Do I have to be present in person to buy a car?
3 Answers
It is not mandatory for the car buyer to be present in person, but the person purchasing the car on behalf of the owner must hold the original ID card of the owner. Here is some additional relevant information: 1. Temporary license plates: Temporary license plates must be properly displayed. Generally, temporary license plates are valid for 7 or 15 days. After the expiration date, the temporary license plate becomes invalid, and driving with an expired temporary license plate is equivalent to driving without a license. 2. Obey traffic rules: Even when using temporary license plates, it is essential to follow traffic rules. Actions such as running red lights, crossing solid lines, or speeding are unacceptable. Traffic violation cameras can clearly capture the vehicle's VIN code, thus recording any traffic violations.
Being present in person to buy a car is not absolutely necessary, but the specific situation depends on what procedures you are handling. For example, when signing a contract, you can either handle it yourself or delegate someone else with a power of attorney to do it on your behalf. The written authorization should clearly state the delegate's information and the scope of authorization, which can save you trouble. As for payment, if you are not present, you can transfer the money or have someone else pay on your behalf, but make sure the funds are secure—don’t transfer money recklessly. The key step is during the vehicle transfer process. Most local DMVs require the owner to be present for vehicle inspection and to provide their ID card to prevent fraud, though some places allow authorization. It’s best to check local regulations in advance. If you are unable to attend the car-buying process in person, it’s advisable to contact the 4S dealership or seller beforehand to confirm the required documents, which usually include a copy of your ID card, a power of attorney, etc., and then have someone else assist with the legwork. In short, modern car-buying processes are quite flexible, and you can manage it without being present—just pay extra attention to document authenticity and risk control.
When I bought the car, I wasn't there in person because I was on a business trip in another city, so I had my father handle it with my ID card and a signed power of attorney. The whole process went smoothly. First, we selected the car online and paid the deposit. Then, the power of attorney needed to be notarized to confirm its authenticity. My father went to the dealership to sign the contract, presenting my documents, and the staff helped with the transfer and registration procedures. This experience taught me that being present in person isn't a strict requirement, especially now with many e-commerce platforms for car purchases where you can handle everything remotely—uploading documents, completing payments, and handling pre-registration formalities. The dealer can also arrange for door-to-door delivery. However, when dealing with loans or personal qualification verification, banks may require you to appear in person to confirm the information is accurate, so it's best to call ahead and ask about the details. In short, buying a car doesn't necessarily require you to be personally involved every step of the way; proper delegation can save time and effort.
