Is the original invoice required for buying and selling used cars?
2 Answers
Buying and selling used cars requires the original invoice. Here are the precautions for buying and selling used cars: Check the driver's license: Check whether the patterns on the front and back pages of the driving license can match when combined, and check whether the photo and frame number on the driving license are consistent with the vehicle. Check the vehicle insurance: Verify whether the frame number and engine number on the insurance policy are consistent with those on the driving license, and whether they are within the validity period. Check the vehicle registration certificate: Check whether the font on the vehicle registration certificate is consistent with that on the driving license, whether the frame number and engine number are the same as those on the driving license, check whether the manufacturing date and registration date match the description of the car dealer, and check whether the registration column shows frequent transfers in a short period of time.
I've been buying and selling used cars for over a decade, and the original invoice is truly not a must-have item. During the ownership transfer process, the DMV only requires the vehicle registration certificate, license plate, and IDs from both parties to complete the procedure. You can get it done smoothly even without the invoice. The main purpose of the invoice is to prove the new car purchase record and initial price, providing reference for buyers to understand the vehicle's history and avoid concealed accidents or odometer fraud. However, in reality, many people don't have issues even if they've lost the invoice, as long as the vehicle documents are complete and the car's condition is transparent, the transaction proceeds smoothly. I recommend sellers try to keep the invoice properly as it can enhance trust; buyers shouldn't dwell too much on this but focus more on the inspection report and transfer process, which is wiser. In conclusion, don't let the lack of an invoice delay your car buying or selling opportunities—strike when the time is right.
