Is the Transfer Process for Imported Cars the Same as for Regular Cars?

[Baker]

When transferring ownership of a used imported car domestically, as long as all the documents are complete, there are no unpaid fees, no traffic violations, and no mortgage, the transfer can be processed normally. The required procedures and fees for transferring ownership of an imported car are the same as those for a domestic car. Relevant information about vehicle ownership transfer is as follows: 1. Introduction: Vehicle ownership transfer refers to the change of the vehicle's owner's name. When buying a used car, apart from checking the car's condition, the most important step is completing the ownership transfer procedures. 2. Principle: Every car has a fixed registration, which mainly records the car's owner and address, as well as some related car parameters. The transfer of a car proves that the car belongs to the new owner and has no accident or traffic violation records. If the car has issues, such as being involved in an accident, not having undergone annual inspection, being stolen, or being smuggled, the transfer cannot be processed through normal procedures.

[DanielaDella]

I recently helped a friend complete the transfer procedures for a BMW and found that the process for imported vehicles is generally similar to that for domestic ones, but with some key differences in details. Both the buyer and seller need to bring their ID cards, vehicle license, and registration certificate to the DMV, and the car must be inspected to verify the engine and VIN numbers. The main difference is that imported vehicles require an additional original Customs-issued Import Certificate of Goods, which domestic vehicles don’t need at all. Also, the blue-covered Commodity Inspection Certificate is mandatory, and the staff will carefully check whether the vehicle’s brand and model match the customs documents. I once encountered a case where the VIN format didn’t match—imported cars have 17 digits, but the starting letter differs from domestic ones, requiring re-registration. The transfer fee is calculated based on engine displacement, but imported cars often have larger displacements, so they cost 100–200 RMB more. I recommend calling the local DMV in advance to confirm the required documents to avoid unnecessary trips.

[Olive]

Last year, I had a deep personal experience when selling my imported Japanese car. Although the basic process is the same as for a regular car—signing a contract, clearing all fees, and completing procedures at the vehicle management office—the biggest challenge was the customs clearance step. You have to go to the customs department to complete the de-registration process, a step that doesn’t exist for ordinary domestic vehicles. For imported cars, it’s essential to bring the Customs Import Goods Certificate and the Imported Motor Vehicle Inspection Sheet, especially that thin, yellowish document from customs—it’s crucial, and without it, the process gets stuck. During the transfer, the staff will meticulously compare the vehicle’s origin and specifications on the nameplate with the import documents to ensure they match. A little-known fact is that the imported vehicle’s purchase tax payment certificate requires separate verification—I almost had to make an extra trip to the tax bureau because of this. The entire process took about three hours longer than for a regular car.

[LaJulia]

When I worked in the used car market, I often handled the transfer of imported vehicles. The biggest difference from regular cars is the documentation requirements. For cars like Lexus, you must bring the original green-covered imported motor vehicle inspection sheet during the transfer, whereas regular cars only need the registration certificate. Additionally, the vehicle purchase tax certificate needs to be photocopied on both sides because the higher tax amount on imported cars makes them a focus for verification. When submitting materials at the DMV window, I was often asked about the vehicle's origin, and it was necessary to clarify that it was legally imported through customs and not a cut-and-shut vehicle. I recommend buyers check the vehicle's emission standards in advance, as some older imported models may not meet the requirements for transfer to first-tier cities. In terms of transfer fees, imported cars usually cost 200-300 RMB more than domestically produced cars of the same price range. The process involves a couple more steps, but with all the proper documents, it can be completed smoothly.