Can a used car be transferred and licensed across provinces?
2 Answers
Used cars can be transferred across regions. Methods for transferring a used car across regions: Obtain a used car transaction invoice using the vehicle registration certificate and vehicle license, then fill out the contract and pay the inspection fee. Drive the vehicle to the transfer inspection area for examination, including tracing the vehicle number and taking photos. After passing the inspection, verify whether the vehicle documents and owner's credentials are valid. Precautions for vehicle transfer: When a vehicle is transferred from one city to another, the registration process for changing the affiliated vehicle management authority is called transfer of registration. Vehicle transfer requires changing the license plate and vehicle license, and the procedures must be completed at two vehicle management authorities, including the transfer-out procedures and the transfer-in procedures.
I've been buying and selling used cars for over a decade, and cross-province vehicle transfer and registration is definitely possible, though the process is a bit cumbersome. First, the vehicle must meet the environmental standards of the destination, mostly China VI now, with China V still acceptable in some areas. Then, you'll need to complete the transfer at the local DMV where the car is sold, requiring documents from both the original owner and yourself, including ID cards, vehicle license, and insurance policy. Next, drive the car to the new province's DMV for inspection. Once it passes, pay fees like vehicle purchase tax, and you can usually get new plates within a day or two. If the emissions or vehicle condition don't meet standards, repairs or re-inspections may be needed, increasing costs. I recommend checking official policies before starting and avoiding peak DMV days. The whole process takes several days to a week. Doing it yourself is more reliable but slower, while hiring an agent is faster but more expensive.
