Does the owner need to be present for car registration?

[StCatherine]

Car registration does not require the owner to be present; it can be delegated to someone else. Materials required for new car registration: ID card, vehicle certificate of conformity, vehicle parameter sheet, second and fourth copies of the car invoice, car purchase tax, car insurance policy, purchase invoice, vehicle certificate of conformity, ID card or organization code certificate and copies of the invoice issuer, compulsory insurance policy, tax payment certificate, and temporary residence permit for non-locals. New car registration process: After preparing the materials, go to the vehicle management office to submit the documents, sign as the owner, have the vehicle inspected and confirmed by the traffic police, choose the license plate number, receive the receipt, install and take photos of the fixed license plate, and collect the vehicle license and registration certificate.

[DeDeclan]

I've actually experienced this issue twice and did a lot of research when buying a car. Generally speaking, license plate registration can be handled by an agent, but all required documents must be complete. You'll need to bring the original ID card of the vehicle owner, a power of attorney, and the agent should also bring their own ID card, along with the complete set of documents including the car purchase invoice and certificate of conformity. Last time when I was on a business trip, I had a friend handle it for me, but the DMV required verification of the original signed power of attorney on the spot, and we almost got rejected due to incorrect formatting. My personal suggestion is that it's best to go yourself - processes like vehicle inspection and number plate selection are more reliable when done personally. Nowadays many DMVs offer appointment services, and the whole process can be completed in about two hours. If you really don't have time, don't push yourself - finding a trustworthy relative or friend to handle it is the most worry-free option.

[LukeDella]

I recently helped a friend with this matter. Vehicle registration doesn't strictly require the owner's personal presence, but there are practical considerations. For proxy registration, you'll need the original IDs of both the owner and the proxy agent, plus a handwritten authorization letter with signature and thumbprint - it's wise to prepare several copies. Some regions require notarization of the authorization, so check this in advance. Make sure to bring all documents from the vehicle documentation package, including insurance policy and purchase tax certificate. Handling it personally is actually simpler - just bring the documents for on-site inspection and license plate selection. Considering long queues during pandemic prevention periods, using 4S shop agency services might be more convenient if you're pressed for time, though it costs a few hundred yuan extra in service fees. The key is confirming the local DMV's specific requirements beforehand.

[StAlexander]

I totally get it! You can definitely have someone else handle it for you, but there are several procedures to go through. First, you need to sign a formal power of attorney, and both parties' original ID cards must be brought along. Basic materials like the vehicle qualification certificate and invoice are even more essential. I saw news before about someone being penalized for using a fake power of attorney, so it's best to download the template from the DMV website and fill it out. If you have enough time, I recommend going in person—when selecting a license plate number, you can see the number pool directly, increasing your chances of getting a lucky number like 888. Also, note that the process for new energy vehicles is different, requiring additional documents like a charging pile certificate. Some cities now offer online license plate selection, but the final vehicle inspection still requires an in-person visit.

[VanLillian]

As someone who has handled license plate applications for three people, I can confirm that the car owner's physical presence is not mandatory. The key is to prepare three essential items: a power of attorney signed by the owner, the owner's original ID card, and the agent's ID card. Required documents such as the car purchase invoice, vehicle certificate of conformity, and duplicate copy of compulsory traffic insurance are indispensable. Last time when I helped my neighbor with the plate application, I ran into trouble because the vehicle purchase tax certificate was incomplete, which led to two trips. It's actually more straightforward if the owner handles it personally—no need to repeatedly verify document ownership, and you can discuss number selection on the spot if hesitating. I recommend booking an appointment in advance via the Traffic Management 12123 app to avoid peak periods like the beginning of the month or year-end.