How to apply for a vehicle license? Is it available when buying a car?
3 Answers
Vehicle license is not available when buying a car, but is issued by the vehicle management office to the car owner after the license plate is registered. Here is some relevant information about the vehicle license: 1. Application: The vehicle license can be applied for at the traffic management department of the public security organ or the local vehicle management office. You need to bring your ID card and the invoice for the purchased vehicle to complete the application. 2. Importance: The vehicle license is important as it serves as the vehicle's ID card, which can be used to identify the vehicle's identity, whether it can be driven on the road, and whether it is a qualified motor vehicle. 3. Legal provisions: Article 17 of the "Road Traffic Management Regulations" promulgated by the State Council stipulates: "Vehicles must pass the inspection of the vehicle management authority, obtain license plates and a vehicle license before they are allowed to drive."
When I bought my first car, I thought the vehicle license would come with the car, but it turned out not to be the case. After signing the contract and paying, the sales guy reminded me that I still needed to go to the DMV to get the vehicle license. The whole process is quite simple but takes some time: prepare your ID card, car purchase invoice, compulsory insurance policy, and the vehicle conformity certificate, then go to the local DMV to queue for an inspection. They will check the VIN and take photos. Usually, you have to wait in line for a few hours and pay a few hundred yuan in fees to get the vehicle license. This thing is super important—you must carry it every time you drive, or you’ll be in trouble if the traffic police check your documents and you don’t have it. I also recommend downloading the DMV’s appointment app in advance to avoid a wasted trip when it’s crowded. Overall, don’t rush to drive off after buying a car—take care of these formalities first for peace of mind.
As a new driver who just got my license, I bought a used car last month and realized the vehicle license wasn't provided upon purchase. The seller explained that I needed to personally visit the DMV to complete the registration process. The procedure was quite straightforward - I brought my ID, insurance documents, vehicle transaction invoice, and the previous owner's transfer certificate. At the DMV, the staff instructed me to drive the car to the inspection line for verification of license plates and vehicle condition. The whole process took about half a day and cost around 200 yuan to obtain the new license. Now I must keep it in the glove compartment while driving as backup for potential random checks. Thinking about it, this is quite necessary - the vehicle license serves as the car's legal ID card. Everyone should remember to complete this step after buying a car, otherwise insurance claims might be denied in case of accidents.
