What is the process of car ownership transfer?
2 Answers
Vehicle ownership transfer requires registration at the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is located. Vehicle ownership transfer refers to the change of the vehicle's owner name. To process the ownership transfer, both parties involved must apply together at the vehicle management office in the city where the vehicle is registered. Ownership transfer cannot be processed in a different location. The required documents for car ownership transfer are as follows: 1. Original vehicle license. 2. Original vehicle registration certificate. 3. Original supplementary vehicle registration form (to be obtained from the vehicle management office where the vehicle was originally registered). 4. Proof of vehicle purchase tax. 5. ID cards of both the buyer and seller; a residence permit is required for non-local residents. 6. Used vehicle sales contract. 7. If either party is an organization, the original organization code certificate and official seal are required. The transfer process is as follows: 1. Upon arrival at the transfer office, present the relevant documents to receive a "XX City Used Vehicle Sales Contract," which both parties need to fill out. After completion, take all the documents to process the "transfer acceptance." 2. Drive the vehicle directly to the inspection area for transfer, where staff will inspect the vehicle, take rubbings of the vehicle identification number, remove the license plate, and take photos. A fee for the rubbing is required. Collect the vehicle photo and attach it to the inspection record form. After these steps, park the vehicle and proceed to the transfer office to continue the process. 3. Take a number from the dispenser and queue with the relevant documents to pay the transfer fee. Older vehicles have lower transfer fees. Note that transfer fees may vary slightly between different markets. 4. Transfer acceptance: Required documents include the vehicle registration, transfer, cancellation form/application for transfer, inspection record form, original registration certificate, original vehicle license, original owner's ID card, original license plate number, vehicle photo, and transfer invoice from the market. 5. The new owner should take the relevant files back to the local vehicle management office where the vehicle will be registered, submit all documents, and complete the license plate registration process.
I helped my cousin with a small car title transfer two years ago, and the whole process was quite simple but a bit tedious. First, you need to prepare the original and photocopies of both parties' ID cards, the vehicle registration certificate, the vehicle license, and the sales agreement. Both the buyer and seller must go to the DMV together, fill out a transfer application form, and then wait in line for the window to call their number. The staff will inspect the vehicle's condition, check if the engine number and chassis number match, and ensure there are no outstanding traffic violations—otherwise, the transfer won't be approved. The fees include transaction tax and administrative costs, which cost me a few hundred yuan in total. The process is only complete once you receive the new vehicle license. The whole thing took about half a day, so I recommend going early to avoid peak hours and long waits. After the transfer, promptly notify the insurance company to update the information to avoid issues with claims later. Remember to agree on all cost-sharing details beforehand and include them in the agreement to prevent disputes. Bringing some water and snacks is useful when the DMV is crowded.
