Can the vehicle be transferred with only the green book and vehicle license?
2 Answers
It is not possible to complete the vehicle transfer procedure with only the green book and vehicle license. This situation usually occurs when the previous owner took out a car loan and defaulted on the payments, leading the mortgage company to sell the vehicle to mitigate losses. If you check the status of such vehicles at the vehicle management office, they are typically marked as 'mortgaged' or 'seized'. It is generally not recommended to purchase mortgaged vehicles that cannot be transferred unless you have full clarity about the previous owner's debt situation. Below is relevant information about vehicle transfer: 1. Required documents: The owner's ID card, the vehicle license of the vehicle to be transferred, the registration certificate, the original purchase invoice (transfer ticket), and copies of these documents; the buyer's ID card and its copy; and the sales contract. 2. Necessity: Completing the second-hand vehicle transfer legally finalizes the ownership transfer of the vehicle, ensuring the legitimacy of the vehicle's source, such as avoiding purchasing smuggled or stolen vehicles. It also clarifies the division of responsibilities between the buyer and seller related to the vehicle, such as debt disputes and traffic violations, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of both parties.
When I transferred the car ownership, I found that having just the green book and vehicle license was far from enough. I also needed to bring the original ID card and a copy of the seller, and it’s best to prepare a formal car purchase contract as proof of transaction. Don’t forget the original owner must be present to sign, otherwise the DMV won’t process it—I had to make several trips just because I missed the ID copy. Also, check if the insurance policy is valid and transfer it promptly. Some places even require proof of purchase tax or vehicle and vessel tax. Check the local DMV website or call to confirm the checklist in advance to avoid wasting time and effort. With all preparations done properly, the whole process can be completed in just one or two days.
