Does the Car Owner Have to Be Present for Vehicle Transfer When Selling a Car?

[KylieAnn]

For second-hand car transfers, the owner does not need to be present in person; the transfer can be handled by an authorized agent. Required Documents: Three copies of the ID card and its photocopy, or the agent's ID card and photocopy; the Motor Vehicle Registration, Transfer, and Cancellation Form; if it's a company, the original and photocopy of the organization code certificate and the official seal are required; if from another region, a valid temporary residence permit is needed. Signing the Contract: Both the buyer and seller must sign the "Used Motor Vehicle Sales Contract" supervised by the industrial and commercial department. The contract is in triplicate, with one copy for each party and one retained by the industrial and commercial department. Only after filing with the industrial and commercial department can the vehicle transfer or registration change procedures be processed.

[KingAnn]

Last time, I helped my uncle sell his car while he was abroad, and I handled the transfer on his behalf. The vehicle management office said the owner doesn't need to be present in person—just the authorized person bringing a notarized power of attorney, a copy of the owner's ID, the vehicle registration certificate, and other required documents would suffice. The whole process was quite straightforward: fill out a transfer application form, pay some fees, and have the vehicle condition checked. Remember, the power of attorney must be the official version notarized at a notary office; otherwise, the vehicle management office might reject it. Also, make sure to clear all traffic violations and outstanding taxes before the transfer, or it could get held up. This method is super convenient, especially for owners who are busy or unable to be present. However, rules may vary slightly by region—smaller cities might be more lenient, so it's best to check local policies in advance. For safety, I also recommend verifying the buyer's identity to avoid disputes.

[RhettLee]

As someone who frequently handles such matters, I understand that the seller doesn't need to be physically present for vehicle ownership transfer. It can be processed through an authorized agent, but the key is having a notarized power of attorney proving the agent's authority. Required documents include a copy of the owner's ID, vehicle license and registration certificate, plus the sales agreement. The transfer is completed at the DMV with both parties signing and paying fees - the process is designed for convenience to avoid long-distance travel. However, I recommend contacting the DMV beforehand to confirm details, as large cities may require online appointments to avoid long queues. The power of attorney should clearly specify authorization scope to prevent future disputes. After transfer, remember to update the vehicle insurance information for seamless transition. This approach is both efficient and compliant, making it hassle-free for all parties involved.

[JosephineLee]

Having driven for many years, I know that selling a car and transferring ownership doesn't require the owner to be present in person. A notarized power of attorney allows an agent to handle it—just bring the owner's ID, fill out forms at the DMV, and pay the fees. The key is ensuring the power of attorney is properly notarized, or it won’t be valid. Clear any violations and settle outstanding fees beforehand to avoid hassles. Rules vary slightly by region, with rural DMVs being more lenient. The process can be done in as fast as half an hour, saving time and effort.