Can the car be transferred if the owner is not present?
3 Answers
The vehicle can be transferred even if the owner is not present. The following procedures are required: The original owner of a used car transfer needs to provide documents including the registration certificate, vehicle license, and ID card. The buyer needs to provide an ID card, and if they are from another region, a residence permit or temporary residence permit is required (not needed if transferring to the registered residence location). The vehicle transfer first requires a vehicle evaluation, with the evaluation fee generally being 1%-2% of the evaluated vehicle price. Other fees include the license plate and vehicle license. The original commercial insurance of the vehicle can be canceled (compulsory insurance cannot be canceled), or the insurance can be transferred at the insurance company. Here are the required materials: Original "Motor Vehicle Registration, Transfer, Cancellation/Transfer Application Form"; original and copy of the current motor vehicle owner's identity proof; original or original and copy of the motor vehicle ownership transfer proof or document. Among these, the used car sales invoice, "Notice of Assistance in Execution," and allocation certificates issued by state organs, enterprises, institutions, and social organizations should be originals; original "Release of Supervision Certificate for Motor Vehicles under Customs Supervision of the People's Republic of China" or original customs-approved transfer certificate (for customs-supervised motor vehicles); original vehicle license; original motor vehicle inspection record form (with standard motor vehicle photo and frame number rubbing attached). Original motor vehicle registration certificate; one standard motor vehicle photo; "Power of Attorney" and agent's identity proof (for motor vehicle registration and related business applications by an agent).
I often help friends with car-related paperwork. It's feasible to transfer a car's ownership when the owner isn't present, but proper authorization documents are required. The owner can prepare a notarized power of attorney or authorization letter in advance, clearly stating the agent's information and transfer details. The agent just needs to bring this document, a copy of the owner's ID, their own ID, and the vehicle registration to the DMV. In one case I handled, the owner was on a business trip abroad, and the agent successfully completed the transfer with a notarized authorization letter. However, note that without notarization, the process might be delayed or rejected. It's advisable to confirm specific requirements with the local DMV—some places even require the owner to verify their signature via video call. In short, don't take shortcuts; going through official channels saves hassle later. After the transfer, remember to update the insurance records promptly to avoid issues with future claims. Keeping vehicle records clear benefits both parties.
My relative recently encountered a situation where the car owner wasn't local when purchasing a vehicle. We ended up using a power of attorney issued by the owner, along with the owner's ID and the agent's documents, to complete the transfer at the DMV. The whole process wasn't too difficult, but having all key documents is crucial: the power of attorney needs notarization to avoid suspicion of forgery; the original vehicle title must be brought, and the agent also needs to write a guarantee statement. I've also heard that some places allow using online power of attorney apps where the owner can sign remotely, which saves a lot of time. However, don't forget to check whether the authorization covers all transfer details, otherwise making multiple trips would be annoying. After completion, remind the buyer to get insurance promptly.
