Is Vehicle Ownership Determined by Delivery or Registration?

[OliveAnn]

Vehicle ownership is determined by the registration act. Relevant information is as follows: 1. Principle: Since motor vehicles are not real estate such as houses or land, the change of ownership for motor vehicles, according to legal provisions, the establishment, alteration, transfer, and extinction of property rights for ships, aircraft, and motor vehicles, without registration, cannot be asserted against bona fide third parties. 2. Proof of motor vehicle ownership transfer: Generally includes the motor vehicle's license plate number, chassis number, original owner, ID card, etc., as well as the new owner and ID number after the transfer. To apply for motor vehicle ownership registration, both the original and current owners of the motor vehicle should go to the local traffic management department of the public security authority, bring the following documents, present the motor vehicle for inspection to the traffic management department where the vehicle is registered, and submit the following proofs and credentials.

[StMaximus]

Hey, I've bought two used cars before, and while getting the keys at delivery is exciting, when it comes to ownership, registration is what really counts. Registration means filing with the DMV and putting your name in the official system—legally, that's when the car is truly yours. Delivery is just the physical handover. I once had a friend who didn’t register the car in time, got into an accident, and tried to pin it on the seller. The legal battle was a mess. So, always complete the transfer registration right after buying—don’t slack off. Otherwise, insurance won’t cover you, repairs will cost you, and you might even end up in court. Also, annual inspections and traffic fines are all tied to registration info. I always handle it immediately when I switch cars. And check out car forums—people’s shared experiences are super helpful.

[QuinnDella]

I've been in this industry for several years, and to be honest, vehicle delivery in buying and selling is just a formality—the ultimate ownership depends on registration. I've seen cases where buyers got into accidents before registration, and the liability still fell on the original owner, making the claims process a nightmare. Registration is essentially recording the transfer in the government system, protecting both parties. My advice is to complete the registration process as soon as possible after the vehicle handover. Bring your ID and the transaction invoice—a trip to the DMV isn't a hassle. Also, never cut corners with just a verbal agreement. Always sign a contract and complete the registration, or you'll regret it if disputes arise later. I always remind my clients that registration is the golden rule.

[Joe]

In the matter of vehicle transfer, the core is that it only becomes effective upon registration. When you take delivery, you get the car keys and drive away, but the actual ownership is determined by the certificate issued after registration at the DMV. For example, if you have an accident before registration, the police records might still show the original owner's name, leading to unclear liability. Simply put, registration has legal backing, and I advise owners to complete it immediately after purchase without delay. Matters like insurance claims and transfer taxes are tied to registration, and there are significant practical risks involved.