Is the original ID card required when buying a car?

[Reed]

Buying a car requires the original ID card. The vehicle management office stipulates: Vehicle registration must have the owner's ID card. If the ID card is lost, a temporary ID card can also be used, but identity proof is mandatory. In addition to the ID card, a copy must also be submitted for processing car registration, driving license, insurance, and license plate matters, thereby clarifying the rights and obligations arising from the use of the car in the future. The following are the precautions for registration: 1. Vehicle registration certificate is required for registration: When registering the car at the vehicle management office, the car's registration certificate needs to be handed over to the staff for archiving. 2. Purchase invoice is required for registration: Whether buying from a 4S store or an auto trade, the owner will receive a purchase invoice after buying the car. This invoice must be kept well, as without it, the car cannot be registered. When registering the car, the purchase invoice must be given to the vehicle management office staff, and this invoice also needs to be archived.

[MariaMarie]

I remember when I bought a car last year, I definitely had to bring the original ID card because the dealership needed it to verify the authenticity of my identity when signing the purchase contract, to prevent risks like impersonation. The entire car-buying process was quite cumbersome—it wasn’t just a matter of paying and driving away. It also included registering the new license plate. At the vehicle management office, the staff would directly scan the original document to enter it into the system, confirming that the car could be legally registered under your name. Photocopies simply didn’t work—I once saw someone try to register with a photocopy and get rejected on the spot, wasting an entire day. Additionally, if you’re buying the car with a loan, the bank also requires the original ID for credit checks and loan disbursement procedures. In short, the original document is unavoidable. I’d recommend preparing it in advance and setting aside enough time to complete all the steps to avoid disrupting your travel plans.

[ONatalie]

Last month, I bought my first car in my life, and as a novice buyer, I can share my real experience: the original ID card is one of the essential documents for purchasing a car. The sales consultant repeatedly reminded me not to forget to bring it before picking up the car, otherwise, no procedures could be processed. That time, I almost made a mistake, but I checked before leaving home and didn’t make a wasted trip. The car buying process is not just about choosing a car and making a payment; it also includes two critical steps: verifying identity information with the original document when signing the contract, and then scanning the original for license plate registration to confirm ownership. In addition, I also prepared other documents, such as a household registration book for local residents as supplementary proof, and a temporary residence permit for out-of-town purchases. I recommend that new buyers consult the dealer in advance, make a checklist, and prepare everything one by one to ensure all procedures are completed smoothly in one go.

[StCecilia]

The original ID card is a crucial element throughout the entire car purchase process. When signing the purchase contract, dealers must inspect the original to verify the buyer's legal identity. During payment, whether full payment or installment, the original must be presented to complete payment authorization. The vehicle registration process is even stricter: DMV staff directly scan the original ID to input into the system, verifying authenticity before approving registration. Copies are invalid throughout the entire process, as the original provides the sole reliable credential to ensure clear vehicle ownership and prevent disputes or illegal transactions.