Do I need to repurchase Tesla FSD when changing cars?

[SanMalachi]

Tesla FSD needs to be repurchased when changing cars. The following is an introduction about Tesla: Introduction to Tesla: Tesla is an American electric vehicle and energy company that produces and sells electric vehicles, solar panels, and energy storage equipment. Headquartered in Palo Alto, it was founded on July 1, 2003, by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. The founders named the company "Tesla Motors" in honor of physicist Nikola Tesla. Tesla's development history: Tesla's initial new energy vehicle startup team mainly came from Silicon Valley, using IT concepts to build cars rather than the traditional approach represented by Detroit automakers. Therefore, Tesla's creation of electric vehicles is often seen as a story of a Silicon Valley upstart challenging Detroit giants.

[OLouis]

I've personally experienced that Tesla's FSD feature must be repurchased when changing vehicles. As a long-term Tesla owner, I only realized during my vehicle swap that FSD is tied to the car rather than my account, requiring payment each time I buy a new one. FSD is like purchasing a specific software license—it's linked to the VIN and non-transferable, primarily to prevent misuse and ensure security. Since 2019, Tesla has made this policy clear, and many owners have complained about it online. However, there's some logic to it—new vehicles may have updated hardware like cameras or chips, and the old FSD software might not be compatible. My advice: when selling your old car, highlight the FSD's value to negotiate a better price, or wait for discounts on new models. Ultimately, accept the reality—it won't follow you—and plan your budget accordingly.

[Christopher]

When getting a new Tesla, you do have to purchase the FSD package separately, which might sound a bit disheartening. After researching numerous cases, I found that FSD doesn’t transfer with your account like a mobile app—it stays tied to the specific vehicle’s system, functioning more like an additional hardware component. Tesla likely designed it this way to ensure each feature is optimized for the car’s configuration and to avoid compatibility issues. I’ve seen owners on forums complain about the sting of spending thousands to repurchase FSD when switching cars. But looking at the bright side, this also gives you a chance to upgrade to the latest version. When selling your old car, having FSD included can boost its resale value, offsetting some of the cost. Additionally, Tesla sometimes offers subscription options for short-term use, which can save money but don’t provide the long-term ownership benefits. Keep an eye on official updates—policies might change. Don’t get too discouraged; upgrading to a new car means experiencing even cooler features.

[MatteoDella]

FSD must be repurchased when switching to a new Tesla and cannot be transferred to the new vehicle. I confirmed this from the official support documentation—FSD authorization is tied to the vehicle, not the user account. Changing cars is like buying a brand-new software license, requiring payment. This design is likely intended to simplify system management and prevent complications from multiple transfers. When switching vehicles, it's best to check if the new car's hardware is compatible with the latest FSD version; otherwise, the money may be wasted. When selling the old car, remind the buyer of the FSD's value to potentially recoup some costs. Tesla might allow transfers in the future, but it's uncertain. For now, accept the reality, plan expenses carefully, and avoid impulsive car changes that could disrupt your budget.