Under What Circumstances Can a Car Not Be Transferred?
2 Answers
Unauthorized modifications, alterations, changes to vehicle load capacity or passenger numbers, unresolved traffic violations or accidents, doubts raised by public security authorities about the vehicle, failure to undergo regular annual inspections or failing inspection, newly registered vehicles not yet appearing in the DMV system, vehicles registered for less than one month, or vehicles under court-ordered freeze or with an undischarged mortgage period are all circumstances under which a vehicle cannot be transferred. Documents and procedures required for car transfer: "Motor Vehicle Registration, Transfer, Cancellation/Transfer Application Form," the original and photocopy of the buyer's resident ID card or temporary resident ID card. If handled by an agent, the agent's original and photocopy of ID card and a written authorization from the vehicle owner are also required; the original and photocopy of the seller's ID card; the motor vehicle registration certificate. Precautions for car transfer: All document information must match that of the original owner. Only the car owner can transfer the vehicle, and all vehicle procedures must be complete. The car must meet annual inspection standards and must not have violations or modifications. If the vehicle has violations, they must be cleared with the relevant authorities; if the vehicle has been modified, it must be restored to its original state before transfer can proceed.
I once encountered a car that I wanted to transfer ownership of, only to find out it was sealed by the court, making the transfer impossible. There are several common situations that significantly affect ownership transfer: if the vehicle has unresolved traffic violations or pending accident cases, the DMV won’t process it; if the car lacks compulsory traffic insurance or has an expired inspection, don’t even bother; if the original owner has passed away without inheritance notarization, the heir can’t directly transfer ownership; if the license plate is under mortgage without release, or if it’s an imported car bought less than three months ago still under customs supervision. The most frustrating is modified cars without proper registration—like altered headlights or an engine model that doesn’t match the registration certificate—which must be restored to original condition first. It’s advisable to check the vehicle’s status at the DMV before attempting a transfer.
