How to Transfer Ownership When Buying a Used Car as an Individual?
4 Answers
Vehicle registration certificate, vehicle license, valid motor vehicle safety inspection compliance mark, vehicle purchase tax payment certificate. Fill out one copy of the motor vehicle alteration, transfer, modification, suspension, or scrapping approval form. Affix the same seal as the original registration, and private vehicles must present the owner's ID card for verification. Go to the Vehicle Management Section of the Traffic Police Brigade and submit the documents for review by the handling officer at the registration acceptance counter. If the transfer conditions are met, the vehicle will be sent to the motor vehicle inspection station for inspection and confirmation. After passing the inspection, for transfers or changes within the same county or city, proceed directly to the license and certificate management counter to await notification for payment.
Last time I helped my cousin with the second-hand car transfer process from start to finish, and the basic procedure was like this: Both the buyer and seller need to bring their original ID cards, vehicle license, registration certificate, and purchase invoice. First, go to the used car market to issue a transaction ticket—don't lose that yellow slip. Then, drive the car to the DMV for inspection. Pay special attention to rusty spots when stamping the VIN; some people get stuck at this step. Remember to bring a screwdriver to remove the original license plate, and it's best not to drive the car until you get the new plates. Many people forget about the insurance transfer—I made a special trip to the insurance company to change the policy beneficiary. A small reminder: when signing the contract, read the vehicle condition notes carefully—my friend got burned by hidden defects. The whole process takes at least 3 hours, so it's best to go on a weekday morning when the counters are less crowded.
After handling five used cars, I've summarized a few tips: The first step is checking the records, which is crucial. You can check if all traffic violations have been cleared on the 12123 APP. Compulsory insurance follows the car but requires information updates, while commercial insurance can be canceled and reapplied, but avoid gaps in coverage. The transfer fee is based on engine displacement, costing just over 300 yuan for under 1.6L, and remember to negotiate the agency fee. If the third page of the vehicle registration certificate has blank sections, no replacement is needed; if it's crumpled, a new one costs 45 yuan. If the original owner is uncooperative, you can use the sales contract to confirm ownership in court—I've been through this. A special reminder: for out-of-town vehicles, complete the transfer first; failing to meet local emission standards for registration is the most frustrating. Finally, when you get the temporary license plate, double-check its validity period—driving with an expired one will cost you 12 points.
Just helped my roommate complete the used car transfer process. Be meticulous with document preparation: three copies of the owner's ID card (front and back on the same page), and a residence permit is required for non-local residents. Photocopy pages 2 to 6 of the vehicle registration certificate with complete information - missing pages in the main booklet must be supplemented first. The compulsory traffic insurance policy must be valid, while commercial insurance is optional. Vehicle frame number rubbing costs 15 yuan on-site; save time by cleaning engine compartment dirt with tape in advance. The transfer fee includes 180 yuan for vehicle inspection, plus 20 yuan for license plate mailing - don't forget to fill in the address. Remember to wash the car before going to the inspection site, as a muddy undercarriage may require rework. The entire process takes about three hours; choosing a dealership with service stations can cut the time in half.
