What procedures are required for licensing a second-hand car after purchase?
4 Answers
Original ID card of the vehicle owner (if handled by an agent, the original ID card of the agent is required), vehicle registration certificate (commonly known as the green book), original vehicle purchase invoice or the last transfer invoice. Additional information: 1. Vehicle licensing: The owner of the motor vehicle shall fill out the "Motor Vehicle Registration Application Form" and submit the required documents to the vehicle management office at the owner's residence for registration and vehicle inspection: Proof of identity of the motor vehicle owner; Standard photos of the vehicle for registration; Proof of origin of the motor vehicle, except for customs-supervised vehicles; For domestically produced motor vehicles, the complete vehicle factory certificate, for imported motor vehicles, the import certificate; Proof of payment or exemption of vehicle purchase tax. 2. New vehicle licensing: There is no specific regulation on the time for licensing a new vehicle, but temporary license plates or legal licensing must be obtained before driving on the road. If the motor vehicle has not been registered after acquisition and needs to be driven temporarily within the administrative jurisdiction, a temporary driving license plate with a validity period of no more than 15 days will be issued; if it needs to be driven temporarily across administrative jurisdictions, a temporary driving license plate with a validity period of no more than 30 days will be issued. If the motor vehicle owner needs to apply for temporary driving license plates multiple times, the vehicle management office shall not issue temporary driving license plates more than three times.
I've got some experience with registering a used car after purchase. Don't rush to hit the road—make sure all the paperwork is sorted first for peace of mind. Step one is checking the vehicle's condition to see if there are any accident records or outstanding violations, which is crucial because these can hold up the process. Then, gather the necessary documents: a copy of the seller's ID, the vehicle's registration certificate, the purchase contract or invoice, and your original ID. Don’t forget to buy compulsory traffic insurance in advance—nowadays, you can handle it right from your phone via an app. Next, head to the DMV. Usually, the vehicle needs to be present for inspection, covering things like the exhaust pipe and headlights. Once everything checks out, submit the materials, pay a small tax fee, and finally collect your new license plates and registration certificate. The whole process takes about half a day, and weekdays tend to be less crowded. Wear comfortable shoes—queuing is common. If the car was bought from another city, you might need extra time for an emissions test. I always recommend bringing some water and snacks to munch on while waiting—saves you from running back and forth.
When I first bought my used car, I was quite nervous about the licensing procedures, but step by step, I found it wasn't too difficult. Right after purchasing, I immediately checked the vehicle's safety, ensuring the exterior and engine were in good condition. Preparing the documents was the most crucial part: the original owner's ID, vehicle registration, purchase invoice, along with my ID card and copies. Insurance also needed to be handled promptly, which took just a few minutes online. On the day I went to the DMV, there was a long queue with many people. After submitting the materials, vehicle inspection, and paying the taxes and fees, I got my new license plates. The whole process took about three to four hours, though waiting in line was annoying when it was crowded. I recommend buyers check beforehand if the vehicle has any traffic violations or overdue inspections and resolve those issues first to save time. Bringing a friend to help hand over documents makes things smoother. Finally, driving around in my 'new' car felt totally worth it.
Buying a used car? Here's how to quickly handle the license plate transfer: First, ensure the vehicle has no major issues. Prepare copies of your ID, the original vehicle license, insurance policy, and purchase receipt. Schedule a weekday visit to the DMV when it's less crowded. After the vehicle inspection, submit your application, pay taxes, and collect your plates—it's a breeze. The whole process takes about 1-2 hours. Remember to settle any traffic violations to avoid delays.
