Can someone else sell the car if I am the owner?
2 Answers
It is possible for someone other than the car owner to sell the vehicle, provided there is a power of attorney. Below are the relevant details: 1. Authorization: The sale of a used car does not necessarily require the owner to be present; another person can be authorized to handle the vehicle transfer procedures. First, the relevant authorities will issue a transaction confirmation and determine the tax fees. The vehicle must undergo an external inspection, where the seller drives the car to the inspection site. Professional staff will then perform tasks such as imprinting the vehicle identification number, removing the license plate, taking photos, and attaching the vehicle photo to the inspection record form. Once these procedures are completed, the transfer can be processed at the transfer hall, and the relevant fees can be paid. 2. Important Notes: Both the buyer and seller must sign the "Used Vehicle Sales Contract," which is issued in triplicate, with one copy filed with the industrial and commercial department. After all the documents are processed, the buyer can proceed to select a new license plate number. Once the number is chosen, the new plate is installed, and a photo of the vehicle is taken to obtain the new vehicle registration certificate.
This issue needs to be addressed from a legal perspective. As long as your car is registered under your name, others cannot simply sell it without authorization. Because vehicle transactions must go through the formal transfer process, which requires the owner to personally bring their ID card to the DMV to sign and submit the vehicle registration certificate (green book). I've seen cases where someone lent their car to a friend only to have it secretly sold, and it had to be recovered through court proceedings. In reality, as long as the owner does not consent and cannot sign the transfer documents, the car legally remains the property of the original owner. However, if you voluntarily authorize someone else, such as by signing a notarized power of attorney, that's a different story. It's advisable to keep your vehicle documents secure to prevent any loopholes from being exploited.
