What is the process for transferring ownership of a used car purchased across provinces?
2 Answers
The process for transferring ownership of a used car purchased across provinces is as follows: First, complete the transaction and file extraction procedures in the vehicle's original location. The documents to be extracted include the vehicle's files, purchase tax files, and road maintenance fee files. After all these procedures are completed, return to your local area to complete the registration process. The transfer of ownership for a used car involves changing the name of the vehicle's owner, which is an essential step in the process of buying or selling a used car. Failure to transfer ownership can cause inconvenience to both the buyer and the seller. Required documents for vehicle ownership transfer include: original application form for vehicle registration, transfer, cancellation, and re-registration; original and copy of the current vehicle owner's identity proof; original or original and copy of the proof of vehicle ownership transfer; original certificate of release from customs supervision or original transfer approval certificate from customs (for customs-supervised vehicles); original vehicle license; original vehicle inspection record form (with standard vehicle photo and chassis number imprint); original vehicle registration certificate; and one standard vehicle photo.
Last year, I bought a used car across provinces, and the process was quite a hassle. First, I had to complete the vehicle file transfer at the original registration location, bringing the owner's ID card, vehicle license, and green book to the DMV. After filling out the transfer application, the staff would seal the files. Then, I drove it back to my local area, paying special attention to emission standards—like in the Pearl River Delta where only China VI is allowed; non-compliant vehicles can't be registered. The files took about a week to mail, during which I relied on temporary plates. Finally, at the new DMV, I had the car inspected, paid taxes, and changed the plates—the whole process took nearly half a month. Money-saving tip: Check the emission differences between the two regions in advance to avoid wasted trips.
