What are the new regulations for cross-regional transfer of used cars?
4 Answers
2020 regulations for cross-regional vehicle transfer: 1. After confirming the purchase of the vehicle: Go to the used car trading market in the vehicle's location to complete the transaction and obtain a nationally unified used car transaction invoice. 2. After purchasing the vehicle: You need to apply for vehicle file transfer at the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered. During the file transfer process, the new owner's identity proof is required. A file transfer fee will be charged, and the price varies by location. 3. Apply for a temporary license plate: Remember to apply for a temporary license plate during the file transfer process to facilitate driving the vehicle back. 4. After completing the vehicle purchase transaction: Do not forget to transfer the vehicle insurance. Some insurance companies can directly transfer the policy, while others cannot. In such cases, you can first cancel the existing insurance and then purchase a temporary insurance policy. It is not too late to buy a new insurance policy after driving the vehicle back.
A while ago, I helped a friend with an out-of-town vehicle transfer, and the current regulations have indeed made it much easier. The key is the nationwide cancellation of the used car relocation restrictions policy. As long as the vehicle meets the National V emission standard or above, it can basically be transferred across provinces without the previous emission restrictions. The process has also been greatly simplified. You can complete everything in one go at the vehicle management office in the destination location, with vehicle records being transferred electronically—no need to visit the original vehicle management office to retrieve files anymore. For documentation, just prepare the ID cards of both buyer and seller, the vehicle registration certificate, the driving license, the compulsory traffic insurance policy, and the used car transaction invoice. The costs mainly include the transfer service fee and administrative fees, totaling around 200-300 RMB. If everything goes smoothly, the entire process can be completed in half a day. Remember to check the vehicle's violation records and status when picking it up, otherwise, you might get stuck at the inspection stage and waste time.
Last year, I bought a used car in Hangzhou and transferred its ownership to Chengdu. The biggest change under the new regulations is the digitization of vehicle records. Previously, I had to travel between the two cities to retrieve paper records, but now I can directly apply for an electronic transfer via the 12123 app, and the system automatically pushes the records to the vehicle management office in the destination city. Emission standards have also been relaxed. Apart from key regions like Beijing and Shanghai, which still restrict vehicles to China VI-B standards, most other cities now allow the transfer of China V vehicles. Required documents include original IDs of both parties, the vehicle registration certificate, the driving license, compulsory traffic insurance proof, and the purchase invoice. The entire process took four hours at the Chengdu Vehicle Management Office, with a total cost of 270 yuan, including vehicle inspection and chassis number tracing. However, it's important to note that some localities have strict regulations on modified vehicles. For example, modifications to headlights or exhaust tips might fail the inspection process.
Last month, I just helped my old classmate complete an out-of-town vehicle transfer, and there are a few key points to highlight. First is the emission standard—non-key regions accept China 5, but cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen strictly require China 6B, so always verify before buying a used car. Second, ensure the vehicle status is clear—all traffic violations and liens must be resolved, or the transfer application won’t even be accepted. Third, don’t forget any documents: ID, vehicle registration (green book), and transaction invoice—missing any means starting over. The process is now faster with digitalization, eliminating the need to travel between locations, and temporary plates can be issued the same day. Costs include a 200+ RMB administrative fee, plus possible inspection and VIN rubbing fees in some areas. Most importantly, avoid middlemen—handling it yourself is entirely manageable.
