Does the car owner need to be present when transferring the car to someone else?
2 Answers
Transferring a car to someone else does not require the presence of the car owner; a proxy can be appointed. Documents required for the transfer: Original and photocopy of the original owner's ID card; the vehicle's motor vehicle registration certificate and its photocopy; original and photocopy of the vehicle's driving license; the vehicle must be present. (Motor vehicle registration and related procedures can be handled by a proxy). If the buyer cannot be present: If the buyer cannot be present, they must appoint a local proxy with an ID card or temporary residence permit to assist with the process. The buyer needs to prepare the required documents for the proxy. During the vehicle transfer process, it is advisable for both the buyer and seller to be present. If either party cannot attend, they must prepare the aforementioned documents for the proxy, who should also have their ID card or temporary residence permit ready.
When I transferred my old car to my nephew a few years ago, the owner usually had to personally go to the DMV to sign for confirmation to make it legal. I experienced this firsthand because when I was on a business trip, I asked my nephew to sign on my behalf, but they said it wasn’t allowed unless I had previously notarized a power of attorney. The power of attorney must include a copy of the owner’s ID and their signature, so the agent can handle the process, avoiding fraud risks. The whole process is quite simple—just bring all the required documents, such as the vehicle license and registration certificate, and make a trip to the notary office, usually done in half a day. I recommend making an appointment at the DMV in advance to avoid long queues. After all, the transfer involves ownership changes, and being present to sign in person is the most reliable, but in special cases, a power of attorney is a good backup option.
