What procedures are required for vehicle transfer across different regions?
2 Answers
Inter-regional vehicle transfer requires vehicle inspection, issuance of a used car transaction invoice (not required for gifts between relatives or friends), and the retrieval of old license plates with temporary plates issued. Below are the procedures needed for inter-regional vehicle transfer: 1. Vehicle inspection is required: Mainly to verify whether the engine and chassis numbers have been altered, match the original records, and confirm the vehicle is not stolen. 2. Issuance of a used car transaction invoice: For vehicles under customs supervision, submit the "Notice of Vehicle License Plate Collection (Cancellation) for Exit (Border) of the People's Republic of China Customs Supervised Vehicles" issued by the supervising customs. 3. Retrieval of old license plates and issuance of temporary plates: The vehicle owner or agent can receive the vehicle file, which can be delivered by mail.
Two years ago, I helped a friend with an out-of-town vehicle transfer, and the whole process felt quite complicated but not overly difficult. First, you need to go to the vehicle management office in the original registration location to complete the file extraction. Bring the owner's ID card, vehicle registration certificate, original vehicle license, and compulsory traffic insurance proof—none of these can be missing. After review, the vehicle management office will give you a sealed archive bag, which you cannot open privately. Then, head to the traffic police station or vehicle management office in the new location to prepare for the transfer registration. There, the vehicle must first undergo an inspection, including checking whether the emissions meet local standards—for example, major cities usually only accept vehicles meeting China V or higher, and older cars might fail the inspection. I recommend checking the environmental requirements in advance via an app to avoid wasted trips. Throughout the process, ensure all documents are complete; if you're missing something like an ID copy or insurance policy, you'll have to go back and forth. Note that the transfer tax and license plate fee combined usually cost around 800 to 1,500 RMB, depending on local policies. Arriving early to queue can save time, and sometimes you’ll need to handle the vehicle’s annual inspection—don’t wait until the last minute. Once completed, the new license plate will be mailed or issued on-site. After installation, the process is done, but safe driving is always the top priority.
