Transferring your Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability to a new Tesla can feel like navigating a complex maze, especially with Tesla's ever-evolving policies. But don't worry, we're here to help you understand the process and make it as smooth as possible! Let's dive in.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility – Are You in the FSD Transfer Club?
Before you get too excited about your new Tesla, the absolute first thing you need to do is verify if you're even eligible for an FSD transfer. Tesla's FSD transfer program is often a limited-time offer, meaning it comes and goes. This is crucial because if you miss the window, you might be out of luck!
Sub-heading: Checking Current Transfer Offers
Stay Updated: Tesla typically announces these transfer windows on their official website, through emails to owners, or via their social media channels. Keep a close eye on these announcements. As of recent information, a transfer program was available for deliveries on or after April 24, 2025, for a limited time.
Program Specifics: Be aware that the terms can change. Historically, these programs have been for new vehicle deliveries (Model S, 3, X, Y), and sometimes specific models like Foundation Series Cybertrucks are included or excluded. Used vehicles and leased vehicles are generally not eligible for FSD transfer.
Sub-heading: Key Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the FSD (Supervised) Transfer Program, you generally need to meet the following conditions:
New Vehicle Delivery Date: Your new Tesla vehicle must be delivered within the specified program dates. For instance, a recent program required delivery on or after April 24, 2025.
Legal Ownership: You must be the legal owner and registrant of the current vehicle with FSD (Supervised) that was purchased outright. This means no active leases.
Same Tesla Account: Both your current vehicle with FSD and your new vehicle must be on the same Tesla Account.
Agreement to Terms: You'll need to agree to all additional terms and conditions provided by Tesla prior to delivery of your new vehicle.
No Pending Issues: Your current vehicle cannot be the subject of a pending cancellation or buyback request, nor can it have any delinquent liens or balances.
Important Note: The FSD (Supervised) Transfer Program is subject to change or end at any time and cannot be applied retroactively. Always confirm the latest terms directly with Tesla.
Step 2: Ordering Your New Tesla – The FSD Transfer Dance
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, it's time to order your new Tesla! This step has a very important nuance related to FSD.
Sub-heading: Don't Re-Purchase FSD!
Crucial Advice: When configuring your new Tesla, DO NOT select Full Self-Driving (FSD) as an option. If you select and purchase FSD for your new vehicle, you will not be able to transfer it from your old one and essentially pay for it twice. The purpose of the transfer program is to move your existing FSD license.
Complete the Order: Proceed with your new vehicle order and pay the required deposit without adding FSD.
Step 3: Managing the Transfer in Your Tesla App – The Digital Process
The FSD transfer process has become significantly more streamlined and is primarily handled through the Tesla app.
Sub-heading: Getting Ready for the App Transfer
Update Your App: Ensure your Tesla app is updated to the latest version. This is critical for the FSD transfer option to appear correctly.
New Vehicle Appearance: After you've placed your order and the new vehicle appears in your Tesla app (this typically happens quite quickly after order placement), you'll proceed with the pre-delivery tasks.
Sub-heading: Navigating the Tesla App for Transfer
Locate the Transfer Option: As you go through the vehicle setup process in the Tesla app, usually around "Step 4 of 9" (though this can vary slightly with app updates), you'll encounter a question about trade-in. Regardless of your trade-in status (yes or no), the next screen should present the FSD Transfer option.
Select Your Vehicle: If you own multiple vehicles with FSD, the system will display the VIN of each eligible vehicle. You'll then be able to select the specific vehicle from which you wish to transfer FSD.
Confirm the Transfer: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the transfer. This often involves reviewing and agreeing to the transfer acknowledgment.
Step 4: The Delivery and Deactivation Process – The Grand Finale
The actual transfer of FSD typically occurs around the time of your new vehicle delivery.
Sub-heading: What Happens to Your Old Tesla?
FSD Removal: Once you've taken delivery of your new Tesla, FSD (Supervised) will be removed from your current vehicle. This deactivation typically occurs within 24-48 hours after delivery of your new vehicle. Your current vehicle will then only have access to basic Autopilot features.
Irreversible: It's important to understand that once FSD (Supervised) has been removed from your current vehicle, the transfer cannot be reversed. If you were to cancel or reverse your new vehicle purchase after FSD has been removed from your old car, you would lose FSD on your original vehicle.
Sub-heading: FSD on Your New Tesla
Activation: FSD (Supervised) will be transferred and activated on your new vehicle, usually within 24 hours of delivery.
Stays with the Car: Once FSD (Supervised) is transferred to your new vehicle, it stays with that new vehicle. If you later sell the new vehicle, FSD will remain with it and be available to the new owner.
Step 5: Post-Transfer Considerations – What Else to Know
No FSD on Both Cars: Remember, the transfer means FSD moves from your old car to your new one. You cannot have FSD on both vehicles simultaneously through this transfer program. If you desire FSD on both, you would need to purchase FSD for the new vehicle separately, without participating in the transfer offer.
Hardware Compatibility: While FSD is software, it relies on specific hardware (FSD computer 3.0 or above, or newer hardware like HW4). Most new Teslas come with the latest hardware, but ensure your old vehicle had the necessary hardware for FSD to begin with.
"Supervised" FSD: Currently, Tesla refers to its FSD offering as "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)." This means the driver must remain attentive and ready to take over at all times. It is not an autonomous driving system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to check FSD transfer eligibility?
You can check eligibility by reviewing the latest announcements on Tesla's official support pages, or by contacting your local Tesla Advisor or nearest Tesla store.
How to ensure FSD transfer is successful?
Ensure both your current and new vehicles are on the same Tesla account, you meet all eligibility criteria, and you agree to the terms prior to delivery of the new vehicle. Do not purchase FSD for the new vehicle.
How to initiate the FSD transfer in the Tesla app?
After ordering your new Tesla and it appears in your app, navigate through the pre-delivery tasks. The FSD transfer option should appear during the vehicle setup process, often around Step 4.
How to know if FSD transferred to the new car?
FSD (Supervised) will be transferred to the new vehicle within 24 hours of delivery. You can verify this in your new car's software menu (Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information) or in your Tesla app.
How to reverse an FSD transfer if I change my mind?
No, once FSD (Supervised) has been removed from the current vehicle, the transfer cannot be reversed. This is a critical point to understand before proceeding.
How to transfer FSD if I already took delivery of my new Tesla?
Generally, no. To qualify for an FSD (Supervised) transfer, you must meet all the criteria before taking delivery of your new vehicle.
How to transfer FSD if my current Tesla is leased?
No, vehicles under an active lease are typically not eligible for the FSD transfer program. You must be the legal owner and registrant of the current vehicle with FSD purchased outright.
How to transfer FSD if I'm selling my old Tesla to a third party?
The FSD transfer program is for moving FSD from your old Tesla to a new Tesla you are purchasing from Tesla. If you sell your old car privately, FSD generally stays with that car, but the transfer program itself is not designed for owner-to-owner FSD transfers between used vehicles.
How to get FSD back on my old car after transfer?
Once FSD is transferred to your new car, it is removed from the old one. If you wish to have FSD on your old vehicle again, you would need to subscribe to or purchase it anew for that specific vehicle.
How to check for the latest FSD transfer program updates?
Consistently check the official Tesla Support website and look for announcements from Tesla directly. Policies can change frequently.
You can learn more about Tesla's FSD transfer policy by watching this video:
