What Documents Are Needed for Selling and Transferring a Car?
4 Answers
Documents required for selling and transferring a car are divided into seller's documents and buyer's documents. The required documents and the definition of vehicle transfer are as follows: Documents the seller needs to prepare: Original and photocopy of the original owner's ID card, original and photocopy of the vehicle's motor vehicle registration certificate, original and photocopy of the vehicle's driving license, and the vehicle must be present. Documents the buyer needs to prepare: Original ID card of the buyer, and for non-local residents who need to hang license plates, a valid temporary residence permit or residence certificate is required. Vehicle transfer: Vehicle transfer refers to the change of the vehicle's owner's name. When a vehicle is transferred from one city to another, the registration process for changing the affiliated vehicle management authority is called transfer of registration. Vehicle transfer requires changing the license plate and driving license, and the procedures must be completed at two vehicle management authorities, including the transfer-out procedure and the transfer-in procedure.
When selling a car and transferring ownership, there are several key items you must bring. First is the original vehicle license and its photocopy, which serves as proof of the car's identity. The owner's ID card (both front and back) should be photocopied, as the DMV needs to verify ownership information. Don’t forget the vehicle registration certificate, commonly known as the "Big Green Book"—the original is crucial as it proves ownership. Also, prepare the buyer’s original ID card and a photocopy to confirm both parties' identities. A copy of the car purchase invoice is one of the required documents for the transfer, along with the compulsory traffic insurance policy to prove the coverage is still valid. I recommend checking the local DMV’s requirements online a day in advance, as some areas might also need a vehicle inspection report or a no-violation certificate. Photocopy all documents beforehand to save time. It’s best for both parties to visit the DMV together, fill out the application form, and sign for confirmation—the entire process takes less than an hour and is quite hassle-free.
I was a bit nervous as a first-timer going through the car selling and transfer procedures. It's essential to bring the original and photocopy of the owner's ID card, a copy of the vehicle's license, and the original green vehicle registration certificate. The buyer's original ID card and its copy must also be prepared. Copies of the car purchase invoice and the compulsory insurance policy are indispensable. Before going, I checked to confirm there were no traffic violation records on the vehicle and took the time to clear them if any. Making photocopies in advance is a money-saving trick to avoid extra charges on-site. Both parties agreed to drive to the DMV together. It can get crowded, requiring queuing, but the process is straightforward: submit documents, fill out forms, and receive the new certificate. The whole experience taught me the importance of planning ahead to avoid last-minute chaos.
When helping someone with the car ownership transfer process, I've summarized the basic procedures. Bring the copy of the owner's ID card, original vehicle license, and original vehicle registration certificate. The buyer needs to provide a copy of their ID card. Don't forget the copy of the car purchase invoice and the compulsory traffic insurance policy. Both parties should go to the local DMV together to fill out the application form. It's recommended to make copies of all documents to avoid trouble, and make sure the vehicle has no outstanding traffic violations, otherwise the transfer won't be allowed. The process can be completed in half an hour if everything goes smoothly.
