Does the vehicle owner need to be present for vehicle title transfer and registration?
2 Answers
For vehicle title transfer and registration, the original owner must be present. If the original owner is not available or lacks identity proof, the vehicle title transfer procedure cannot be processed. Below is additional information: 1. Required documents: Vehicle identification number (VIN) rubbing, vehicle license, registration certificate, original purchase invoice or transfer invoice, valuation sheet, original or temporary ID cards of both buyer and seller, transfer contract and copies (1 copy each of registration certificate, invoice, and original owner's ID card; 2 copies of vehicle license; 3 copies of buyer's ID card), power of attorney from both parties, and motor vehicle transfer registration form. 2. Precautions for vehicle title transfer and registration: When relocating the vehicle, consult the local vehicle management office in advance to confirm its name. Vehicle relocation requires the physical presence of the vehicle, so do not cancel the vehicle insurance before obtaining the new license plate. Complete the cancellation of commercial and compulsory insurance only after the new license plate is issued. Before processing the transfer, ensure all traffic violations are settled, issue the transaction tax invoice, stamp the vehicle's VIN, check the vehicle records, inspect the vehicle at the testing station, retrieve the original license plate, complete internal review for transfer, transfer the additional fee certificate, and transfer the insurance.
I've sold cars before, and the process of transferring ownership really requires careful consideration. Typically, the original owner must be present in person, bringing along their original ID card, vehicle registration certificate, and driving license to the DMV for on-site signature confirmation. If you're out of town and genuinely can't make it, you can authorize someone else to handle it on your behalf, but a notarized power of attorney must be prepared in advance, and the authorized person must also bring their own ID documents. Policies vary slightly by region—major cities like Beijing and Shenzhen now offer online appointment services, but the signature part still requires the owner's physical presence. Once, when I helped a friend with the process, we hit a snag because we forgot to prepare the notarized power of attorney, forcing the owner to take a high-speed train back to complete the procedure, which was both time-consuming and costly. My advice is to call the local DMV first to clarify all the details and ensure you have all the necessary documents before proceeding.
