Do Both Parties Need to Be Present for a Used Car Ownership Transfer?
2 Answers
The transfer can be handled by an authorized agent. If the car owner is unable to personally complete the transfer procedures due to certain reasons, they can delegate the task to someone else. To do so, they must prepare a power of attorney, which should include a photocopy of their ID card and their signature. The original ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and driving license must also be handed over to the agent for processing at the vehicle management office. Documents required for used car ownership transfer: 1. If the seller cannot be present: If the seller is unable to attend, they need to find a local agent with an ID card or temporary residence permit to assist with the process. Additionally, the seller must provide the following documents to the agent: original and photocopy of the seller's ID card; original and photocopy of the vehicle's motor vehicle registration certificate; original and photocopy of the vehicle's driving license; the vehicle must be present. 2. If the buyer cannot be present: Similarly, if the buyer is unable to attend, they need to find a local agent with an ID card or temporary residence permit to assist with the process. The buyer must provide the following documents to the agent: original ID card of the buyer; for non-local residents registering a local license plate, a valid temporary residence permit or residence certificate must be provided.
When I bought a used car myself and went through the transfer process, the situation was like this: Usually, both parties don’t need to be present at the same time. The buyer must personally go to the vehicle management office to handle the procedures, bringing along documents like their ID card, vehicle license, and purchase invoice, as they need to verify your information and the car’s details. As for the seller, they don’t necessarily have to be there in person; they just need to sign a power of attorney in advance or handle it through an agent—for example, a relative can bring a copy of their ID and the authorization letter to get it done. I remember last time when I helped a friend with the transfer, the seller was too busy and simply signed the power of attorney—the whole process took less than half an hour. However, specifics depend on local regulations—some smaller places might be stricter, requiring the seller to be present or to mail proof. In short, the core of transferring a used car is that the buyer is responsible for handling the procedures, while the seller just needs to cooperate by providing documents. Don’t worry about scheduling conflicts; calling the vehicle management office in advance to confirm details can save a lot of trouble. Also, after the transfer, don’t forget to check the new vehicle ownership certificate to ensure everything is correct and prevent future disputes.
