Vehicle power of attorney template: free to fill in and download in Word
Reviewed in October 2026
A vehicle power of attorney lets another person handle a car on your behalf. The agent can sign the title, sell or buy the vehicle, register it and deal with the DMV. It is limited to one vehicle and the tasks you list, and it ends when the task is done or on the date you set.
I, [owner full name], of [address] (the "Principal"), appoint [agent full name], of [address] (the "Agent"), as my attorney-in-fact for the vehicle described below.
1. Vehicle
Year: [year] · Make: [make] · Model: [model] · VIN: [VIN] · Title number and state: [number, state] · Plate: [plate].
2. Powers
The Agent may, in my name: [check all that apply] (a) sign the certificate of title and any application for title or registration; (b) sell the vehicle for a price of at least USD [amount] and receive the payment; (c) buy the vehicle described above; (d) register the vehicle, obtain plates and pay fees and taxes; (e) sign the odometer disclosure; (f) obtain duplicate titles and lien releases; (g) [other].
3. Limits
The Agent may act only for the vehicle above and only for the powers checked. The Agent may not [borrow money against the vehicle / transfer it to the Agent] unless checked here: [ ].
4. Duration
This power of attorney takes effect on [date] and ends on [date] or when the tasks above are complete, whichever comes first. I may revoke it at any time in writing.
5. Reliance
Any DMV, buyer, seller or lender may rely on this document until it receives written notice of revocation.
6. Governing Law
This power of attorney is governed by the laws of the State of [state].
[NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT, if required by your state or DMV: State of [state], County of [county]. On [date], before me appeared [principal name], who proved identity and acknowledged signing this document. Notary signature, seal and commission expiration.]
Principal
Name: [name]
Signature: ______________
Date: [date]
What the template includes
Owner and agent
Vehicle with VIN, title number and plate
Powers to sign the title, sell, buy and register
Minimum sale price
Odometer disclosure, duplicate titles and lien releases
Limits on what the agent can do
Start date, end date and revocation
Reliance by DMVs and third parties
Space for a notary acknowledgment
What you fill in
Field
Example
Principal
Sarah Whitman
Agent
Thomas Whitman
Vehicle
2020 Subaru Outback, VIN 4S4BTACC5L3123456
Powers
Sign title, sell, odometer disclosure
Minimum price
USD 21,000
Start date
November 1, 2026
End date
January 31, 2027
State
Colorado
How it gets signed
1Download the vehicle power of attorney in Word and fill in the fields.
2Print it and read every power once more before you sign.
3Sign it on paper, before a notary or witnesses when your state asks for them.
4Give the original to your agent and keep a copy with your records.
Many DMVs ask for a notarized power of attorney, and some use their own form. Check with your DMV first. If they need a notary, print it and sign it before a notary.
What the law says
Each state DMV sets its own rules for a power of attorney on a vehicle. Several states have an official DMV form, and many require the signature to be notarized.
Federal odometer rules let an agent sign the odometer disclosure under a power of attorney in some cases. The DMV checks that the power of attorney meets those rules.
Most states have adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act or a similar law. It sets general rules for agents, such as acting in good faith and within the powers given.
When you need a vehicle power of attorney
You moved or travel and someone else sells the car.
You are deployed in the military and a relative handles your vehicle.
A dealer handles the title after a trade-in or purchase.
An elderly parent needs help selling or registering a car.
You bought a car out of state and a relative registers it.
Limited or general power of attorney
A vehicle power of attorney is limited. It covers one car and a few tasks.
A general or durable power of attorney covers much more, such as bank accounts and property. Use one only when you need broad help.
Limited powers are easier for DMVs to accept. They see exactly what the agent can do.
Protecting yourself as the owner
Set a minimum price in clause 2. The agent cannot sell for less.
Set an end date in clause 4. The power ends even if you forget to revoke it.
Ask the agent to send you a copy of the signed title and the bill of sale. You keep a record of the sale.
Common mistakes
Wrong VIN. The DMV rejects a power of attorney that does not match the title.
No notary where the DMV needs one. Call or check the DMV site before the agent goes.
Powers left blank. Check every power the agent needs, or the DMV may refuse the paperwork.
Step by step to sell a car through an agent
1Fill in this power of attorney with the vehicle, the powers and a minimum price.
2Sign it, and have it notarized if your DMV asks for that.
3Give the agent the title, the keys and a copy of your ID if the DMV needs it.
4The agent signs the title and the bill of sale as your attorney-in-fact.
5The agent sends you copies and the payment, and you cancel your insurance.
The agent signs with your name and theirs, for example «Sarah Whitman by Thomas Whitman, attorney-in-fact». Many DMVs ask for that format.
Keep the signed power of attorney with the sale records. If a question comes up later, it shows the agent had authority.
Before you sign
Read every clause of the vehicle power of attorney with the other party before anyone signs. Change what does not fit your deal.
