【Car Tips】Documents that must be checked when handing over a used car

🚗 Let me tell you: Buying a car isn’t just about looking at its appearance.

Many people who buy used cars only focus on the body and whether the car is smooth and responsive when driving, but they often overlook the documentation . In Hong Kong, if there are issues with the documentation, the consequences can be quite serious:

  • You may be buying a car with outstanding finance (bank mortgage)
  • It may be an accident car or a smuggled car
  • There is even a chance that you will be deceived and become a victim of car theft.

Remember one thing: you can refurbish your car, but you can’t tamper with your documents!

1️⃣ Must-check document checklist (Basic version for Hong Kong used car transactions)

① Vehicle Registration Document (commonly known as "license plate book")

  • Issued by the Transport Department , green paper (new models have an anti-counterfeiting watermark)
  • It contains:
    • Vehicle registration number (license plate number)
    • Vehicle owner's name or company name
    • Vehicle details (brand, model, body color, chassis number VIN)
    • First registration date, registration year
  • Inspection points :
    • The license plate number and chassis number must be exactly the same as the actual vehicle
    • The car owner's name must match the seller's ID or company document
    • Check if there is any record of color or model change

② Vehicle Licence (commonly known as "platform license")

  • Usually placed on the lower left corner of the windshield (taxis or trucks will place it in a designated location)
  • The valid until date shows the month of the next due inspection/renewal
  • Inspection points :
    • Confirm the validity period and ensure that the license does not need to be renewed immediately after purchase
    • The license plate number and type are consistent with those in the registration document
    • Check if there are any special indications such as "electric vehicle" or "commercial use"

③ Certificate of Roadworthiness (Roadworthiness Certificate)

  • Applicable to certain vehicles that are over 6 years old (private cars) or require annual inspection
  • Issued by a Hong Kong Approved Vehicle Inspection Centre
  • Inspection points :
    • Check the date (make sure it is still valid)
    • Are all inspection items "qualified"?
    • Pay attention to the "recommended repair" items, which may be potential expenses

④ Maintenance and Repair Records

  • Some car owners will keep repair receipts and maintenance manuals
  • Inspection points :
    • Is there regular maintenance (e.g. oil changes every 5,000–10,000 km)?
    • Overhaul records (gearbox, engine, shock absorbers) are worth noting
    • Is there any accident repair (large-scale oil injection, welding)

📌Editor ’s opinion : A used car with complete maintenance records is much more trustworthy; the absence of records does not necessarily mean it is bad, but you should be extra careful when physically inspecting it.

⑤ Vehicle mortgage record (Outstanding Finance Record)

  • If the vehicle is financed by installments, the bank will hold the "mortgage interest"
  • Inspection method :
    • Check with the Hong Kong Automobile Association (HKAA) or a credit reference service to see if there is any outstanding loan on the vehicle
    • Make sure that the loan has been paid off before the transaction and there is a bank certificate of release of mortgage

⑥ Proof of identity (seller’s identity document)

  • If selling privately:
    • Hong Kong Identity Card (photocopy + original verification)
    • For company cars, the company's business registration certificate + company seal are required.
  • Inspection points :
    • The name must be the same as in the registration document
    • Avoid cash transactions with middlemen (deal directly with the car owner)

2️⃣ Additional verification documents are recommended

🔍 Vehicle Number (VIN)

  • Comparison between vehicle body, registration documents and vehicle inspection records
  • VIN location: Iron plate below the windshield, driver's door frame sticker, steel plate engraving in the engine compartment

📜 Insurance documents

  • If the seller provides insurance renewal records, it can be seen that the vehicle is used for private or commercial purposes and the number of claims.

📊 Car History Report

  • Provided by HKAA or other racing clubs
  • Covers: accident records, number of previous owners, import/export records, mileage records, etc.

3️⃣ Common file traps

  1. Fake license plate book

    • Scan, modify and print old files
    • Anti-counterfeiting methods: genuine documents have watermarks and paper has special textures

  2. Selling cars under false names

    • The car owner was not present and the agent pretended to sign for the deposit
    • Solution: The owner must personally deliver the vehicle, or use a third-party transaction platform

  3. Outstanding loan

    • The car price is attractive, but the transfer of ownership is unsuccessful because the bank has not released the mortgage
    • The most stable strategy: Separate payment and delivery, and make payment after confirming the release of the loan.

  4. Concealment of accident vehicle

    • The document does not show it, and you can only find out by checking the repair order or vehicle body inspection.

4️⃣ Editor's practical delivery process suggestions

  1. Before delivery

    • Use phone to shadow registration documents and license plates
    • Check mortgage records
    • Make an appointment with a professional vehicle inspection center to make a test report

  2. Delivery site

    • Vehicle owner identity verification
    • Verify original documents (do not just look at photocopies)
    • Sign the sales agreement on site (specify the vehicle price, delivery date, no outstanding loans, and vehicle condition)

  3. Payment Methods

    • It is best to use bank transfer or instant transfer, as there is a record to track
    • Avoid all cash transactions

  4. Complete the program

    • Fill in the Transport Department's transfer form (TD25) on site
    • Keep the transaction receipt and the other party's signature

❤️ Summary

📌Required documents : Registration documents, vehicle license plate, vehicle inspection certificate, maintenance records, mortgage records, identification 📌Bonus points : Vehicle history report, insurance records, complete repair bills 📌 Documents unclear? Don't trade! Don't be careless for fear of missing out on a great deal

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