Free Illinois Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney Template

An Illinois motor vehicle power of attorney is a signed authorization that lets another person handle the paperwork to title, register, or transfer interest in your vehicle. In Illinois, that paperwork goes to the Secretary of State’s Vehicle Services Department, not to a separate DMV.

The Secretary of State publishes its own version, Form RT 5, titled simply Power of Attorney. Its wording sets out what the appointment covers.

What the Agent May Sign

On RT 5, the principal names a lawful attorney in fact to sign the papers needed to secure Illinois title or registration for the described vehicle. The same authority covers transferring interest in it. Within that purpose, your agent may do anything you could do in person.

The Principal Ratifies the Agent’s Acts

By signing, you confirm in advance whatever your agent lawfully does under the authority. The form says this ratification is made under penalties of perjury, so check the vehicle details before you sign.

The State Stands Apart From the Agent

RT 5 also says the authority it grants in no way reflects on the State of Illinois or the Secretary of State. The same goes for the Director of the Vehicle Services Department. Picking a trustworthy agent is your responsibility.

A Secure Version Is a Separate Form

The Secretary of State lists a Secure Power of Attorney, Form VSD 332, among its title and registration forms. It is a different document from RT 5, so make sure you are completing the one your transaction calls for.

Yes, for ERT transactions. The Secretary of State’s Electronic Registration and Title (ERT) system lists supporting documents that work with any of its four transaction types. A Personal Power of Attorney and a Durable Power of Attorney for Property are both on that list.

So a broader power of attorney you signed earlier may already fit. Take it with you as a supporting document and ask the facility whether it covers the vehicle and the transaction in front of them.

Tip: A general document leaves room for questions at the counter. A vehicle-specific Illinois motor vehicle power of attorney names the exact vehicle and the exact papers your agent may sign.

Nothing is filed until your agent uses the form. Here is the usual order:

1. Enter your name and address as the principal.
2. Enter the name and address of the person you are appointing.
3. Describe the vehicle, including its vehicle identification number.
4. Sign the form as the principal after checking every detail.
5. Hand the signed form to your agent with the title or registration paperwork.
6. If your agent uses ERT, they complete the Application for Vehicle Transaction(s), VSD 190, online. They then bring it, the supporting documents, and payment to a Secretary of State facility within seven days.
7. Alternatively, mail the paperwork with payment by check or money order to the Vehicle Services Department’s ERT Section.

RT 5’s own fields make a short checklist:

• Principal’s full name and address
• Attorney in fact’s full name and address
• Description of the vehicle, including the VIN
• The purpose: signing papers for Illinois title, registration, or transfer of interest
• Principal’s signature

Document Genius’s guided form covers each of these, so your Illinois motor vehicle power of attorney is ready to print and hand to your agent in minutes.