How Long Does Vehicle Transfer Take?

[SanAbigail]

Vehicle transfer procedures take one day when all documents are complete. For out-of-town transfers, vehicle size records need to be extracted, which generally takes 7 working days to complete. According to Article 13 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations": When the domicile of a motor vehicle owner moves out of the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office, the vehicle management office shall, within three days from the date of acceptance, annotate the changes on the motor vehicle registration certificate, reclaim the license plate and driving license, issue a temporary driving license plate valid for 30 days, and hand over the motor vehicle file to the motor vehicle owner. The motor vehicle owner shall apply for the motor vehicle transfer at the vehicle management office of the new domicile within the validity period of the temporary driving license plate. To apply for motor vehicle transfer: The motor vehicle owner shall fill out an application form, submit identity proof, motor vehicle registration certificate, motor vehicle file, and present the motor vehicle for inspection. If the motor vehicle has exceeded the inspection validity period at the time of transfer, a safety technical inspection shall be conducted at the transfer location, and the motor vehicle safety technical inspection certificate and compulsory traffic accident liability insurance certificate shall be submitted. The vehicle management office shall, within three days from the date of acceptance, confirm the motor vehicle, verify the vehicle identification code imprint, review relevant proofs, certificates, and motor vehicle files, annotate the transfer information on the motor vehicle registration certificate, and issue the license plate, driving license, and inspection qualification mark.

[DiWyatt]

Every time I talk to friends about vehicle transfer, I feel the timing is quite flexible. Generally speaking, from start to finish, it takes an average of half a day to a full day. If you go to the DMV with all the required documents—such as your ID card, vehicle registration certificate, driving license, and compulsory insurance policy—it might take just three to four hours. However, the process is highly location-dependent. In big cities like Beijing or Shanghai, where queues are long, you should set aside most of a day. In smaller cities, with less congestion, it could be wrapped up in as little as two hours. The key is to prepare everything in advance to avoid multiple trips due to missing documents. Also, make sure to check if the vehicle’s violation records have been cleared, as unresolved issues can cause delays. After completion, the new driving license is usually issued on the spot or mailed the next day. Overall, it’s smoother to handle this on a weekday morning rather than rushing on a weekend.

[SanRiley]

My experience helping others with vehicle transfers tells me the time required is truly variable. Typically it can be completed within half a day, but it depends on circumstances. You'll need to bring both parties' ID documents, the car purchase invoice, and insurance materials. At the DMV, submit the materials for review, pay the transfer fee and deed tax - this process usually takes a morning on average. If there's low foot traffic, like during my last experience in my hometown's small town, it can wrap up in just an hour. But in busy urban areas, queuing can take significantly longer. Additional advice: check the DMV's business hours online in advance - appointments may be available. After the transfer, remember to update your insurance and annual inspection information; don't neglect these details and risk driving complications. Total time required ranges from as little as two hours to potentially a full day - it never hurts to plan with some buffer time.

[Cody]

The vehicle transfer process doesn't take long, and I usually advise beginners not to be nervous. Bring all the required materials to the DMV, with ID and vehicle documents being essential. The process is straightforward, typically completed in a few hours. Choosing an off-peak weekday morning can speed things up; you can drive the car away once it's done. Just remember to complete the payment procedures to avoid wasting time on returns.