Do both parties need to be present for a used car transfer?
3 Answers
For a used car transfer, the parties involved do not need to be present in person and can authorize an agent to handle the transfer. 1. For the new owner: ID card and three copies or the agent's ID card and copies, the Motor Vehicle Registration, Transfer, and Cancellation Form. If it is a company, the original and copies of the organization code certificate and the company seal are required. If it is from another region, a temporary residence permit valid for the period is needed. 2. Signing the contract: Both the buyer and seller need to sign the used car sales contract supervised by the industrial and commercial department. The contract is in triplicate, with each party holding one copy and the industrial and commercial department retaining one. Only after filing with the industrial and commercial department can the vehicle transfer or registration change procedures be processed.
I just sold my old family car, and the buyer entrusted his friend to handle the transfer on his behalf. I prepared copies of my ID, a power of attorney, and the vehicle documents in advance, while the agent brought the buyer's original ID and his own ID. It took a little over half a day to get everything done at the DMV. However, policies vary significantly by location—for example, when my friend handled a transfer in a southern city, the DMV required the power of attorney to be notarized. I recommend calling ahead to check the local process and preparing materials like the vehicle registration, purchase invoice, and insurance policy. If the buyer has an outstanding loan, you’ll also need to settle the lien with the bank first. In short, it’s entirely possible to complete the process without being present in person, but the authorization documents must be complete to avoid a wasted trip.
My friend at the vehicle management office told me that both parties don't necessarily have to be present for a vehicle transfer, but the success rate of proxy processing depends on whether the procedures are standardized. For example, last week I helped a colleague with a proxy transfer - the seller provided a power of attorney, and we brought both parties' original ID cards and the vehicle registration certificate to the office. The key point is that the power of attorney must clearly specify the entrusted matters, and staff will verify the handwriting. Some locations also require the vehicle to be present for inspection, so it's advisable to go early to queue. It's best to check for traffic violations in advance and settle any fines first, otherwise you might get stuck at the final step and waste time. The advantage of using a proxy is that you can hire professional agents to save time, with fees typically around 200-300 yuan.
