How to Transfer Ownership When Selling a Car Privately?

[MacLukas]

Bring the original ID cards of both the buyer and seller, the vehicle registration certificate, and the driving license, then go to the vehicle management office or the used car trading market affiliated with the vehicle management office to complete the transfer. Staff will inspect the vehicle, take rubbings of the vehicle identification number, remove the license plates, and take photos. After passing the traffic violation check, proceed to the relevant window with the necessary documents, the Motor Vehicle Registration, Transfer, Cancellation Form/Application Form for Transfer, and the transfer receipt. The fees required for private vehicle ownership transfer include: 1. Transfer fee. The process requires a 'valuation.' The 'transfer fee' is calculated at 2.5% of the valuation. For example, a 2001 Santana 2000 Time Super with a valuation of 100,000 yuan would incur a transfer fee of 100,000 yuan × 2.5% = 2,500 yuan. 2. Photo fee: Generally 35 yuan for two photos, including a 15 yuan processing fee for changing the driving license, mainly required when updating the driving license. 3. Agency transfer fee. Completing the transfer at a used car market requires entrusting an on-site used car company, with an agency fee typically around 300 yuan.

[ReidFitz]

As a veteran who frequently helps friends with used car transfers, I recommend first signing a written contract specifying the vehicle price and payment method. Remember, original IDs from both parties are essential. Check the vehicle's violation records in advance using the 12123 APP – any violations must be cleared beforehand. Then, bring the vehicle registration certificate (green book), driving license, and compulsory insurance policy to the DMV for queuing. Most importantly, prepare the used car transaction invoice, which can now be self-issued at many tax office kiosks. Don’t forget to remove the license plates before the transfer, and it’s advisable to prepare the VIN rubbing in advance to avoid last-minute chaos. The entire process can be completed in as little as two hours, but it’s best to avoid the busy end-of-month period.

[GideonAnn]

Last time I accompanied my cousin to handle the transfer, I realized there are so many intricacies. Both the buyer and seller should ideally go to the DMV together, and be careful not to make mistakes when filling out the 'Motor Vehicle Transfer Registration Application Form,' especially with the engine number. Before driving the car there, make sure it's cleaned, and the VIN location must be visible—my cousin's car had to be re-cleaned because the engine bay was too dirty. Transfer fees vary by location; for his five-year-old Fit, it cost 120 yuan in processing fees plus 60 yuan for the license plate. Here's a handy tip: you can first get a temporary license from the traffic police station, which makes driving the car home much more reassuring.

[OZane]

Essential documents checklist to remember: photocopy of the original owner's ID card (both front and back), original ID card of the new owner, the vehicle registration certificate (big green book), original purchase invoice or last transfer ticket, and original compulsory traffic insurance policy. Remember to make three copies of the ID card in advance, as on-site copying is expensive and involves long queues. For cross-province transfers, pay attention to the emission standards—vehicles meeting China IV standards might not be allowed into first-tier cities. In terms of costs, besides the administrative fees, there's a used car transaction tax of about 2%, and agent service fees range from 200 to 600 yuan.