Do I still need a residence permit when changing my car if I have a Chengdu license plate?

Use.

"Transfer Certificate": Chengdu, if you want to transfer a vehicle to Chengdu for registration, you need a local household registration in Chengdu. If you don't have a local household registration, you need a "Chengdu Residence Permit" or other relevant documents.

Residence permit is an attempt by some developed cities in China to learn from the "green card" system of developed countries, to formulate skilled immigration methods for China, and ultimately to accumulate experience in forming China's national "green card" system. Those holding a residence permit can enjoy the treatment of local residents. In January 2014, Beijing issued regulations that the residence permit system will replace the temporary residence permit. On December 4 of the same year, the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council solicited opinions from the public on the "Residence Permit Management Measures (Draft for Comments)". The draft for comments stipulates that citizens who leave their permanent place of residence and live in other cities with districts or above for more than half a year, and meet one of the conditions of stable employment, stable residence, and continuous education, can apply for a residence permit.