The Virginia motor vehicle power of attorney (Form VSA-70) is used to appoint an agent (the “attorney-in-fact”) to manage another person’s motor vehicle transactions. By executing a power of attorney, the vehicle owner (“principal”) authorizes the agent to act in their place and sign documents relating to a vehicle’s title, registration, and transfer of ownership. The agent may also perform any other act the principal deems necessary (e.g., advertise a vehicle for sale, transport a vehicle to and from an automotive repair shop).

If a car dealer is selling a vehicle without a title, they must instead use a secure power of attorney (Form VAD-70A) to transfer ownership or register an untitled vehicle in the buyer’s name. The dealer must obtain the secure version from a local DMV office as it contains built-in security features which standard printing devices cannot convey.

Signing Requirements – Vehicle Owner