Is It Troublesome to Transfer a Motorcycle Across Different Locations?
2 Answers
Transferring a motorcycle across different locations is relatively troublesome. The buyer must first go to the local traffic management office to obtain a filing notice. Both the buyer and seller need to bring their driver's licenses, registration certificates, and ID cards to the local used vehicle trading market to pay the used vehicle transaction tax. Then, all documents must be taken to the traffic management office where the motorcycle is registered to retrieve the files. Finally, the files, copies of the buyer and seller's ID cards, and all motorcycle documents must be submitted to the traffic management office. Below are some considerations for transferring a used motorcycle: Legitimacy of the ownership certificate: The embossed number, engine number, and registration date on the ownership certificate are key details that require special attention. Besides verifying these, check for any signs of tampering, as alterations could indicate a fraudulent transaction. Check for traffic violations: Before transferring a used motorcycle, check whether the vehicle has any outstanding traffic violations and whether it is within the validity period of the compulsory traffic insurance. Only vehicles with no violations and valid insurance can be transferred. Typically, vehicles with violations cannot be transferred until the violations are resolved. Presence of vehicle purchase tax payment receipts: When transferring a used motorcycle, always check the original tax receipt. Some vehicles may not have paid the purchase tax, and after transfer, the new owner might be required to pay the outstanding tax, which can be a significant expense. Therefore, it's crucial to determine who will cover this cost.
Last year, I helped a friend with the out-of-town motorcycle ownership transfer, and it felt quite cumbersome. We had to shuttle back and forth between the vehicle management offices in both locations. First, we had to schedule an inspection of the vehicle at the new place, making sure the frame number and engine number didn’t have any issues. Then, we had to prepare a pile of documents, including the original owner’s ID, the new owner’s ID, the vehicle registration certificate, and the compulsory insurance policy, not to mention handling the insurance transfer. If anything was missing, we’d have to make another trip—my case was delayed for two days because of a missing insurance policy, costing me leave days, salary deductions, and extra fuel expenses. Honestly, the process isn’t complicated, but it’s time-consuming and requires coordinating both parties’ schedules. I’d recommend calling the vehicle management office in advance to confirm the required documents and preparing copies to save a lot of hassle. In short, if you’re not up for the trouble, avoid long-distance vehicle transfers. But if you’re determined, just be patient.
