What a vehicle power of attorney actually is

A vehicle power of attorney appoints someone to act for the person signing it in specified vehicle transactions. It authorizes an agent; it is not an issued ownership title. The document and the state’s acceptance rules determine its reach.

California’s REG 260 identifies the vehicle and appoints an attorney-in-fact to complete transfer documents. DMV also accepts qualifying general powers of attorney, so REG 260 is not the only possible format. Its manual accepts a photocopy or fax of a general POA, including REG 260. California POA acceptance rules.

The odometer exception is crucial. California DMV lists disclosing mileage among the acts a POA cannot perform. REG 262 contains a POA section as well as transfer and mileage fields, but that does not allow the agent to sign its odometer disclosure using the POA. DMV requires the secure original REG 262 rather than a photocopy. California restrictions; REG 262 purpose and completion rules.

Federal law also provides a separate, restricted odometer-POA procedure that a jurisdiction may authorize when a title is held by a lienholder or has been lost. Its disclosure and later title-review requirements do not make California’s REG 262 POA section an interchangeable mileage authorization. 49 CFR 580.13–580.15.

Before relying on an agent’s signature, identify the exact act: signing the title assignment, making a factual certification or disclosing mileage. A broadly worded appointment does not override the separate rule for that act.