Can a vehicle overdue for annual inspection be transferred?
2 Answers
A vehicle overdue for annual inspection can be transferred, as long as there are no outstanding traffic violations or unresolved accidents at the time of transfer. Below are the vehicle transfer process and required documents: Vehicle Transfer Process: The vehicle owner fills out the "Motor Vehicle Transfer, Outbound, and Inbound Registration Application Form" and signs it as required; submits the "Motor Vehicle Driving License" and "Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate" for verification, and provides original identity proof; must first obtain approval and a seal from the vehicle management office, then return the vehicle to the trading market for transaction, and complete other procedures as required; simultaneously returns the original vehicle license plate, selects a new license plate publicly, and receives the new vehicle license plate. Vehicle Transfer Documents: Vehicle driving license; Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate; Motor Vehicle Registration Supplementary Form (obtained from the local vehicle management office with ID, driving license, and road maintenance fee certificate); Vehicle Purchase Additional Tax Certificate; ID cards and household registration books of both buyer and seller, and for non-local residents, a residence permit is required, with the buyer's residence permit needing to be valid for at least one year.
As someone who frequently follows automotive regulations, I can tell you that vehicles overdue for annual inspection will be rejected by the DMV during transfer, because legal transfer requires the vehicle to be in a compliant condition. For example, in the city where I live, the DMV system directly checks the validity of the annual inspection. If it's expired, even if you're in a hurry to sell the car, you must first go to the inspection station to complete the annual inspection and pay any possible fines and late fees. The DMV usually requires the submission of a newly issued inspection report before initiating the transfer process. This is not just a regulatory hurdle but also a safety concern—a vehicle overdue for inspection may have hidden issues like brake or emission problems, and if an accident occurs after the transfer, the original owner could still be held liable. So, car owners shouldn’t cut corners for convenience. It’s best to consult the local traffic department in advance or hire an agent, as handling the inspection before transfer can save a lot of hassle. The transfer process must also align with local policy adjustments, so always follow official requirements.
