: $85,000
- 5-year renewal: $42,500 (half the 10-year PQP cost)
⚠️ However, be mindful of the trade-off: a 5-year renewal might be cheaper now, but you cannot renew again. After year 15, you must deregister your car. Choose the 10-year path if you plan to keep driving beyond year 15.
COE & PARF rebates
Deregister early and you get a pro-rated refund.
To calculate, simply multiply your COE payment by the number of unused months divided by 120 (the total COE lifespan). For e.g., if you paid $85,200 and deregister with 36 months remaining:
$85,200 × (36 ÷ 120) = $25,560.
You may also qualify for a PARF rebate (from your Additional Registration Fee):
- Deregister within 5 years: 75% PARF rebate
- 5–6 years: 70% PARF rebate
- 6–7 years: 65% PARF rebate
- 7–8 years: 60% PARF rebate
- 8–9 years: 55% PARF rebate
- 9–10 years: 50% PARF rebate
- Over 10 years: No PARF rebate
Both rebates are processed within a month and credited to your account or offset against a new vehicle purchase.
Best Car Insurance To Consider While Bidding For COE
FAQs About COE Bidding in Singapore
How does COE bidding work?
- You submit a reserve price (your maximum bid) during the scheduled bidding window. The system allocates COEs to the highest bidders up to the available quota, with all successful bidders paying the same Quota Premium.
Should I bid myself or use a dealer?
- Private bidding (via OneMotoring or bank ATM) gives you control but requires handling all details. Dealer bidding is simpler: they manage the process and paperwork for a service fee, and most Singapore car buyers choose this option.
What happens if my bid fails?
- Your full deposit refunds within 1–3 business days. You can bid again in the next round (two weeks later) with a revised strategy.
Can I change my reserve price or category after submitting?
- No. You can only revise your reserve price upwards during the active bidding session; category and downward revisions are not allowed.
What are the critical deadlines for COE bidding?
COE bidding runs twice monthly, typically on the 1st and 3rd Monday. Hence, bidding will typically run from Monday (12pm, noon) to Wednesday (4pm). Thereafter,
- Vehicle registration must be completed within 6 months of winning by providing your COE, insurance details, and vehicle information
- Payment of balance is due within 1 month
- Appeals for technical errors must be filed within 7 days
Where do I find current COE prices and bidding results?
- Check the LTA OneMotoring Portal for real-time results, upcoming schedules, and historical data.
Can I transfer or sell my COE to someone else?
- Only Category C and E COEs won by individuals can be transferred once to another individual. All other categories and company-won COEs cannot be transferred.
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