What documents are needed for car transfer?
2 Answers
The seller needs to prepare the original ID card of the vehicle owner, vehicle registration certificate, vehicle license, original purchase invoice or transfer invoice of the vehicle, and the buyer needs to provide the original ID card of the buyer. Some regions also require a "vehicle purchase quota". The procedures for car transfer are as follows: 1. Obtain the form: obtain and fill out a copy of the motor vehicle change, transfer, modification, suspension, or scrapping approval form. 2. Stamp: affix the same seal as the original registration, and private vehicles must submit the owner's ID card for verification. 3. Review: go to the vehicle management section of the traffic police detachment and submit the documents to the registration acceptance counter for review by the handling officer. 4. Inspection: vehicles that meet the transfer conditions will be sent to the motor vehicle inspection counter for inspection and confirmation. 5. Payment: after passing the inspection, for transfers or changes within the same county or city, go directly to the license plate management counter to wait for notification and pay the fee. 6. Tax payment: the transaction tax is issued by the used car trading center and is charged at 1.48% of the vehicle's estimated value.
Last time I helped a friend transfer a used car, it was crucial to prepare all the documents properly. The basics include the original and photocopies of both the buyer's and seller's ID cards, and don’t forget the vehicle’s license and registration certificate—that little green booklet. Also, sign a simple sales contract; you can easily download a template online, just get both parties to sign it to avoid future disputes. Before heading to the DMV, it’s best to bring the insurance policy to facilitate the transfer to the new owner. The vehicle inspection is routine, ensuring the license plate matches and there are no obvious exterior issues. Transfer fees vary by location, usually ranging from tens to hundreds, payable in cash or via WeChat. Remember to print some photocopies of your documents in advance—it’s expensive and slow on-site. Also, check if an emissions certificate is required, as some cities mandate this. The whole process takes about an hour, but you might need to queue if it’s busy, so going early is advisable. Lesson learned: Don’t skimp on photocopying fees—better safe than sorry.
