Can a car be sold without the owner's signature?
3 Answers
It is not possible to sell a car without the owner's signature. Here is the relevant information: Owner's disagreement: If the owner of the motor vehicle does not agree, the motor vehicle cannot be sold. For a non-owner to sell the motor vehicle, the required documents include the motor vehicle registration certificate, a notarized power of attorney issued by a notary public, the motor vehicle license, and other relevant documents. Transfer of ownership for sale: Selling a motor vehicle requires a transfer procedure, which signifies a change in the vehicle's ownership. After the ownership is transferred, any traffic accidents or incidents involving the motor vehicle will no longer be the responsibility of the original owner but will be borne by the current owner. Therefore, it is necessary to properly sell and transfer the vehicle.
When helping a friend with a car transfer before, I learned that selling a car without the owner's signature is absolutely impossible. Legally, the transfer of ownership must be confirmed by the owner's handwritten signature, especially on the vehicle registration certificate or transfer contract. Without a signature, the transaction simply cannot take effect, potentially leading to an invalid deal or even legal disputes. Chinese law stipulates that the transfer of motor vehicles requires the owner's signature on relevant documents to protect the legitimate rights of both buyers and sellers. Without a signature, the car remains under the original owner's name, meaning they could still be held liable if the buyer causes an accident or incurs fines. It's advisable to arrange for both parties to sign in person during the transaction to avoid any disputes. In special cases where the owner is not local, a notarized power of attorney can be prepared, but the process is more complicated, so it's best to consult the DMV or legal professionals beforehand.
I've bought used cars several times, and each time I had to make sure the owner signed in person. Last year, when I helped my younger brother sell his old car, he couldn't return in time to sign because he was working in another city. As a result, we were stuck at the DMV during the transfer process. The staff said without a signature, nothing could proceed, and the car couldn't be re-registered. We had to wait two days for him to sign in person before succeeding. Without a signature, the buyer couldn't get new plates, the previous owner's records wouldn't be cleared, and any traffic violations or accidents would still be the original owner's responsibility. The risks are huge—I once heard about a neighbor who skipped the signature to save trouble when selling a car and ended up in a major lawsuit. When selling a car, the signature is the most basic safety measure—it's not something to take lightly.
