What Documents Are Needed to Buy a Car Now?
3 Answers
Buying a car requires different documents depending on the payment method: Full payment: The buyer needs to provide ID card, driver's license, bank card, etc.; Loan purchase: The buyer needs to provide a valid personal ID, a car purchase intention letter issued by the car dealer, personal income proof with company certification and stamp, relevant materials for guarantee, proof of down payment, and two one-inch photos. When signing the car purchase contract, it's important to clearly specify the car brand, vehicle identification number (VIN), car code, and other essential elements of the vehicle itself. Pay special attention to including both the car code and VIN to prevent dealer substitution. Finally, when stamping, ensure the seller's stamp name matches exactly with the names on the purchase contract and invoice.
I just bought a new car recently, and the whole process went quite smoothly. Before purchasing, you need to prepare your ID card to prove your identity; if you're test driving or taking the new car out, remember to bring your driver's license. For the payment part, cash buyers can simply bring cash or a bank card, but card payments will require identity verification; if you're financing the car, additionally prepare work certificates, salary slips, etc., to pass bank approval. Nowadays, many 4S stores support online appointments, where uploading a photo of your ID card is enough, saving you the trip. After picking up the car, you still need to handle insurance and license plates, so don't forget to bring money to buy the insurance policy. Overall, there aren't too many documents involved; the key is to verify the information promptly to avoid errors, which could waste time. During peak car-buying seasons like the end of the year, document reviews might be stricter, so prepare in advance to avoid crowded queues.
From my experience, buying a used car requires more documentation. You must bring your ID card and household registration to prove your address. If the vehicle is transferred from another owner, you also need the original vehicle registration certificate and the sales contract. For payment, bring your bank card or receipt if paying in full; if financing, provide income proof and a credit report to speed up approval. Throughout the process, verifying document authenticity is crucial—especially the original invoice and maintenance records of the used car, as fake documents can cause trouble. For ownership transfer, visit the DMV with all the required paperwork. For transactions, always choose reputable platforms to avoid disputes. Over the years, I’ve helped friends buy several cars—just ensure all documents are ready and be patient with the queues.
