What a California DMV Power of Attorney Does
A California DMV Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets you authorize another person to handle vehicle registration, title, and related DMV transactions on your behalf. You sign it, and the person you name can then visit the DMV or mail documents without you being present. The DMV calls this document Form REG 260, and it is the only form the state accepts for this purpose.
You might use this if you live out of state, are unable to visit the DMV in person, need someone to renew your registration, or want to transfer a title while you are away. The person you authorize — called your attorney-in-fact — can only do what the form says they can do. You remain the vehicle owner and are responsible for what they do in your name.
Key Takeaways
- California requires Form REG 260, signed and notarized, to give someone power of attorney for DMV matters.
- You can limit the power of attorney to specific transactions, such as registration renewal only, or leave it open for any DMV task.
- The person you authorize must present the notarized form at the DMV along with their own ID and any other documents the transaction requires.
- You can revoke the power of attorney at any time by notifying the DMV and the person you authorized, in writing.
- The form does not give someone power to sell your vehicle or change ownership — only to handle registration and title paperwork on your behalf.
How to Complete Form REG 260
read Form REG 260 from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. The form is short and asks for your name, address, driver's license or ID number, and vehicle information (VIN, license plate, or registration number). You then write in the name and address of the person you are authorizing and describe exactly what they can do — for example, "renew vehicle registration" or "obtain a duplicate title."
Be specific about the scope. If you write "all DMV transactions," the person can handle almost any registration or title matter. If you write "registration renewal only," they cannot request a duplicate title or change the address on your registration. The more narrow you make it, the less risk if the form is lost or misused.
Sign the form in front of a notary public. California law requires the signature to be notarized; a DMV employee cannot notarize it. You do not need to have the other person sign anything. Once notarized, the form is valid when ready and remains valid until you revoke it or until the date you write on the form, if you choose to set an expiration date.
What the Attorney-in-Fact Can and Cannot Do
The person you authorize can renew your registration, request a duplicate registration card, change your address on file, obtain a duplicate title, add or remove a lien holder, and handle most other registration and title paperwork. They can submit documents by mail or in person at the DMV and can pay fees on your behalf using your money or a credit card you provide.
They cannot sell your vehicle, transfer ownership to themselves, explore for a new title in their name, or sign documents that change who owns the car. If you want someone to sell the vehicle for you, you need a different kind of power of attorney — one that covers the sale itself — and you should consult an attorney about that. The DMV power of attorney is limited to registration and title administration, not ownership transfer.
How Your Attorney-in-Fact Uses the Form at the DMV
The person you authorize brings the notarized Form REG 260, their own government-issued photo ID, and any other documents the specific transaction requires. If they are renewing your registration, they bring the renewal notice. If they are requesting a duplicate title, they bring the vehicle information. The DMV staff will review the power of attorney form to confirm it covers the transaction being requested.
The attorney-in-fact can handle the transaction in person at any DMV office or submit documents by mail with the notarized form attached. If mailing, they should include a copy of the form with each document packet and keep a copy for their records. The DMV will process the request and mail the result to your address on file, not to the attorney-in-fact, unless you have changed your address through the power of attorney.
Revoking the Power of Attorney
You can cancel the power of attorney at any time, even if you set an expiration date on the form. Send a written revocation letter to the DMV and keep a copy for your records. You should also notify the person you authorized that the power of attorney is no longer valid. The DMV does not have a specific revocation form; a letter stating your name, vehicle information, and the date you are revoking the power of attorney is sufficient.
Mail the revocation to the DMV address for your county or region. You can find the correct address on the DMV website. The revocation takes effect when the DMV receives it, so any transactions the attorney-in-fact attempts after that date may be rejected. If you are concerned the person might try to use an expired or revoked form, contact your local DMV office to flag the document in their system.
When You Might Need a Different Document
If you want someone to sell your vehicle on your behalf, a DMV power of attorney is not enough. You need a general power of attorney or a specific power of attorney for vehicle sale, which is a broader legal document that covers ownership transfer. These are not DMV forms and usually require an attorney to draft or review.
If you want to add someone as a co-owner of the vehicle, you cannot use a power of attorney at all. You must transfer the title to both names, which requires your signature on the title document itself. The DMV power of attorney cannot substitute for your signature on a title transfer. If you are out of state or unable to sign, you may need to mail the title to the other person for their signature and then mail it back, or consult an attorney about your options.
Where to Get Form REG 260 and Get It Notarized
read Form REG 260 from dmv.ca.gov by searching for "REG 260" or visiting the forms section. You can also pick up a copy at any California DMV office. The form is free.
To get the form notarized, visit a notary public. Many banks, credit unions, and UPS stores offer notary services, often for a small fee (usually $5 to $15 per signature). Some employers and libraries also have notaries on staff. You do not need to use a specific notary — any notary public in California can notarize the form. Bring your government-issued photo ID and the completed Form REG 260. The notary will watch you sign and then stamp and sign the form themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give power of attorney to more than one person?
Yes. You can complete separate Form REG 260 documents for different people, each notarized separately. You can also name two people on the same form if you want them to act together. Be clear about whether they can act independently or must act as a pair.
Does the power of attorney work at the DMV office and by mail?
Yes. The notarized form is valid for in-person visits and for mailed documents. If mailing, attach a copy of the form to each document packet and keep a copy for your records.
What happens if the person I authorize loses the form or uses it after I revoke it?
The DMV will reject any transaction if the form is expired or if you have filed a written revocation. If you suspect misuse, contact your local DMV office and the police to report it. Keep copies of your revocation letter and any correspondence with the DMV.
Can I set an expiration date on the power of attorney?
Yes. You can write an expiration date on Form REG 260, and the form will no longer be valid after that date. If you do not write a date, the form remains valid until you revoke it in writing.
Does the power of attorney let someone change my vehicle's registered owner?
No. The DMV power of attorney covers registration and title administration only, not ownership transfer. To change the registered owner, you must sign the title document yourself or use a broader legal power of attorney drafted by an attorney.