What is the official name of the motor vehicle registration certificate?
2 Answers
The motor vehicle registration certificate is the official vehicle registration document. This certificate serves as the legal proof of vehicle ownership, is kept by the vehicle owner and not carried with the vehicle. It is required to be presented for any vehicle registration procedures such as transfer or change of ownership, and records relevant details about the vehicle, functioning as the vehicle's household registration. Below is an introduction to the vehicle registration certificate: 1. Replacement and reissuance: If the motor vehicle registration certificate is lost, missing, or damaged, the vehicle owner must apply for a replacement or reissuance at the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered. 2. Proxy application: Vehicle owners may authorize an agent to handle various motor vehicle registration procedures and services on their behalf, except for applying for a replacement of the motor vehicle registration certificate. However, if the vehicle owner is unable to apply in person due to reasons such as death, being abroad, serious illness, disability, or force majeure, they may authorize an agent to apply for a replacement on their behalf with the relevant proof.
I recently helped a friend transfer a used car, and he kept mentioning the 'big book' of the motor vehicle. Its official name is the Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate. People commonly call it the 'big book' because of its thick cover and detailed contents, which include the owner's name, license plate number, engine number, and vehicle details—it's as important as the car's ID card. I remember once at the DMV, someone forgot to bring it, and the transfer process got stuck, causing a long delay. I recommend all car owners keep it in a safe place. You might not use it often, but it's indispensable at critical moments. Don’t think the vehicle license is enough—this 'big book' is the core document proving ownership, especially when buying or selling a car. If lost, replacing it is a hassle—you’ll have to queue at the DMV to apply for a new one. So, take good care of your 'big book.'
