Power of attorney is a legal instrument authorizing one to act as the attorney or agent of the grantor (owner of vehicle). This document may be used when buying or selling a vehicle, when issuing a duplicate title and if someone other than the owner of the vehicle is coming in to the office to obtain title and/or registration for the owner.

Secure and verifiable identification is required on all power of attorney forms. General and military power of attorneys require a DR2842 – Supplemental Secure and Verifiable Identification Information and Attestation clause in conjunction with the power of attorney to be in compliance with federal regulations.

There are several different types of power of attorney forms. They are as follows:

1. Specific/Limited Powers of Attorney - Copies are not acceptable to complete title transactions. A copy is acceptable when completing a registration transaction. This type of power of attorney form is limited to what is defined in the document and must contain secure and identifiable identification of the grantor. The form DR2175 is available in the motor vehicle office or may be downloaded.
2. General Power of Attorney - A copy is acceptable. This document allows the attorney in fact to do all and every act. A DR2842 – Supplemental Secure and Verifiable Identification Information and Attestation clause is required in conjunction with the power of attorney to be in compliance with federal regulations.
3. Military Power of Attorney - This type of power of attorney may be either specific or general. It will state the type on the document. If the document is a general power of attorney, a copy is acceptable. If it is a limited power of attorney, a copy is not acceptable. A DR2842 – Supplemental Secure and Verifiable Identification Information and Attestation clause is required in conjunction with the power of attorney to be in compliance with federal regulations.
4. Secure Power of Attorney - A dealer uses this type when they are waiting for a title from a lienholder or are waiting for a duplicate title.

Please be aware that:

• Power of attorney forms may not have any alterations or erasures on them or the document is void.
• If an individual has been named power of attorney on a specific power of attorney form, that individual may not assign power of attorney to another person.
• If an individual has been named power of attorney on a general power of attorney form, they may assign power of attorney to another individual to be the specific power of attorney.
• When the grantor of the power of attorney form is deceased, the document is no longer valid.