Michigan Vehicle POA Bill of Sale
A Michigan vehicle power of attorney allows a vehicle owner to authorize another person to handle title transfer, registration, and other DMV transactions on their behalf. This is commonly used when the vehicle owner cannot appear in person at the Michigan Secretary of State — for example, when selling a vehicle to someone in another city, when a family member is handling paperwork for an elderly relative, or when military personnel are stationed away from home.
Generate Your Michigan Vehicle Power of Attorney
Create a professionally formatted Michigan vehicle power of attorney in minutes. Authorize someone to handle your title transfer or registration at the DMV. Instant PDF download.
Create Michigan Vehicle POA — $5Not a blank template — your details are filled in, formatted to Michigan requirements, and ready to sign.
Michigan Vehicle POA Requirements
What to Include
A Michigan vehicle power of attorney must include the following information to be valid and accepted by Michigan Secretary of State:
The principal's (vehicle owner's) full legal name and mailing address, exactly as it appears on the vehicle title. The agent's (authorized representative's) full legal name and mailing address — this is the person who will go to the DMV on your behalf.
A complete description of the vehicle including year, make, model, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), exterior color, and license plate number. The VIN is a 17-character code found on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver's door frame.
A clear statement of the authority being granted — specifically that the agent is authorized to handle title transfer, registration, and related DMV transactions for the vehicle described. An effective date and optional expiration date.
Because Michigan requires notarization, the document must be signed in front of a notary public who will verify identities and apply their seal.
How to Complete
To complete a Michigan vehicle power of attorney, start by selecting a document style and filling in all required fields. Enter the vehicle owner's (principal's) full legal name and address, the authorized representative's (agent's) full legal name and address, and all vehicle details including VIN.
The principal must sign the document in front of a notary public. Bring a valid photo ID — the notary will verify your identity, witness your signature, and apply their official seal. Most banks, UPS stores, and shipping centers offer notary services for a small fee.
Give the signed (and notarized, if required) power of attorney to your agent along with the vehicle title and any other documents needed for the DMV visit. The agent should bring the power of attorney, their own photo ID, and the vehicle documents to Michigan Secretary of State. Note: Michigan has an official form (TR-128). Check with your local DMV to confirm they accept third-party POA documents.
Michigan-Specific Notes: Michigan uses Form TR-128 for vehicle power of attorney. Notarization is required for the POA to be valid. The POA must clearly identify the principal, agent, and the specific vehicle. Submit the POA along with title transfer documents to the Michigan Secretary of State.
This power of attorney must be notarized to be valid in Michigan.
The POA should specify an expiration date. An expired POA will not be accepted by the Michigan Secretary of State.
The agent may only perform actions specifically authorized in the POA document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a vehicle power of attorney need to be notarized in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan requires notarization for a vehicle power of attorney. Both the principal (vehicle owner) and agent should sign the document in front of a licensed notary public. You can find a notary at most banks, UPS stores, or through mobile notary services. Without notarization, the power of attorney may not be accepted by Michigan Secretary of State.
Can someone else transfer a vehicle title for me in Michigan?
Yes, with a properly executed vehicle power of attorney, you can authorize another person (called an "agent" or "attorney-in-fact") to handle title transfer, registration, and other DMV transactions on your behalf at Michigan Secretary of State. The agent must present the signed power of attorney along with the other required title transfer documents. This is limited to vehicle-related DMV transactions — it does not grant the agent any other authority over your affairs.
What is a vehicle power of attorney used for?
A vehicle power of attorney is used when the vehicle owner cannot appear in person at the DMV to complete a title transfer or registration. Common situations include: the seller lives in a different city or state, a family member is handling paperwork for an elderly or disabled relative, military personnel deployed away from home, or business fleet transactions where an employee handles multiple registrations. The document authorizes a specific person to act on the owner's behalf for vehicle-related DMV transactions only.
How long is a vehicle power of attorney valid in Michigan?
In Michigan, a vehicle power of attorney remains valid until it is revoked in writing by the principal, or until the principal passes away. You can also set a specific expiration date on the document. If no expiration date is specified, the power of attorney remains in effect indefinitely. Many people choose to set a 30-day or 90-day expiration to limit the duration of the agent's authority.
Does Michigan have its own vehicle power of attorney form?
Yes, Michigan has an official vehicle power of attorney form: TR-128. Some DMV offices may require the use of this specific form. We recommend contacting your local Michigan Secretary of State office to confirm which forms they accept before your visit. Our generated document includes all the information required by Michigan law.
Ready to create your Michigan vehicle poa bill of sale?
Create Michigan Vehicle POA — $5