Is the Green Book for Used Vehicle Transfer Inside the File Bag?
2 Answers
Is the Green Book for Used Vehicle Transfer Inside the File Bag? The vehicle registration certificate is commonly referred to as the automobile's "Big Green Book," serving as the legal proof of vehicle ownership, equivalent to the car's household registration. Below are the application conditions: 1. Condition One: If the motor vehicle registration certificate is lost, missing, or damaged, the vehicle owner must apply for a replacement at the registration location's vehicle management office. 2. Condition Two: Vehicle owners may authorize an agent to handle various motor vehicle registration and related matters on their behalf, except for applying for a replacement of the motor vehicle registration certificate. In cases where the vehicle owner cannot personally apply for a replacement due to reasons such as death, overseas travel, serious illness, disability, or force majeure, an agent may apply on their behalf with relevant supporting documents.
I've bought and sold used cars multiple times, and regarding the question about the transfer file and the green book (vehicle registration certificate), I must clarify that the archive bag is mainly a folder provided by the DMV or intermediaries, containing transfer documents like application forms, insurance records, or vehicle history. However, the green book—that small booklet known as the motor vehicle registration certificate—is not part of the archive bag but is handed over separately to the new owner. The original owner should directly give you the green book during the handover because it's the core document proving vehicle ownership. When processing procedures at the DMV, staff will check and update information in the green book. The archive bag is more like a toolkit for internal processes, while the green book is the real deal. If the green book is missing from the archive bag, it might be due to procedural oversight or missing documents, so you should promptly contact the seller or DMV for a replacement. Don’t underestimate this—missing the green book can cause transfer delays, inspection issues, or even affect future car sales. It’s advisable to thoroughly check all documents during the transaction.
