
Vehicle registration certificate, commonly referred to as the "big book," must undergo a pledge registration and is typically held as collateral by the bank that processed the auto loan. After the auto loan is fully repaid, the lending institution will return the vehicle registration certificate (the "big book") and issue a "Loan Clearance Certificate." With these documents and the loan contract signed with the lending institution, you can visit the vehicle management office to complete the vehicle mortgage release procedures. Below are the conditions for obtaining a vehicle registration certificate: 1. Submit an application: When the vehicle registration certificate is lost, missing, or damaged, the vehicle owner must apply for a replacement at the local vehicle management office. 2. Authorized agent application: The vehicle owner may authorize an agent to handle various vehicle registration and related matters, except for applying for a replacement of the vehicle registration certificate. However, if the vehicle owner cannot apply in person due to reasons such as death, overseas travel, severe illness, disability, or force majeure, an agent may apply on their behalf with relevant proof.

Let me tell you, that big green book for car installment payments is actually the vehicle registration certificate. During the loan period, it's kept by the bank or financial institution that lent you the money. For example, my friend bought a car on installment last year—paid the down payment and drove it home, but the vehicle title was held by the bank as collateral until he paid off all the loans, then they returned it to him. This setup is mainly to protect the lender's risk, preventing you from secretly selling the car and running away midway. Normally, if you need the document for something, like the annual vehicle inspection, the bank will cooperate by providing a photocopy or temporary document, so no need to worry too much. Just remember, after paying off the loan, you should proactively contact them to complete the release of lien procedures and get the original document back.

When I bought my car on installments before, I also wondered where the vehicle title went. Turns out it's kept at the finance company. It's kind of an unwritten rule - all installment car purchases are handled this way to ensure their financial security. Honestly, it's not really inconvenient. When you need it, just give them a call to get an electronic copy or photocopy for registration purposes. The key is to keep track of your repayment dates and don't be late, otherwise you'll face some extra fines when retrieving the original title. Many people initially think it's lost, but in reality it's safely sleeping in their filing cabinet.

The car's title, which is the ownership certificate of the vehicle, is held by the lending institution. This arrangement serves as collateral for the loan, and they won't release it to you until the loan is fully paid off. If you need to handle any vehicle-related procedures, remember to contact them in advance to obtain the necessary documentation. I recommend carefully reviewing the contract terms to ensure a smooth process of retrieving the title.
