What Documents Are Needed for Selling and Transferring a Car?
2 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.
