How to Transfer Ownership of a Gifted Vehicle?
3 Answers
If the vehicle is gifted to other family members or friends, both the giver and the recipient need to go to a notary office to complete the notarization process. Then, they must bring the notarized certificate, registration certificate, and vehicle license to the vehicle management office to complete the gift transfer procedure. In addition to paying the notarization fee, the recipient is also required to pay a certain percentage of personal income tax. There are two methods for transferring ownership between immediate family members: 1. Transaction method: Complete the relevant procedures at an automotive trading market. The processing location can be either the vehicle management branch office under the giver's ID card jurisdiction or the recipient's ID card jurisdiction, but the giver does not need to be present in person. 2. Gift method: Obtain a gift notarization at a notary office and use the gift declaration and notarized certificate to complete the transfer registration. However, the notarization fee is calculated as a percentage of the vehicle's value and is generally higher than the transaction method fees.
Last year, I gifted a used car to my cousin, and I still remember the entire process clearly. The first step was mutual agreement on the gift, which required a simple agreement—nothing too formal, but written confirmation is best. Next, we prepared the necessary documents, including my ID card, the vehicle registration certificate, and the purchase invoice or driving license, making sure to photocopy several copies for backup. Then, we went together to the local vehicle management office, having booked an appointment on our phones in advance to avoid long queues. The staff verified the information and checked that the car had no outstanding violation records. We paid a transfer fee of over 100 yuan. The new owner received temporary license plates on the spot and the official driving license a week later. Finally, I reminded my cousin to renew the insurance promptly to avoid driving with an expired policy. The whole process took about half a day, but traffic delays extended it, so I recommend going during off-peak hours. Before the gifting, I also checked for any legal risks to ensure there were no debt issues, preventing future disputes. In short, planning ahead saves a lot of trouble—don’t leave it to the last minute.
I'm quite familiar with the process of gifting and transferring car ownership, as I often help friends with such matters. The key is for both parties to bring all required documents to the vehicle management office: the original ID cards of both the original owner and the new owner, the vehicle registration certificate, insurance policy, and tax payment proof. After signing a gift declaration form, the staff will review and process the ownership transfer. The fees generally include administrative costs and a small amount of tax, usually ranging from 200 to 500 yuan. I recommend the new owner update the insurance information immediately after the transfer, otherwise insurance claims may be invalid in case of an accident. Additionally, check if the vehicle has any unpaid fines or loans to avoid legal disputes. For the fastest service, choose a weekday morning; weekends are too crowded and inefficient. For older models, ensure the engine number is clearly legible. While the process is straightforward, attention to detail is crucial—being well-prepared ensures it can be completed in one go. Gifting a car is less hassle than selling, but don't skip the formal procedures to prevent unexpected issues.
