Does the car transfer require the owner to be present?
4 Answers
The car transfer can be processed by the owner in person or by an authorized agent. According to the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," when an agent handles the transfer registration, they must submit their ID card and the owner's written authorization letter to the vehicle management office. Here are the relevant details: If the seller cannot be present, they need to find a local agent with a local ID card or temporary residence permit to assist in the process. Additionally, the seller must prepare the following documents for the agent: the original and photocopy of the original owner's ID card; the original and photocopy of the vehicle's motor vehicle registration certificate; the original and photocopy of the vehicle's license; and the physical presence of the vehicle. If the buyer cannot be present: If the buyer cannot be present, they also need to find a local agent with a local ID card or temporary residence permit to assist in the process. The buyer must prepare the following documents for the agent: the original ID card of the buyer; if the buyer is a non-local resident registering a local license plate, they need to provide a valid temporary residence permit or residence permit.
As a car owner who frequently handles vehicle-related matters, I'd like to share some insights about vehicle transfer procedures. Typically, the transfer requires the owner to personally visit the DMV or trading market, as you need to bring original ID cards, vehicle registration certificates, and other documents for identity verification and signature on-site to prevent impersonation issues. Last year when I helped a friend sell his car, he had to be present throughout the entire process to fill out forms and pay fees – time-consuming but ensuring security. If you're truly unavailable, you can authorize someone to handle it for you, but you'll need a notarized power of attorney and copies of both parties' identification documents. Nowadays some apps offer agency services – paying for convenience but reliability varies, so I recommend checking local regulations first rather than just seeking convenience. If documents are incomplete, you might need to redo the process, which makes things even more troublesome. So it's best to handle it personally whenever possible.
From the perspective of handling vehicle procedures, it is generally safer for the car owner to personally handle the vehicle transfer process to ensure identity authenticity and avoid disputes. During the process, the owner needs to visit the vehicle management department or transaction point in person to provide their ID card and original license plate documents, and sign the transfer confirmation. If it's inconvenient to go in person, such as due to business trips or illness, one can authorize a relative, friend, or professional agency to handle it, but a written power of attorney proving the authorization relationship is required, along with the original and photocopies of the authorized person's documents. It is advisable to consult the local traffic management bureau in advance to understand the specific details, as requirements may vary by region. After completion, remember to check the transfer completion certificate to ensure the vehicle's insurance and taxes are properly transferred.
If the car owner is too busy to spare time, there are actually ways to handle the car transfer. The key is to have someone act as an agent, but a power of attorney and identity documents from both parties must be provided to complete the procedures at the DMV. For example, I’ve seen a few friends use online services to handle it—paying a fee to save the hassle, but they must ensure the agency is legitimate and reliable. From personal experience, it’s best to call the DMV first to confirm their requirements to avoid mistakes that could prolong the process. Remember, bringing all the necessary documents is crucial—otherwise, you’ll have to make another trip.
