What is the green book of a car?
3 Answers
The green book of a car is the vehicle registration certificate, which serves as the legal proof of vehicle ownership. The nature of the vehicle registration certificate is equivalent to a household registration booklet. After purchasing a car, it is printed and issued along with the vehicle license plate and driving license during the registration process. It is worth mentioning that if the car is purchased through a loan, the owner only has the right to use the car but not the ownership, and there is no vehicle registration certificate at the time of purchase. After the car is registered, the owner can directly go to the vehicle management office to collect the vehicle registration certificate. Only after obtaining the vehicle registration certificate does the ownership of the vehicle truly belong to the owner. If the vehicle registration certificate is lost, the owner needs to bring the original and a copy of their ID card, as well as the vehicle driving license, to the local vehicle management office for reissuance. Temporary residents also need to bring their residence permit and a copy.
The green booklet, that little pamphlet we get from the DMV after buying a car, is officially called the Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate. It's basically proof that the car belongs to you. You can't do without it when buying or transferring ownership of a car - one look at this green booklet tells people who the owner is. Back when I first started learning about cars, I didn't understand it either, but later my instructor said it's like the car's ID card, just as important as our household registration booklet. Keep it safe and don't lose it - getting a replacement is quite a hassle involving long queues at the DMV and bringing all the required documents. It's best kept locked in a drawer normally, but bring it along when you need to handle official matters to save trouble. Don't underestimate this green booklet - it can really help solve many problems, like when you need it for loan collateral. Every time I see this green-covered booklet, it reminds me that I'm the car owner, giving me peace of mind.
After driving for over 20 years, I finally understand what the 'green booklet' is—it's the vehicle's certificate of ownership. Issued by the DMV when you buy a car, its green cover makes it instantly recognizable. You need it for procedures like transferring ownership or applying for a loan; without it, you can't even sell the car. I remember helping a friend transfer a used car over a decade ago, only to find out he'd lost his green booklet—wasted trip, and it took nearly a week to get a replacement. Now I’ve learned my lesson and advise new car owners to store it safely right after completing the paperwork. Avoid crumpling or getting it wet. The safest place is a fixed spot at home or in the car. If you do lose it, head to the local DMV immediately to report and replace it—just bring your ID, it’s not complicated. This little booklet may seem unimportant, but it can save you big trouble when you least expect it.
