Can the buyer be absent during the transfer of a used car?

[Valeria]

In principle, both the buyer and seller must be present during the transfer process. If the buyer is genuinely unable to attend, the transfer can be handled by an authorized representative using the buyer's original ID card. Required documents for used car transfer: 1. Seller: Owner's ID card, vehicle registration certificate, vehicle license, original purchase invoice. If the seller is an organization, the original organization code certificate and official seal are required. 2. Buyer: ID card. For non-local residents obtaining local plates, a valid temporary residence permit is additionally needed (some cities now use residence permits connected to the public security network). If the buyer is an organization, the original organization code certificate and official seal are required.

[DelElena]

I once encountered a situation where the car buyer was from out of town when selling my car, and actually, the owner doesn't need to be present in person. If the buyer is an individual, you can prepare a notarized power of attorney in advance, give the original ID card to the agent, and bring along materials like the vehicle registration certificate. For company-owned vehicles, it's slightly more complicated, requiring the company's official seal and business license with a red stamp. However, it's important to note that for special vehicle types like yellow-plate vehicles or new energy vehicles, regulations vary by region, so it's best to call the local DMV in advance to confirm the details. The whole process took about two hours with me accompanying the agent. There are two key points: legally recognized authorization documents, and the buyer's original ID card must be presented—the DMV doesn't accept photocopies.

[OMadelyn]

A five-year veteran at the DMV tells you: Buyers not showing up in person is very common. But the documentation must be complete! The power of attorney should clearly state the entrusted matters—it’s best to use the template from the DMV’s official website. The original ID card must be brought for verification; some people tried to get by with just a photocopy and were outright rejected. A little-known fact: If the buyer is a legal representative, the business license alone isn’t enough—you also need to bring the corporate code certificate. The most frustrating case was a buyer who only signed a photocopy of the power of attorney, resulting in three extra trips. Also, remind the buyer to record a video holding the power of attorney and ID card as backup—some places now verify authenticity.

[VonEzra]

I have handled the transfer of twenty used cars for the company, and the key to the absence of the buyer's company lies in the stamps. Three things are indispensable: a copy of the business license with a fresh stamp, a power of attorney with the company seal and the legal representative's seal, and the handling person bringing the original ID card. Once, the finance department forgot to stamp the legal representative's seal, and the window directly rejected the materials. If the buyer is an out-of-town enterprise, remember to check the policy of the receiving DMV in advance. Last time, when a Zhejiang company's vehicle was transferred to Jiangsu, an additional organizational code certificate of the buyer's company was required, which almost delayed the file extraction time. Nowadays, many places have opened online power of attorney filing, and it is more convenient to apply for electronic authorization through the Traffic Management 12123 app.

[McDamian]

Veteran Driver's Tip: It's entirely feasible for the buyer not to be present during a private vehicle transfer. Last time my niece bought a car, she was abroad and just sent me a photo of a handwritten power of attorney via WeChat. I printed it out and handled the transfer with both parties' documents. But note four key points: 1. The buyer must sign by hand (printed names are invalid). 2. The power of attorney must include the buyer's phone number. 3. For new energy vehicles, confirm local policies. 4. All materials must be on A4 paper. The service counter specifically emphasized that the power of attorney must state 'full authority to handle the transfer and registration change.' Later, I found out scalpers use an even simpler method: the buyer records a video holding the power of attorney and ID card while reading a declaration, and this video can replace notarization to complete the process.

[VonAnna]

As a used car dealer with over 300 transactions under my belt, here are three practical approaches ranked from best to worst. The top strategy is notarized authorization—costs 300 yuan but works nationwide. The middle strategy is using the Traffic Management 12123 app for electronic authorization—free but requires the buyer's facial recognition. The last resort is a handwritten power of attorney with the original ID card, though there's a 10% chance of encountering hassles. Key reminder: If the buyer can't attend, ensure the vehicle has no traffic violations or liens. Last year, a deal got stuck because the buyer had an out-of-town violation record that the agent couldn't resolve. Now, with the DMV system upgrade, if the buyer isn't present, their facial photo must be supplemented—it's best to have the buyer take a well-lit, ear-visible, bareheaded photo in advance as backup.