What documents are needed to buy a car?
3 Answers
Documents required include personal ID card, two copies of ID card, household register, bank card, and driver's license. Below are relevant details about purchasing a car: Documents needed for different purchase scenarios: For private purchases, bring your ID card. Non-locals need to bring a residence permit. For corporate purchases, bring the company's business license and organization code certificate (companies with the three-in-one certification only need the business license). Corporate purchases also require an authorization letter for the agent, who must bring their own ID card. Since purchasing a car requires substantial funds, bring a bank card for payment and avoid carrying cash. For loan purchases, bring proof of funds and income. Documents to obtain after purchase: Vehicle certificate of conformity, purchase invoice, verification of the nameplate, vehicle user manual, three-guarantee service card, and other documents or accessories.
Buying a car requires quite a few documents, so I’ll share some personal experience. As an ordinary consumer, your ID card is absolutely essential—it proves who you are, whether you’re paying in full or taking out a loan. If you want a test drive, you must have your driver’s license ready, as dealerships will check it. For payment, I used a bank card last time, and the process was quick. But if you’re financing, you’ll need extra documents: proof of income, six months of bank statements, and an employer verification letter. Additionally, after purchase, the dealership will provide the car purchase invoice and vehicle certificate—keep these safe, as they’re needed for registration and insurance. If you have a residence permit or household registration booklet, it’s also advisable to bring them, especially in big cities where non-locals may face additional requirements. I recommend checking with the dealer for a document checklist beforehand to avoid delays—like my first time when I forgot my proof of income and had to make an extra trip, which was quite annoying.
I've purchased several cars myself, and the experience taught me that having documents prepared in advance saves a lot of hassle. The core documents are identity proofs, such as the original ID card and its photocopy. Payment for the car requires a bank card or cash receipt. If you're taking a loan, the bank will ask for additional documents like pay slips and bank statements to prove repayment capability. The dealer provides the vehicle certificate and invoice at the time of purchase, which you must verify and check. Also, don't forget environmental requirements—some areas need emission standard certificates. It's best to arrange everything in advance, bringing your driver's license or permit for test drives. I recommend making a checklist and ticking off items one by one to avoid missing anything. After buying the car, immediately arrange for insurance and registration, and make sure not to lose the related documents.
