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

Who is responsible for the vehicle transfer fees?

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

Time required for vehicle transfer

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

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.

Common issues in vehicle ownership transfer

What documents are needed for vehicle ownership transfer?

The buyer needs the original of their identity document, proof of vehicle insurance (temporary policy), proof of address issued within the last 3 months, and a completed and signed vehicle transfer notice (Form TD25) by the seller. The seller needs the original of the vehicle registration document (license plate) and the original of their identity document.

Why can't a vehicle be transferred to another owner?

Besides incomplete transfer documents, common reasons why a vehicle cannot be transferred include unpaid fines or taxes, such as outstanding traffic fines. Therefore, before the transfer, you can apply for a "Certificate of No Outstanding Fines or Court Fees and No Violation Record," commonly known as a "clearance certificate," to check if the vehicle has any outstanding fines, violation records, or has had its license suspended by the court. Furthermore, if the vehicle has been issued an inspection order, the inspection process must be completed before the transfer can proceed.

Is it mandatory for the car owner to be present when transferring ownership?

No, the Transport Department allows third parties to handle vehicle transfers. Both the buyer and seller can entrust a third party or agency to handle the vehicle transfer themselves.

Does a transfer of ownership be required when a relative gives a property to another person?

Yes! Even if a vehicle has been transferred to a relative, the vehicle transfer procedures still need to be completed. Otherwise, if the vehicle violates any laws in the future, since the vehicle is still registered in the previous owner's name, all fines and legal liabilities will still be borne by the previous owner. Even worse, if a friend or relative uses the car and violates the law, such as driving without a license, the previous owner could be charged with "allowing someone else to drive without a license."

How to transfer ownership when a relative passes away?

If the previous owner of the vehicle has passed away, a will or estate administration certificate must be provided when transferring ownership of the vehicle.

What documents are needed for the transfer of ownership of other commercial vehicles?

For commercial vehicles, including taxis and public light buses, an application must be submitted to the Hong Kong Transport Department for transfer of ownership. Taxi drivers must complete and submit the "Taxi Transfer Application Form (Form TD336A)" and the "Taxi Transfer Notice (TD 25A)" (public light buses should submit the Public Light Bus Transfer Application Form, Form TD336B). The following documents must also be provided: vehicle registration documents, original and copy of the driver's identity card (or, for companies, original and copy of the company registration certificate), original and copy of the business registration certificate, and parking place notice. These documents should be returned to the Public Vehicles Division of the Transport Department (3/F, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong). The transfer fee is HK$1,000.