Where to Go for Vehicle Ownership Transfer?
3 Answers
Vehicle ownership transfer needs to be processed at the local vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered. The vehicle ownership transfer process: 1. Obtain the used vehicle sales contract at the service window and fill it out; 2. Drive the vehicle directly to the inspection area for vehicle inspection, photography, VIN tracing, and license plate removal, then fill out the inspection record form; 3. After all procedures are completed, drive the vehicle back to the parking lot, then proceed to the transfer hall for further processing; 4. Upon returning to the transfer hall, take a number, queue up, and wait for your number to be called. After the staff confirms there are no traffic violations on the vehicle, the transfer process will begin, and the transfer fee will need to be paid; 5. After payment, proceed to the transfer acceptance window for relevant procedures; 6. After completing the transfer acceptance, you can select a new license plate number, then receive the new license plate, vehicle registration certificate, and vehicle license, completing the ownership transfer.
Last time I handled the vehicle transfer myself, I went directly to the city's DMV, which specializes in these matters. You need to bring your ID card, vehicle registration certificate, driving license, and the transaction invoice with the seller. It's best to make two copies in advance as backup. The process there was quite smooth: first, queue up for vehicle inspection, where the staff checks if the vehicle is in normal condition; then fill out forms and pay the fees, which are not high—around a hundred yuan will cover it; finally, wait for the new certificate to be issued and update the insurance before it's all done. I recommend going early in the morning to avoid crowds and save time; you can also make an appointment on the official website or app to avoid peak hours. For buying or selling used cars, formal trading markets often have agency services—it costs a bit more but is more convenient. Doing it yourself is rewarding, but the key is to avoid shady intermediaries to prevent being scammed. The whole process can be completed within a day, so don't be afraid of the hassle.
As someone who often helps friends with car-related matters, I recommend going to the local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) first to handle the vehicle transfer—it's the official channel. Prepare the required documents: IDs of both parties, vehicle registration certificate, driving license, and sales contract. Many cities now offer smart services—you can make an appointment via WeChat mini-programs or the DMV app, then use self-service kiosks on-site for a quick and hassle-free process. The fee is just a few dozen RMB, payable via scan-to-pay; don't forget to update the license plate and insurance after the transfer. If you're trading through a used car platform, they might handle the entire process as agents, just charge an extra service fee. The whole process emphasizes digital convenience—don't delay paperwork, get it done early for peace of mind.
