Can a vehicle be transferred without a vehicle license?
2 Answers
No, a vehicle cannot be transferred without a vehicle license. If you have the registration certificate, you must first obtain the vehicle license before proceeding with the transfer. Below is relevant information about the vehicle license: Overview: The motor vehicle license is the legal document permitting a motor vehicle to operate on roads within China. The vehicle license consists of three parts: the license holder, the main page, and the supplementary page. The front of the main page contains the endorsed certificate core, while the back features a photo of the motor vehicle, sealed in plastic. The supplementary page also contains the endorsed certificate core. Relevant regulations: Article 17 of the "Road Traffic Management Regulations" promulgated by the State Council stipulates that vehicles must pass inspection by the vehicle management authority and obtain license plates and a vehicle license before they are permitted to operate. Therefore, possessing a "Motor Vehicle License" is one of the prerequisites for a vehicle to be driven on the road, and driving without a vehicle license is a violation of regulations.
As someone who enjoys tinkering with used cars, I believe it's nearly impossible to complete a successful transfer without the vehicle license. The vehicle license is like the car's household registration, containing details such as the VIN, engine number, and owner information. The DMV relies on this to verify that the car is your legal property. During the transfer process, both the buyer and seller must bring all required documents, including the vehicle license, ID card, and vehicle certification. Missing any one of these will halt the procedure. I once encountered a similar situation when helping a neighbor deal with an old car—the seller couldn't find the vehicle license at the time. We made two trips to the DMV, only to be told they couldn't process it. In the end, we had to apply for a replacement license first and then redo the transfer, wasting a week and extra effort. Vehicle transfers aren't just about changing names; they also affect insurance renewals and road-use rights. Losing the vehicle license could expose risks in secondhand transactions, such as whether the car's source is legal or has accident records. So, I advise everyone to check documents in advance when buying or selling cars. If documents are lost, promptly visit the local DMV to apply for replacements—just bring the owner's identification proof.
