Do I need to be present in person for vehicle transfer?
3 Answers
When transferring vehicle ownership, the owner must be present in person. Below are the relevant details for vehicle transfer: Required documents: Original owner's ID card, new owner's ID card, original/copy of vehicle license, purchase tax certificate, vehicle and vessel tax payment proof, vehicle registration certificate, vehicle inspection report from criminal investigation department, insurance policy/card/invoice. All documents must be provided in original. Vehicle relocation: When a vehicle is transferred from local to another region, the registration process involving change of jurisdiction to another vehicle management authority is called relocation. Vehicle relocation requires changing the license plate and vehicle license, and the procedures must be completed at both the original and new vehicle management authorities, including transfer-out procedures and transfer-in procedures respectively.
I noticed this when handling my vehicle transfer. Although the law doesn't require the owner to be present at every step, the specific requirements depend on the local DMV. In most cases, you can authorize a friend or family member to handle it for you, but you'll need a handwritten power of attorney with your signature, along with copies of your ID card and all vehicle documents, such as the vehicle license and registration certificate. Last time I sold my old car, I had my brother handle it for me, and the whole process went smoothly. However, incomplete paperwork can cause delays—for example, if the power of attorney isn't notarized, the staff might require you to sign in person. So, I recommend checking the local regulations online in advance or calling the DMV directly to avoid unnecessary trips. If you're really pressed for time, you can also hire a legitimate agency, but don't fall for scams by choosing cheap options.
New car owners often struggle with this issue, and I was also confused when I first started. In fact, you don't necessarily have to be present in person for vehicle transfer procedures; you can authorize someone else to handle it on your behalf. The process is quite simple: you need to prepare a handwritten letter of authorization, specifying the agent's information, and bring it along with your ID card, vehicle ownership certificate, and purchase contract. I've personally downloaded templates online and filled them out accordingly. However, be aware that requirements vary by region—some DMVs only accept notarized documents. For beginners, to avoid mistakes, I recommend going in person for the first time to familiarize yourself with the process and environment, then delegating later. It doesn't take much time, usually just half a day, ensuring both safety and peace of mind.
