Can the vehicle be transferred if the engine number is different?
3 Answers
If the engine numbers are different, the vehicle cannot be transferred. Conditions for vehicle transfer: The conditions for vehicle transfer include having a legal source and complete documentation, no outstanding bank liens or court seizure records, no unresolved traffic violations or accident records, no outstanding fee arrears, and all required documents must be complete. Completing the transfer of a used vehicle legally ensures the transfer of ownership and guarantees the legality of the vehicle's origin. Precautions for vehicle transfer: Be sure to check the original vehicle's purchase tax receipt. Some vehicles may not have paid the purchase tax originally, and after transfer, these vehicles may be required to pay the outstanding tax. Insurance transfer should be completed promptly to avoid unnecessary complications during claims.
I've been in the auto repair industry for over ten years and have encountered many cases where different engine numbers caused transfer failures. The engine number is the core identifier of a vehicle. During the transfer process, the DMV strictly checks whether the information on the registration certificate matches the actual vehicle. If the engine has been replaced, common reasons include accident repairs or replacement of an old engine. In such cases, you must provide the original repair shop's replacement certificate and invoice to prove the legal source. Otherwise, the transfer will be directly rejected, and it may even trigger an investigation into suspected vehicle theft or illegal modifications. I've seen many car owners waste time and face fines because of this. It's advisable to have a professional technician check the engine number before a transaction and prepare all necessary documents; don't skip this step to save trouble, or the vehicle might be forcibly recalled even after you get it. Regular attention to vehicle maintenance records can avoid future hassles.
As an ordinary car owner, I encountered this issue last month when trying to sell my car and found that the engine number didn't match. The vehicle management office informed me that the transfer requires all information to match, and a different engine number usually indicates the engine has been replaced. I needed to first find the maintenance records and replacement proof, such as documentation from the original repair shop, before submitting the transfer application; without these, the transfer couldn't proceed. I was a bit panicked at the time and consulted industry professionals, who emphasized the need to be cautious to avoid being scammed and prevent involvement with stolen vehicles. Now, I believe it's essential to physically check the engine number before buying or selling a car and, if necessary, hire a third-party inspection agency to verify it—this is the safest approach. The process might take some time, but it ensures a secure and reliable transaction, which is better than getting stuck afterward.
