Does the car need to be present for the transfer of ownership?
3 Answers
Car transfer can be completed without the presence of the original owner. The following procedures are required: 1. The original owner needs to provide documents such as the vehicle registration certificate, driving license, and ID card. The buyer needs to provide an ID card, and if they are from another city, a residence permit or temporary residence permit is required. 2. The vehicle must first undergo an evaluation for the transfer. The evaluation fee is generally 1%-2% of the assessed vehicle price, and other fees such as license plate and driving license costs are calculated separately. 3. The original owner's commercial insurance can be canceled. Alternatively, the insurance can be transferred to the buyer at the insurance company.
Last time I helped my friend transfer a car title, the vehicle had to be physically present. The transfer process was completed at the DMV, where staff needed to inspect the car in person—such as verifying the VIN and taking photos of the vehicle—to ensure the car's condition matched the paperwork. This helps prevent fraud or the sale of problematic vehicles. If the car isn't present, they might reject the application due to concerns about stolen vehicles or identity mismatches. To save time, I recommend making an appointment in advance and bringing your ID, vehicle registration, and the owner's authorization letter. The process is straightforward, but the car must be there. It's best to drive there directly to avoid wasting time on multiple trips.
After understanding the transfer procedures, I believe that the physical presence of the vehicle is usually necessary. The core purpose is to verify authenticity and safety, as institutions need to personally check the actual item against registration details, such as the engine number and exterior. This reduces the risk of fraud and ensures the legal transfer of the vehicle. In some places, if the online system supports it, physical presence might be exempted, but in most cases, it's still required. It's advisable to check local regulations in advance and bring all necessary documents. During the transfer, patiently wait for the inspection steps—though it may take extra time, it ensures smooth subsequent transactions.
