Does the buyer need to be present in person for motorcycle title transfer?
3 Answers
If it is a car that needs to go through relocation procedures, the buyer must be present in person for the title transfer. Below is relevant information about car title transfer: 1. Required documents: The original owner needs to provide documents including the registration certificate, vehicle license, and ID card; the buyer needs to provide an ID card, and if from another region, a residence permit or temporary residence permit (not required if transferring to the household registration location); vehicle transfer first requires a vehicle appraisal, with appraisal fees generally charged at 1%-2% of the appraised vehicle value. 2. Legal basis: Article 13 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" states that if the motor vehicle owner's residence moves out of the jurisdiction of the vehicle management office, the office shall, within three days from the date of acceptance, note the changes on the motor vehicle registration certificate, retrieve the license plate and vehicle license, issue a temporary vehicle license plate valid for thirty days, and hand over the motor vehicle files to the owner. The motor vehicle owner must apply for motor vehicle transfer at the local vehicle management office within the validity period of the temporary vehicle license plate.
I've been riding motorcycles for over twenty years and have bought and sold quite a few bikes. When it comes to transferring the title, the buyer doesn't necessarily have to go in person. Many places allow a proxy to handle it—just fill out a power of attorney and have a friend take care of it, saving time and effort. The last time I sold a bike, I had a friend handle it. They took copies of both parties' ID cards, the vehicle registration certificate, and the insurance policy to the DMV, and it was done quickly. However, I recommend that the buyer personally check the process for peace of mind to avoid any document omissions and rework. After the transfer, make sure to promptly update the insurance and get the vehicle inspected—don't delay and risk traffic issues. Safety comes first in motorcycle transactions; ensure all procedures are complete before making the payment.
When I just got my new motorcycle, I was wondering if the buyer needs to be present for the title transfer. I asked my friends, some said you must be there for photos, while others said it's more lenient in some places—just write a power of attorney and have an agent handle it. At the time, I was busy with work, so I entrusted a friend to do it for me. With all the documents ready, it took just half an hour to complete. The key is to prepare all the required materials: ID card, vehicle license, and transfer contract. Also, make sure the vehicle condition is clean, with no outstanding violations or accident records. After the title transfer, remember to get the new license plate promptly—it’s only then that you can ride with peace of mind. It’s good for beginners to learn the process; it’ll make handling it yourself smoother in the future.
