Texas Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form VTR-271)
A Texas motor vehicle power of attorney (Form VTR-271) is an official state-provided agreement that is completed by a motor vehicle owner or a buyer (the grantor) to elect another party (the grantee) the power to carry out actions regarding a self-propelled vehicle. The form gives the grantee the ability to complete all steps related to the selling, transferring, and assigning of the motor vehicle’s legal title as if they were the grantor themselves.
The grantor can use the power of attorney to request that the grantee applies for a title, complete an initial registration, or acquire a certified copy of the vehicle’s title. In this case, both the grantor and grantee must attach a photocopy of their photo identification to the completed power of attorney.
If the grantor needs to complete a title assignment on a car, truck, or other motor vehicle subject to a federal odometer disclosure (in a dealer transaction), they cannot use Form VTR-271. Instead, motorists will need to use Form VTR-271-A.
In addition to completing Form VTR-271, grantees may need their grantors to complete one (1) or more Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) forms depending on the task they are looking to have completed. The Texas DMV Forms page contains additional motor-vehicle-related documents.
Signing requirements: To be valid, the Texas DMV requires the grantor to sign the form, write their printed name, and date the document. Only black and blue ink are acceptable for the signature.