Is Getting the Green Book Enough for a Used Car?

[AnastasiaAnn]

After the transfer of a used car, the following items must be obtained: 1. Vehicle Registration Certificate: It is essential to obtain the Vehicle Registration Certificate, commonly known as the Green Book. The Green Book is equivalent to a property deed, recording all the vehicle's information, including the owner, the number of transfers, and whether the vehicle has any mortgages, etc. The Green Book follows the vehicle from its first registration until it is scrapped. 2. Invoice: After the vehicle transfer is completed, the transfer office window will provide a new invoice, which is a thin, white, rectangular piece of paper. If this is lost, it will not only prevent future transfers but also be troublesome to reissue. 3. Driving License: Before the vehicle transfer, the vehicle must undergo a re-inspection, and the information on the driving license must be updated, changing the previous owner to the current owner. The driving license must not be lost and should be kept safe. 4. Compulsory Insurance Policy: The compulsory insurance policy must be available during the vehicle transfer and needs to be transferred along with the vehicle. 5. Conformity Certificate: Every vehicle comes with a Conformity Certificate when it leaves the factory. This certificate is proof that the vehicle complies with the mandatory certification implementation rules for motor vehicles (automobile products) regarding conformity.

[McRobert]

I've bought used cars several times, thinking that getting the green book (vehicle registration certificate) would mean everything is settled. However, once the transfer procedures weren't fully completed, and the car wasn't actually under my name. The green book indeed serves as the vehicle's identity proof, and its transfer indicates preliminary ownership change. But the key to completing the transaction is finishing the transfer at the DMV. Otherwise, if the previous owner has unpaid loans, you might face debt collection, or you could be held liable if the car is involved in an accident. I recommend checking all transfer details immediately after receiving the green book, such as ensuring both parties have signed and stamped, and the vehicle has no accident records. Then drive to the local DMV to complete the registration change. Don't forget to update insurance and license plates, or you might get into trouble if stopped by traffic police. Dealing with reputable used car dealers or platforms is more reliable, avoiding risks of private transactions. Especially, carefully review the vehicle history report - don't rush into a deal just because it's cheap. After all, safety comes first. Spending extra time ensuring all procedures are complete is always worth it.

[LaRyan]

I'm a car mechanic, and I often get customers asking if everything is done once they receive the vehicle's green book (registration certificate). To be honest, the transfer of the green book is just the beginning—the ownership transfer is the key. If it's not done properly, it can be difficult to hold anyone accountable if issues arise. For example, some used cars may have hidden mechanical problems, such as engine wear or brake system issues. If you don't inspect the car after getting the certificate and drive it for a while before a major failure occurs, the repair costs can be high. I recommend that new owners test the car after receiving the green book: listen for engine noise, check tire wear, and ensure safety. The ownership transfer must be completed at the vehicle management office, with all required identity and vehicle documents. The process is quick, but don't delay. If the car has had previous incidents not recorded, it's best to check the VIN history report during the transfer. In short, the green book is the key, but you have to open the lock yourself—don’t overlook follow-up maintenance, or you might end up stranded on the road and needing my repairs again.

[LaLilah]

Just bought a used car, and my friend said getting the green book (vehicle registration certificate) was enough, but I trusted too easily and got burned. The transfer wasn't fully completed, and the insurance was still under the previous owner's name. When I had a minor scrape, the insurance company refused to pay. Later, I learned that the green book proves the vehicle changed hands, but without changing the owner's name, it doesn't truly belong to me. You must go to the DMV to complete the transfer, bringing the green book, ID, and purchase contract to finalize the license plate change. Also, make sure the car has a clean title, free of any debt disputes. I've learned my lesson—next time I buy used, I'll check everything thoroughly to avoid being scammed.

[NoahRose]

I'm extremely cautious and won't touch a car unless it's clean. Getting the green title is good news, but it doesn't mean everything's settled—if the car has hidden debts or was stolen, a failed transfer could land you in trouble. When making a transaction, I insist on checking the vehicle history report, such as verifying accidents and loan status through CarFax or similar platforms. The transfer is a mandatory step—bring all required documents to the DMV to avoid endless troubles. You should also inspect the car's condition, like checking for chassis rust or engine noises, to avoid buying a lemon. Complete the transfer quickly after the deal to protect yourself from pitfalls.