[FL] How do I use a power of attorney to obtain a vehicle title and sell my father’s car when he lives out of state?

FL Estate Planning

Attorney Matt

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Got it. Florida has a specific form for this: Power of Attorney for a Motor Vehicle, Mobile Home or Vessel. This is the exact form the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) expects when someone else is handling title work. (FL Stat § 319.22)

Download the correct form (attached)
Your dad (the owner) must fill it out. Your dad will need to complete: (FL Stat § 319.23)
- His full name and address
- Your full name (as the authorized person)
- Vehicle information: Year, Make, VIN
Signature Requirements. Your dad must sign the form. Florida does not require notarization for this POA unless the title transaction itself requires it (rare). No witness is required.
You Will Use It at the DMV. Bring:
- Completed HSMV 82053
- Your valid ID
- Vehicle title (if available)
- Title transfer application (HSMV 82040)

If the original title is lost, use the POA to request a duplicate. (FL Stat § 319.23)

Let me know if you need clarification.

Florida Vehicle Power of Attorney Form

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I want to get a power of attorney to get a title to a car from my dad.

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that obtaining a power of attorney can be a crucial step in your situation. Have you discussed this matter with your dad, and is he willing to grant you the power of attorney?

Yes.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is the car currently registered in your dad's name, and are there any specific circumstances regarding the title that we should be aware of?

Yes, it is. He is selling it and he is out of the state.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your power of attorney.

Yes. State of title is Florida. Selling the car on his behalf.

Attorney Matt

Hello. This is Attorney Matt. I am reading what you wrote and have an initial question for you. To confirm, your father lives in Florida and currently holds the title. Is that right?

No, he owns property here and the car is registered and titled here in Florida. He resides in California. He is selling the car here in the state of FL. Has a buyer here in the state and would like me to get him a power of attorney in order to go get a printed copy of the title so I can sell it on his behalf.

He will be the one signing it, it will be mailed to him then back to me.

Attorney Matt

Download the correct form (attached)
Your dad (the owner) must fill it out. Your dad will need to complete: (FL Stat § 319.23)
- His full name and address
- Your full name (as the authorized person)
- Vehicle information: Year, Make, VIN
Signature Requirements. Your dad must sign the form. Florida does not require notarization for this POA unless the title transaction itself requires it (rare). No witness is required.
You Will Use It at the DMV. Bring:
- Completed HSMV 82053
- Your valid ID
- Vehicle title (if available)
- Title transfer application (HSMV 82040)

If the original title is lost, use the POA to request a duplicate. (FL Stat § 319.23)

Let me know if you need clarification.

Will the HSMV 82053 allow me to get a printed copy of title?

Attorney Matt

Yes, Form HSMV 82053 allows you to obtain a printed (paper) copy of the title in Florida, provided your dad properly completes and signs it.

Do you have any questions about the process?

Question about that would be, Can I just hand them the payment and they would print it?

Attorney Matt

Here is a step-by-step:

Getting a Printed Title Using HSMV 82053

Bring to the DMV / Tax Collector office:

Completed and signed HSMV 82053
Your valid ID
Vehicle details (VIN, make, model, year)
Fee (usually around $4–$10)

If the title is lost:

Bring HSMV 82101 (Application for Duplicate Title), which you can sign using the POA

Steps:

Present POA and ID
Clerk verifies authorization
Pay the fee
Printed title is issued

Notes:

Form must be filled out correctly
Some counties may prefer notarization (call ahead)
Bring HSMV 82040 if transferring title

If he doesn't know the title number, will the form be incomplete?

Attorney Matt

No, the form will NOT be incomplete if your dad doesn’t know the title number.

The Florida DMV mainly needs:

Year
Make
VIN

The title number is not required. The DMV can look it up using the VIN. This is very common.

Attorney Matt

20,130 satisfied customers

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