[CA] How do I create a Power of Attorney to sell a car co-owned by my brother?
17
7
To sell the vehicle while stationed in Germany with your brother as a co-owner in California, the most effective solution is to set up a Power of Attorney (POA). This document will allow you to act on his behalf, so he won't need to sign the sales paperwork directly.
You’ll need to create a limited or special POA that clearly states its purpose: granting you the authority to sell the specific vehicle. Make sure it includes the vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN to avoid any confusion, and specify that you can sign all related sales documents.
Here’s a sample POA: https://eforms.com/download/2016/01/motor-vehicle-power-of-attorney-form.pdf
Since your brother is in California, you’ll need to follow the state’s POA requirements. The POA will need to be notarized (Probate § 4121(c)) or with 2 adult witnesses (Probate §4122(c)) to confirm his identity and understanding of the document.
To speed things up, he can use a California-based notary offering Remote Online Notarization (RON) services. Once you have the POA, confirm with the military base’s vehicle registration office that they accept it for vehicle sales.
After the POA is executed and accepted, you can prepare the necessary sales documents, such as the bill of sale and title transfer forms. You’ll sign these as “[Your Brother’s Name], by [Your Name], Attorney-in-Fact.” Be sure to keep detailed records of the POA and all sales paperwork.
Upvote if this is a clear answer
Downvote if this is not a clear answer
Create DocumentFull Conversation
I am in the military currently stationed overseas in Germany and I'm trying to sell my car to another military member. I just want to make sure I am able to get this document notarized online since my brother is a co-owner (he helped sign for me, but the car is mine, with me, and I paid it off). If I can get him to digitally sign and then notarize it online — I need this in order to out-process my current base and move to my next one which is in 2 days.
I understand the urgency of your situation. Are you looking to get the document notarized online specifically for the sale of your car to another military member stationed overseas in Germany?
Yes.
Have you already checked if the online notarization service you are considering is legally recognized in both Germany and the location of your next base?
Vehicle registration on base here is saying it needs to be notarized. They didn't specify in person or online.
Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured, they'll be able to help with your document notarization.
I think that should be it.
Hello! I'm delighted that you've chosen to contact AskaLawyer for assistance. My name is Jon, and I'm here to assist you as an attorney.
I understand that dealing with legal issues can be stressful and confusing. Don't worry, I'm here to help, and I hope to provide you with a solution to your problem.
Where is your brother located that he needs to sign as well?
He is in California.
Ok, and you need him to sign/notarize?
I need him to make me his POA for selling a vehicle that he is a co-owner on. I'm stationed in Germany trying to sell the car to another military member. It's been fully paid off.
Understood! I think I have all the information I need, but is there anything else you'd like to add before I get started on your answer? If not, I'll start working on a response for you right away.
No, that should be it, thank you.
Ok, just give me a few minutes to finish typing out a full reply for you. It will not be too long.
To sell the vehicle while stationed in Germany with your brother as a co-owner in California, the most effective solution is to set up a Power of Attorney (POA). This document will allow you to act on his behalf, so he won't need to sign the sales paperwork directly.
You’ll need to create a limited or special POA that clearly states its purpose: granting you the authority to sell the specific vehicle. Make sure it includes the vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN to avoid any confusion, and specify that you can sign all related sales documents.
Here’s a sample POA: https://eforms.com/download/2016/01/motor-vehicle-power-of-attorney-form.pdf
Since your brother is in California, you’ll need to follow the state’s POA requirements. The POA will need to be notarized (Probate § 4121(c)) or with 2 adult witnesses (Probate §4122(c)) to confirm his identity and understanding of the document.
To speed things up, he can use a California-based notary offering Remote Online Notarization (RON) services. Once you have the POA, confirm with the military base’s vehicle registration office that they accept it for vehicle sales.
After the POA is executed and accepted, you can prepare the necessary sales documents, such as the bill of sale and title transfer forms. You’ll sign these as “[Your Brother’s Name], by [Your Name], Attorney-in-Fact.” Be sure to keep detailed records of the POA and all sales paperwork.
I just wanted to check in and see if you had any additional questions regarding the legal aspects of this issue. I'm here to help, so please feel free to reach out anytime with any further inquiries. While I might not be available when you return, rest assured I'll respond as quickly as possible.
Since I haven’t heard back from you, I’ll go ahead and close this out for now. But I hope the information I provided was helpful and answered your question.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always here and happy to help!
