Is a Driver's License Required to Buy a Car?

[McViolet]

Buying a car does not require a driver's license, as purchasing a vehicle is unrelated to having a driver's license. According to the regulations on motor vehicle registration, the owner applying for registration must complete an application form, present the vehicle for inspection, and submit the following documents and certificates: 1. Proof of identity of the vehicle owner; 2. Proof of vehicle origin, such as the purchase invoice; 3. The vehicle's factory certificate of conformity or import documentation for imported vehicles; 4. Proof of payment of vehicle purchase tax or tax exemption certificate; 5. Proof of compulsory traffic accident liability insurance; 6. Other documents and certificates required by laws and administrative regulations during vehicle registration.

[PaisleyMarie]

Recently, my elderly neighbor bought a new car, even though he doesn’t actually have a driver’s license. To be honest, you don’t need a license to buy a car—just bring your ID and money to the dealership to complete the purchase and paperwork. However, it’s important to note that if the car is to be driven on the road, it must be registered, and both the owner and the driver must be legally compliant. For example, if you buy a car for yourself but don’t have a license, you can have a licensed family member act as the driver to handle the vehicle registration. I have a friend who bought a car outright under his name right after graduation, but his dad drove him around for practice until he got his license and could drive on his own.

[VonLydia]

I remember when helping my cousin buy a car a couple of years ago, he was still taking his driver's license test, but we could directly put his name on the purchase contract and invoice. The vehicle management office mainly checks your original ID card and purchase invoice for registration, and doesn't verify the driver's license at all. However, a reminder: if you buy a car without a license, don't try to drive it yourself for convenience—this will definitely get you stopped by traffic police, counted as unlicensed driving, resulting in the car being impounded and fines imposed. It's best to have a licensed friend or family member drive it to a parking lot for you, or use a designated driver service to store it temporarily.

[SanDawson]

The eligibility to buy a car is unrelated to having a driver's license. Last time I went to an auto show, I saw students purchasing cars outright. However, for a car to be legally driven on the road, it must meet three conditions: the vehicle must have a registration certificate, insurance, and the driver must hold a valid license. For example, parents can buy a car for their child and register it under the child's name, then drive it themselves to pick up and drop off the child. My colleague did exactly this—he bought a car for his daughter on the day she got into university, but he was the one driving it. If you really don’t have a license but want to experience the thrill of picking up a new car, you can ask the 4S dealership to provide a home delivery service.