
No, Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability is generally not transferable to a new vehicle. It is permanently tied to the specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the car it was purchased on. This is a long-standing policy outlined in Tesla's terms of service. When you sell or trade in your Tesla, the FSD package remains with the car, potentially increasing its resale value, but you cannot apply that purchase to a new Tesla you buy.
The reasoning behind this is that FSD is considered a feature of the car itself, much like a premium sound system or upgraded wheels. It's part of that vehicle's software configuration. However, Tesla has occasionally run limited-time promotions that allow for a one-time transfer. These are not the standard policy and are used as incentives during specific sales periods. You must actively check Tesla's official announcements or contact your local Tesla representative to see if such a promotion is active.
If you are planning to upgrade your Tesla, you should budget for purchasing FSD again on your new vehicle. The cost of the package has fluctuated over time, so the price for a new car may be different from what you originally paid.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Policy | FSD is non-transferable; stays with the original vehicle. |
| Promotional Exceptions | Rare, limited-time transfer offers have occurred (e.g., Q3 2023). |
| Resale Value Impact | FSD typically increases the used car's value, but not by its full retail price. |
| Official Channel | Policy confirmation must come directly from Tesla's website or service center. |
| Alternative | Tesla's monthly FSD subscription can be canceled on the old car and started on a new one. |
Your best course of action is to factor the cost of a new FSD purchase into your decision to upgrade. If you are buying a used Tesla, always verify with the seller and, if possible, through the car's software screen that the FSD capability is active and included.

Nope, it stays with the car. I found out the hard way when I traded my Model 3 for a Model Y. I thought since I paid for it, it was mine. But it's licensed to the car, like a piece of equipment. The only time I've heard of it working is during a special sale they had last year. You gotta check their website for those rare deals. Otherwise, plan on buying it again.

As a rule, FSD is not a transferable license. It's a purchase attached to the vehicle's software, not your personal Tesla account. Think of it as buying a specific feature for that specific car. While Tesla has experimented with limited transfer promotions to stimulate new orders, these are exceptions, not the norm. Always base your financial planning on the assumption that you will need to repurchase the package when you acquire a new vehicle.

It's locked to the VIN. I've read the terms of service thoroughly. The software is considered part of the car's architecture. This policy protects Tesla's revenue model, as FSD is a significant high-margin product. While customer desire for transferability is high, the company's financial incentives align with selling it anew each time. Promotional transfers are strategic tools, not a change in core policy. For the consumer, this means the decision to buy FSD outright is a long-term commitment to that specific vehicle.

Generally, it does not transfer. When you buy FSD, you're buying it for that particular car, forever. When you sell the car, the next owner gets the benefit. I look at it as an investment in the car's long-term value rather than a personal asset I can move around. If you're someone who upgrades cars every few years, the monthly subscription might be a more flexible option to consider, even if it costs more over a very long ownership period. It gives you the freedom to stop and start with different vehicles.


