Is Vehicle Title Transfer Necessary When Selling a Car?

[KadenFitz]

Selling a car requires a title transfer. Otherwise, the seller may be held liable in case of an accident. Title Transfer Requirements: To complete the vehicle title transfer process, all prior traffic violations must be resolved, the vehicle must pass inspection, and the physical presence of the vehicle is required. Both the buyer and seller must present their respective identification documents and vehicle paperwork (including the vehicle registration certificate and vehicle license) and jointly visit the local DMV where the vehicle is registered to complete the title transfer procedure. Relevant Laws: "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations": Article 13 states that when a vehicle owner's residence changes beyond the jurisdiction of the current DMV, the DMV shall, within three days of acceptance, annotate the changes on the vehicle registration certificate, reclaim the license plates and vehicle license, issue a temporary license plate valid for 30 days, and hand over the vehicle's file to the owner. The vehicle owner must apply for vehicle registration transfer at the new residence's DMV within the validity period of the temporary license plate.

[DelGenesis]

Last year when I sold my car, I almost got into trouble with the transfer process. Thinking it was between acquaintances, I didn’t rush to complete the paperwork. Two weeks later, I received a speeding ticket, and upon checking the surveillance, the car was still registered under my name. I had to make three trips to the DMV just to settle the violation. My advice is to go through the transfer procedure directly with the buyer. Bring the vehicle registration certificate, the driving license, both parties’ ID cards, and fill out a 'Motor Vehicle Transfer Agreement' to get it done. If you find it troublesome, at least sign a notarized agreement stating that 'all responsibilities are transferred to the buyer from the handover day.' But remember, if an accident happens, the police will first contact the registered owner—a painful lesson learned, my friends!

[VanAvery]

In over ten years in this business, I've seen too many disputes arising from not transferring ownership. Just last week, a client who sold his car two years ago was suddenly notified by the court that the vehicle was being seized to settle a debt—the buyer defaulted on payments, and creditors directly impounded the car still registered under the seller's name. Legally, vehicle ownership transfer is only valid upon completing the title transfer; without it, the car remains your property. Also, beware that some buyers might use the car as collateral for loans. If they default, finance companies can come after you to repossess the vehicle. The transfer fee is just a few hundred bucks, but skipping it could cost you tens of thousands in losses. Do the math.

[DeHarper]

My best friend recently sold her car to a used car dealer for convenience, took the money and let them drive it away. Three months later, the annual inspection expired, and the DMV sent her a text urging her to handle it. Even more outrageous, last month someone used the car for insurance fraud, and the other party's lawyer directly sent the lawsuit to her company. Not transferring ownership is like carrying a time bomb—if the buyer causes a traffic accident, you'll have to pay; unpaid taxes will affect your credit; even unpaid ETC fees will be deducted from your bank account. It's better to sell for 2,000 yuan less but complete the transfer, seriously!

[StLola]

Last time I sold my old car, I specifically checked the regulations: According to Article 18 of the 'Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations,' the transfer of motor vehicle ownership must complete the transfer registration. At the DMV, I once witnessed a guy who got sued by the victim's family and had to pay over 100,000 yuan because the buyer didn’t transfer the title and resold the car, and the third owner hit-and-ran. Here’s a lesser-known fact: If the vehicle insurance isn’t transferred, the claim payout goes to the original owner’s account, which could lead to disputes with the buyer later.