Do I need to be present for transferring ownership of my own car?
2 Answers
You do not need to be present for transferring ownership of your own car. Here are the relevant details about vehicle ownership transfer: 1. Precautions for vehicle ownership transfer: Completing a used car ownership transfer legally ensures the transfer of vehicle ownership rights, guarantees the legitimacy of the vehicle's origin (such as avoiding purchasing smuggled or stolen vehicles), and clarifies the division of responsibilities between the buyer and seller regarding the vehicle, such as debt disputes and traffic violations, safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of both parties. The vehicle must have a legal origin and complete documentation, no outstanding bank liens or court seizure records, no unresolved traffic violations or accident records, no unpaid fees, and all required documents must be complete. 2. Required documents for vehicle ownership transfer: Original owner's ID card, new owner's ID card, original and duplicate of the vehicle license, purchase tax certificate, proof of payment of vehicle and vessel tax, vehicle registration certificate, vehicle criminal investigation inspection report, and insurance policy/card/invoice. All documents must be provided in original.
As an experienced long-time driver, I have gone through several vehicle ownership transfers. Generally speaking, when handling a vehicle transfer, it is indeed recommended to handle it in person. The DMV requires the vehicle owner to be present in order to verify identity authenticity and prevent fraudulent transactions or unauthorized transfers, especially when dealing with used car sales. If you truly cannot go yourself, you can have someone else act as your agent, but you must prepare a power of attorney, a copy of your ID card, and the vehicle-related documents. The agent will also need to bring their own identification. Based on my experience, it's best to go in person, as this avoids the hassle of intermediary fees or incomplete documentation. The transfer process itself is not complicated—just queue up at the site, fill out forms, and pay some fees. If you delegate the task to someone else, remember to get a formal power of attorney notarized in advance to ensure everything is legal and avoid future disputes. This approach is worry-free, safe, and ensures a quick completion of the procedure. In short, handling it yourself is the most reliable option.
