Is a Vehicle Inspection Required for Car Transfer?
2 Answers
Car transfer requires a vehicle inspection; without it, the transfer cannot be completed. During the inspection, the exterior, chassis, lighting, etc., will be checked. Both the previous and current owners need to bring their ID cards to the local vehicle management office for the transfer. Transferring ownership is a mandatory step when purchasing a used car. If the transfer is not completed, the legal owner of the car remains the previous owner. After the transfer, the original license plate belongs to the previous owner, and the new owner must select a new plate number—license plates follow the person, not the car. If the car has been modified, it must be restored to its original factory condition before the transfer; otherwise, the transfer cannot proceed normally. It is advisable not to purchase modified cars when buying a vehicle, as they not only cause issues during transfer but also tend to have poor condition.
I just transferred the ownership of my old car, and it felt like going through numerous hurdles. In most places, a vehicle transfer requires an inspection. The DMV will check the vehicle's condition to ensure there are no accident records, the VIN matches, and emissions meet standards. Without inspection, the transfer process can get stuck. I had to make an extra trip in Shanghai because I didn't get the car inspected. Requirements vary by location—for example, Beijing requires an annual inspection and emissions test, while rural areas might be more lenient. Inspections can also help avoid scams. A friend of mine bought a used car without inspection and later found out it was flood-damaged, costing over ten thousand in repairs. It's recommended to schedule a preliminary check at a professional service center in advance, bringing your vehicle license and ID to save time and effort while ensuring peace of mind.
