What documents are required for second-hand vehicle transfer?
3 Answers
The required documents are as follows: The original owner of the second-hand vehicle needs to provide documents including the registration certificate, vehicle license, and ID card. The buyer needs to provide an ID card, and if they are from another city, a residence permit or temporary residence permit is required. For companies or organizations, the original and photocopy of the organization code certificate and the official seal are needed. The original owner's commercial insurance can be canceled (compulsory insurance cannot be canceled), or the insurance can be transferred to the buyer at the insurance company. According to Article 19 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," when applying for transfer registration, the current motor vehicle owner must fill out an application form, inspect the vehicle, and submit the following documents and proofs: Identity proof of the current motor vehicle owner. Proof and documents of motor vehicle ownership transfer. Motor vehicle registration certificate. Motor vehicle license. For motor vehicles under customs supervision, the "Customs Supervision Vehicle Deregistration Certificate" or a customs-approved transfer certificate must also be submitted. For motor vehicles that have exceeded the inspection validity period, a motor vehicle safety technical inspection certificate and a compulsory traffic accident liability insurance certificate must also be submitted. Precautions when buying a second-hand vehicle: Incomplete documents. Complete second-hand vehicle documents include: vehicle registration certificate (or original purchase invoice), vehicle license, vehicle purchase tax payment certificate, road maintenance fee documents, and compulsory insurance. Missing vehicle registration certificates, vehicle licenses, or unpaid compulsory insurance and road maintenance fees can cause endless trouble for the buyer. Tampering with the odometer. Most consumers judge a vehicle's condition by the odometer, and sellers often take advantage of this by tampering with it. The odometer is not just a record of usage intensity but also a log for the maintenance and replacement of other vehicle parts. If buyers follow the tampered odometer for maintenance, it can lead to a series of potential safety hazards. New paint covering "external injuries." When consumers buy a second-hand vehicle, if the car has been repainted and there are signs of repairs around the front, rear, and A, B, C pillars, the vehicle may have been involved in a major accident. "Tuning the heart" to raise the price. Many consumers focus too much on the car's "heart" (engine) and neglect the health of the car body. Second-hand car sellers take advantage of this by replacing engine parts to make the vehicle's "heart" appear younger, thereby inflating the price.
As someone who frequently buys and sells used cars, I find the transfer process quite straightforward. First, you need to prepare identity documents for both parties, such as original and photocopied ID cards—don’t forget these. Then, bring the vehicle registration certificate (the green booklet), as it serves as proof of the car’s identity. The vehicle license is also required, and if you have the purchase tax payment certificate or insurance policy, even better—it helps avoid future hassles. It’s advisable for both buyer and seller to sign a contract briefly outlining transaction details like price and date to prevent disputes later. Next, schedule an appointment at the local DMV, and the car must be driven there for an on-site inspection to check for accident records or violations—this step is mandatory. Submit the documents, pay a small transfer fee (cash or digital payment works), and if everything goes smoothly, you’ll receive the new license and registration certificate in about an hour, completing the transfer. I recommend calling the DMV in advance to confirm requirements to avoid wasted trips. After the transfer, don’t forget to update insurance details—the new owner must repurchase insurance valid for at least a year to avoid penalties on the road. Also, avoid peak hours to save time on queues.
When handling the transfer of a used car, I prefer to follow step-by-step procedures to ensure nothing is missed. Step 1: Gather all necessary documents, including the original and photocopies of both the buyer's and seller's ID cards, the vehicle registration certificate (green book), the vehicle license, and the purchase tax payment certificate, as these are key to proving the vehicle's legality. Step 2: Both parties should sign a formal transfer contract, which should cover the transaction price, date, and rights and obligations to reduce future disputes. Step 3: Arrange for the vehicle to undergo an on-site inspection at the vehicle management office to check for any illegal modifications, accident history, or outstanding violations. Step 4: Visit the vehicle management office to submit the application form and relevant documents, while paying the transfer fees, which may include processing fees and inspection fees, usually not expensive. Step 5: Wait for the vehicle management office to approve the transfer, and you can receive the new vehicle license and updated registration certificate on the spot. The entire process takes about half a day. I recommend starting early to avoid traffic congestion, and making an online appointment in advance can significantly improve efficiency. After completion, promptly update information for in-vehicle devices like ETC.
