[Vehicle Transfer] Vehicle transfer procedures, documents, fees, and precautions

Vehicle transfer refers to the transfer of ownership of a vehicle from the seller to the buyer, and to the relevant authorities. Transport Department procedure for registering and updating new vehicle owner informationThis process typically occurs when buying or selling a used car and is a legally necessary step to protect the rights of both the buyer and seller and avoid future legal and liability disputes, such as traffic violation fines or insurance liability issues.

According to the law, within 72 hours of any vehicle (excluding taxis) changing hands, both the buyer and seller must submit a completed and signed Notice of Transfer of Ownership to the Licensing Office of the Transport Department. TD25 as proof that both the buyer and seller agree to the sale and transfer of the vehicle. The new owner must submit the original notice to the Transport Department, while a copy must be submitted by the previous owner.

Documents required for buyer's transfer of ownership

• Complete and sign the vehicle transfer notice （TD25） 

• Identity document (original Hong Kong identity card or passport)

• Already in effect Car insurance Proof （temporary insurance policy）

• Proof of address（Sent within the last 3 months)

Documents required for seller to transfer ownership

• Complete and sign the vehicle transfer notice （TD25）

• Original vehicle registration documents (license plate book)

• Identity document (original Hong Kong identity card or passport)

Both the buyer and seller must complete and sign the same transfer notice.

What is a blank sheet of paper?

The full name of the ‘cleanliness certificate’  is ‘Certificate of No Outstanding Fines or Court Fees and No Violations’ which is used for Check if the vehicle has any outstanding fines, traffic violations, or license suspension by the court. This protects the rights and interests of both buyers and sellers, and plays a crucial role, especially in vehicle transfer or sales transactions.

Applying for a certificate of innocence is free. Applicants can apply through. Hong Kong Government One-Stop Website Applications are processed in approximately 10 business days, and results will be sent via email. Alternatively, applications can be submitted in person or by an agent; simply complete the ‘Application Form for Certificate of No Outstanding Fines or Court Costs and No Offenses’ TD87(S) You can submit your application to the Licensing Office, and it will usually be issued on the same day.

 Who is responsible for the vehicle transfer fees?

The transfer fee is usually paid by the new car owner.

Generally, vehicle transfer procedures are simple. After submitting documents and paying the transfer fee at the Licensing Office, the buyer can collect the vehicle registration documents (license plate) after about 10 minutes, and the transfer is complete. However, because the Licensing Office needs to process a large number of vehicle documents and license plate services at the same time, there are often long queues, and during peak hours, the wait can be several hours.

If you want to shorten your waiting time, it is recommended that you make an appointment online at the Transport Department in advance. Reserve You can select a time in the reservation system and arrive at the license office on time to complete the transfer procedures. It is expected to be completed in half an hour, which is a significant reduction in waiting time compared to queuing on the spot.

Vehicle transfer agency meeting refers toBoth the buyer and seller of the vehicle entrust an agency or agent to handle the vehicle transfer procedures, the submission of relevant documents, and subsequent processes.。

What documents are required for vehicle ownership transfer processing?

• The vehicle transfer notice shall be completed and signed by both the buyer and seller （TD25） 

• Original vehicle registration documents (license plate book)

• Identification documents of both buyer and seller (copies of Hong Kong identity cards or passports)

• Buyer's vehicle insurance certificate (temporary policy)

• Proof of buyer's address (issued within the last 3 months)

• Vehicle transfer authorization form / form

What are the procedures and fees for vehicle ownership transfer agency services?

First, find a suitable and reputable agency or agent to handle the transfer. After submitting the required documents for the vehicle transfer, the transfer can generally be completed in one to two business days.

In terms of fees, the general price is about HK$500 to HK$1,500 per transaction (excluding the transfer fee charged by the government). Some agencies also calculate the fee based on the number of documents, with each document costing about HK$100 to HK$200. For example, if there are 5 documents for a vehicle transfer, the fee would be between HK$500 and HK$1,000.

What are the benefits of using a vehicle transfer agent?

The advantages of using an errand-running service are saving time and avoiding procedural errors. However, you need to provide personal identification documents, proof of address, and the fee to the agent. It's also important to choose a trustworthy service provider to ensure safety and efficiency. Service fees generally vary depending on the scope of services offered; clients can choose a suitable option based on their needs.

What are the things to note when using a vehicle transfer agent?

• Pay attention to the document submission time, as the cut-off time may vary among different agencies. If it is too late, the transfer time may be delayed.

• The collection service for general errand services is limited to personal submission; if door-to-door collection is required, an additional fee will apply.

• If you want to use a fake license plate during the transfer of ownership, there will usually be an additional fee, so you must check with the agency platform first.