Free New York Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney Template

A New York motor vehicle power of attorney authorizes a person, partnership, or corporation to carry out DMV transactions in your name. The Department of Motor Vehicles accepts one for registration and title work but does not publish its own form.

DMV guidance on powers of attorney for vehicle transactions sets these rules.

Specific or General

A power of attorney can list the specific transactions your agent may do, and the agent can then do only those. If it lists none, the DMV treats it as a general power of attorney.

When a General One Works

A general power of attorney is acceptable at DMV offices if it refers to transactions for all of the principal’s chattels and goods.

Limits on Title Transfers

The DMV accepts a general power of attorney to transfer a title only if the original title certificate is provided. Also, the person transferring the title and the person receiving it can’t be the same person.

Dealers Can’t Use a General One

An automobile dealer, or a dealer’s employee, cannot use a general power of attorney to transfer a vehicle. A separate secure power of attorney handles mileage disclosure on ownership transfers.

Duplicate Titles Need a Notarized Original

For a duplicate title, the DMV’s application asks for an original, notarized power of attorney. It must show the date issued, the names and addresses of both parties, and the original signature of the person granting it.

No, it doesn’t. The DMV says plainly that it does not provide a power of attorney form, so you use one you prepare yourself.

You may not need one at all. The DMV says you don’t need a power of attorney to register a vehicle for someone else if you can show the applicant’s proof of identity and date of birth at a DMV office.

Tip: If your New York motor vehicle power of attorney might be used for a duplicate title, have it notarized from the start and keep the original to hand in.

Prepare it to meet the DMV’s checks:

1. Date the document.
2. Enter your name and address, and your agent’s name and address.
3. List the specific transactions your agent may do, or write a general grant covering all of your chattels and goods.
4. Describe the vehicle, including the VIN.
5. Sign it with your original signature, before a notary if a duplicate title is involved.
6. Give your agent the original, plus the original title if a general power of attorney will be used for a transfer.

Cover what the DMV looks for:

• Date the power of attorney was issued
• Your name and address
• Your agent’s name and address
• The specific transactions allowed, or a general grant over chattels and goods
• Vehicle description and VIN
• Your original signature, notarized for a duplicate title

Document Genius’s guided form covers each item, so your New York motor vehicle power of attorney is ready in minutes.