Can a Used Car Be Transferred and Licensed?
2 Answers
Used cars can be transferred and licensed. After purchasing a used car, you can directly license it in the location where the vehicle is registered, or you can return to your household registration location to license it. Transfer method: After confirming the purchase of the vehicle, go to the local used car trading market to complete the transaction and obtain a nationally unified used car transaction invoice. After purchasing the vehicle, you need to apply for a vehicle file transfer at the local vehicle management office. During the file transfer process, you will also need to provide the new owner's identification documents. A file transfer fee will be charged, and the price varies by location. Remember to apply for temporary license plates during the file transfer. After completing the vehicle purchase transaction, do not forget to transfer the vehicle insurance. Once you receive the car, first purchase compulsory traffic insurance and commercial insurance for the vehicle. Bring the relevant documents (including the vehicle file) to the local vehicle management office for review (including vehicle qualification checks and theft inquiries). Once the review is passed, you can proceed with the registration. After passing the review, some cities may require an annual vehicle inspection, which can be done directly at the inspection station. Once the annual inspection is passed, go to the vehicle management office for vehicle inspection, licensing, and obtaining a new motor vehicle driving license. Follow the normal process. License plate numbers cannot be transferred with the vehicle: There are various scenarios for used car transfers, such as transfers between two companies, between individuals, from a company to an individual, or from an individual to a company. However, in any of these cases, the license plate number cannot be transferred with the car. This means the license plate number cannot be transferred to the buyer, and the buyer will need to select a new license plate number during the transfer process.
Of course, used cars can be transferred and licensed! I've helped friends with the process a few times, and it's not as complicated as you might think. The key is ensuring all the vehicle's documents are complete, such as the green book (vehicle registration certificate), driving license, and original invoice—none of these can be missing. The vehicle must also pass the inspection at the DMV, where details like the VIN and engine number must match. However, be cautious with cars that have outstanding loans—they can't be transferred until the lien is released. Some regions also enforce strict emission standards; for example, transferring a China III vehicle into a major city is nearly impossible. I recommend hiring an experienced mechanic to inspect the car first or spending a few hundred bucks to hire a professional agent—it saves a lot of hassle compared to running around yourself.
