What is the use of a vehicle registration certificate?
3 Answers
Processing any vehicle registration such as transfer or change of ownership requires the presentation of the vehicle registration certificate. Replacement of the vehicle registration certificate: If the motor vehicle registration certificate is lost, missing, or damaged, the vehicle owner must apply for a replacement or reissue at the local vehicle management office. Vehicle owners may authorize an agent to handle various motor vehicle registration and business applications, except for applying for a replacement of the motor vehicle registration certificate. If the vehicle owner cannot be present to apply for a replacement due to reasons such as death, emigration, serious illness, disability, or force majeure, an agent may be authorized to apply on their behalf with relevant proof. Materials required for replacement: "Motor Vehicle License and Certificate Application Form", original and copy of the vehicle owner's identity proof, and the motor vehicle inspection record form (to be processed on-site). To apply for a replacement of the motor vehicle registration certificate, the vehicle owner must bring the vehicle to the vehicle management office. If the vehicle owner is a natural person applying for a replacement of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate", they must apply in person and cannot authorize an agent to do so. If the vehicle owner cannot be present to apply for a replacement of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate" due to reasons such as death, emigration, serious illness, disability, or force majeure, relevant proof must be provided.
When I bought my car, the vehicle registration certificate—that little booklet—was particularly important. It contains all your information, including the owner's name, the brand and model of the vehicle, the engine number, and so on, just like the car's ID card. Normally, you might think it's useless sitting in a drawer, but once you want to sell or transfer the car to someone else, you must use it. For example, last year I sold an old car to a friend, and without the registration certificate, the transfer process couldn't be completed—the authorities insisted on seeing it to prove the car was mine. Moreover, when applying for a car loan or an insurance claim, the insurance agent always asks me to provide a copy of the registration certificate to confirm the vehicle details and avoid disputes due to mismatched information. Losing it is also a hassle—you’ll have to spend time getting a replacement. In short, I think this document is the core safeguard of the owner's rights. Never underestimate it, as losing it can really affect daily affairs.
I learned the hard way after losing my vehicle registration certificate and realizing its true value. That little document is far more than just proof of ownership. When involved in a traffic accident, I needed it to verify my identity and vehicle ownership during police checks - without it, they might suspect the car was stolen. It took me a week to get a replacement at the DMV, which was quite a hassle: requiring my ID, purchase invoice, and a written explanation. After the replacement, I became extra careful about storing it properly. In daily life, the registration certificate helps verify authenticity during used car transactions, preventing scams by fake owners. When applying for auto loans, banks also use it to assess vehicle value. What's particularly important is that it records the vehicle's history, including any illegal modifications, making it crucial for protecting your rights. I recommend everyone keep it securely in a dedicated folder.
