Pennsylvania Vehicle Power of Attorney

Introduction

Key Things to Know

1. 1

   PennDOT's Bureau of Motor Vehicles gives the Pennsylvania vehicle power of attorney one form number and one official title: Form MV-POA, Secure Power of Attorney, which lets a motor vehicle dealer or a PennDOT approved insurance company disclose the odometer reading and execute the title application for a seller whose proof of ownership is held by a lienholder or has been lost.

2. 2

   Notarization is required. PennDOT states that Form MV-POA still requires notarization when used by a motor vehicle dealership. The exceptions are narrow: an insurance company transferring a salvage vehicle need not complete the notarization portion, and the electronic e-POA, which dealerships may not use, carries an electronic signature instead.

3. 3

   MV-POA runs in three sections. Section A is completed by the seller, Section B by the acquiring dealer only if the vehicle is resold before the title is released by the lienholder, and Section C by a dealership employee certifying that the information was received and reviewed with no indications of mileage discrepancies.

4. 4

   You cannot download an MV-POA. It is a security printed two part snap-out form, 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches, with an inventory control number in the upper right corner for PennDOT use only. PAA and PIADA are the sole distributors in Pennsylvania, 100 forms cost $45 including sales tax and shipping, and dealers must order with their Dealer Identification Number.

5. 5

   A General Power of Attorney is PennDOT's answer when the seller is out of state or ill. It must be notarized and include the signatures of two witnesses, and a photocopy of it is acceptable. The person named on it may sign the Secure Power of Attorney when necessary, plus all other documents needed to transfer ownership.

6. 6

   A Third-Party limited power of attorney is valid for no more than 90 days, except those used by lessors, which are good for periods up to one year. It must be notarized under Section 1119(a)(1) of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, or in place of notarization a licensed vehicle dealer issuing agent, or its employee, may verify the signature.

7. 7

   Every Pennsylvania power of attorney must be signed by the purchaser or seller in their own handwriting. If a physical reason prevents signing, that person may make their mark before two witnesses, who also sign their names to the power of attorney in the notary's presence.

Pennsylvania Requirements for Vehicle Power of Attorney

• PennDOT Form MV-POA, Secure Power of Attorney

  Pennsylvania's named vehicle power of attorney is Form MV-POA, titled Secure Power of Attorney, 4-96 or newer version, published by the PennDOT Bureau of Motor Vehicles. It enables motor vehicle dealers or approved insurance companies to disclose the odometer reading for the seller and buyer when there is a lien, or when the seller lost the proof of ownership and the dealer is applying for a duplicate title.

• Notarization Required for Dealership Use

  PennDOT states that Form MV-POA still requires notarization when used by a motor vehicle dealership. The exceptions are narrow: an insurance company transferring a salvage vehicle need not complete the notarization portion, and the electronic e-POA, which dealerships may not use, carries an electronic signature instead.

• Sections A, B and C

  Section A is completed by the seller when the proof of ownership is held by a lienholder and a lien payoff is required, or the seller has lost it. Section B is completed by the purchasing dealer only where the vehicle is resold before the title is released. Section C is the dealership's certification that the information was received and reviewed with no indications of mileage discrepancies, and is required only when both A and B are used.

• Signed in the Signer's Own Handwriting

  All powers of attorney are required to be signed by the purchaser or seller in their own handwriting. If a physical reason prevents signing, that person may make their mark in the presence of two witnesses, who also sign their names to the power of attorney in the notary's presence.

• General Power of Attorney Needs Two Witnesses

  PennDOT says a General Power of Attorney, including General and Springing Durable Powers of Attorney, is often used when the seller is out of the state or ill. It must be notarized and include the signatures of two witnesses, and a photocopy of it is acceptable. The person named on it may sign the Secure Power of Attorney when necessary, plus all other documents needed to transfer ownership.

• Limited Power of Attorney Expires in 90 Days

  A Third-Party limited power of attorney is valid for no more than 90 days, except those used by lessors, which are good for up to one year. It must be notarized under Section 1119(a)(1) of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, or in place of notarization an issuing agent licensed as a vehicle dealer, or its employee, may verify the signature.

• Controlled Snap-Out Form, Ordered From PAA or PIADA

  MV-POA cannot be downloaded. It is a two part snap-out form, 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches, one light green original and one orange secure carbon, with an inventory control number in the upper right corner for PennDOT use only. PAA and PIADA are the sole distributors, 100 forms cost $45 including sales tax and shipping, and dealers must order using their Dealer Identification Number.

• Light Green Original to PennDOT Within 20 Days

  Where the vehicle is to be titled in Pennsylvania, the light green original, the properly assigned proof of ownership and the applicable fees must be sent to PennDOT within 20 days of the date of purchase. The orange secure copy stays with the proof of ownership, and the issuing dealer or insurer keeps a photocopy, with copies of the front and back of the proof of ownership, for five years under federal odometer rules.