Can a vehicle be driven during the transfer process for out-of-town relocation?
2 Answers
Can a vehicle be driven during the transfer process for out-of-town relocation? The answer is yes. Below is relevant information about vehicle transfer procedures: 1. Concept: For vehicles applying for transfer registration, the owner must complete an application form, present the vehicle for inspection, and submit required documents and proofs. 2. Transfer process: Obtain a used car transaction invoice, take rubbings of the chassis and engine numbers (for invisible numbers, get rubbings done at a repair shop), remove license plates for photography, verify records at the archives office, conduct vehicle inspection, process at the DMV office, and package the DMV archives ("major records"). When ownership of a registered vehicle is transferred, the new owner must apply for transfer registration at the local vehicle management office within 30 days from the date of vehicle delivery.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, I must say never drive casually during the vehicle relocation and file transfer period. The reason is simple: while the vehicle files are being transferred, the original license plate becomes invalid. Driving without a license plate is equivalent to unlicensed driving. If caught by the police, the car will be impounded immediately. A fine of a few hundred or thousand yuan is a minor issue, but if an accident occurs, the insurance might not cover it—the risk is too high. I once helped a friend relocate his car and he was fined for driving in a hurry to get things done. Later, we just parked the car in the garage and waited. Generally, the DMV will recommend applying for a temporary license plate, but it must be done in advance, has a short validity period, can only be used on limited routes, and requires carrying proof documents. If you really need to drive, apply for a temporary plate properly—don’t take chances.
