1. Essential Document Checklist: All Required
1.1 Core Document Verification
| Document Type | Key Inspection Points | Common Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Registration Certificate | - Verify VIN/engine number - Check transfer history & lien records | Excessive reissues may indicate a lien-bound car |
| Vehicle License (行驶证) | - Inspect annual inspection validity - Ensure photo matches actual car | Cloned-plate licenses often have poor print quality |
| Purchase Tax Certificate | - Paper or digital copy acceptable - EVs require tax exemption proof | Smuggled cars lack tax certificates |
| Compulsory Insurance Policy | - Must be valid for ≥30 days - Beneficiary should be current owner | Uninsured cars cannot be transferred |
Special Notes:
Post-2018, environmental labels are no longer required.
Imported vehicles need additional verification via Customs Import Certificate.
2. Identifying Problematic Vehicles: Lien-Bound, Cloned Plates, or Smuggled
2.1 Lien-Bound Cars (Risk: ★★★★★)
Signs:
"Mortgage Record" section in registration certificate bears a lender’s seal.
Seller cannot provide Loan Settlement Certificate.
Priced 40%+ below market value.
Risks:
May be repossessed by lenders.
Cannot be legally transferred; only "nominee ownership" possible.
Verification:
Check lien status at DMV (¥20 fee).
Scan the registration certificate’s QR code to verify records.
2.2 Cloned-Plate Cars (Risk: ★★★★)
Red Flags:
License font differs from official versions.
VIN engraving shows tampering (common near windshield).
Traffic violation records show mismatched vehicle details.
Countermeasures:
Scan the license QR code via Traffic Management 12123 app.
Cross-check VIN on car body, nameplate, and insurance documents.
2.3 Smuggled Cars (Risk: ★★★★★)
Tell-Tale Signs:
Missing Customs Import Certificate or inspection documents.
VIN does not start with "L" (non-compliant import).
Odometer in miles (e.g., unmodified U.S. models).
Legal Consequences:
Buying smuggled vehicles is a criminal offense.
Confiscation by customs with no compensation.
3. Ownership Transfer Process & Cross-Region Restrictions
3.1 Local Transfer: 5-Step Process
VIN Rubbing & Verification
Traffic Violation Check
Transaction & Invoice Issuance
License Plate Selection & Certificate Production
New Plate Collection
VIN Rubbing & Verification
Traffic Violation Check
Transaction & Invoice Issuance
License Plate Selection & Certificate Production
New Plate Collection
Required Documents:
Buyer/seller ID (company: business license copy).
Used car sales invoice (¥200, issued by trading market).
Vehicle registration certificate & license.
Time Cost:
Completed in ≤2 hours (no queues).
License plates mailed in 3–5 business days.
3.2 Cross-Region Transfer Policies
| Transfer Type | From China 5 to China 6 Region | Same Standard Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Mostly prohibited | Requires pre-approval |
| Cost Estimate | — | ¥300 (file transfer) + ¥50 (temp plate) |
| Processing Time | — | 7–15 business days |
2024 Updates:
Nationwide lifting of China 5 used car restrictions (excl. key regions).
300+ cities support digital transfers (no paper files needed).
3.3 Common Transfer Pitfalls
Quota Traps: Cities like Beijing/Shanghai require purchase permits.
Tax Disputes:
If transfer price is below "guide price," tax is calculated at the higher rate.
EVs lose tax exemption after transfer.
Scams:
Agents overcharge for "all-inclusive" transfers (actual cost ≤¥500).
Forged signatures on Vehicle Registration Application.
4. Handling Special Cases
4.1 Transfer After Owner’s Death
Requires Inheritance Notarization Certificate.
Heirs must provide death certificate/proof of relationship.
4.2 Company-to-Private Transfer
Company must provide business license copy (stamped).
Finance department must issue a used car sales invoice.
4.3 Cars with Unpaid Loans
Loan must be settled and lien released first.
Bank must issue Loan Settlement Certificate.
5. Self-Checklist to Avoid Pitfalls
Document Verification:
No "mortgage record" in registration certificate.
License has intact anti-fake holograms (post-2018: QR code).
Physical Inspection:
VIN matches on all documents (windshield/engine bay/door frame).
Engine number shows no tampering.
History Checks:
Che300 report shows no major accidents.
Police database confirms no theft records.
Pre-Transfer Prep:
Clear all traffic violations.
Ensure emissions meet destination city’s standards.
Final Advice:
Reject any "pay first, fix documents later" deals.
For pre-2005 cars, check if they’re near mandatory scrapping age.
Keep transfer documents for 6+ years (tax audits may retroactively check).
By following this method, 99% of problematic cars can be filtered out.
Remember: Spend an extra hour verifying paperwork—never risk buying an illegal vehicle for a cheap price!
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