Understanding the process of titling a vehicle is crucial, but it can become more complex when dealing with special situations. This guide clarifies the documentation needed when a vehicle title involves a business, a trust, or a Power of Attorney. Ensuring you have the correct paperwork will streamline the titling process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Vehicle Titled in the Name of a Business
When a motor vehicle is registered under a business name, government entity, leasing company, lienholder, or organization, specific documentation is required in addition to standard identification. The agent representing the business must provide their original business card or an authorization letter on company letterhead.
This authorization letter is critical and must match the identification of the employee or agent acting on behalf of the business. To ensure validity, the authorization must be signed by an individual other than the agent who is signing the application. This verifies the agent’s authority to act for the business in the vehicle titling process.
Vehicle Titled in the Name of a Trust
Titling a vehicle under a trust requires documentation to verify the trustee’s authority. The current identification of the trustee making the application is necessary. Furthermore, to officially identify the authorized trustee(s) who can sign the title application, one of the following documents must be presented:
- Affidavit of Trust: A sworn statement confirming the existence of the trust and the trustee’s role.
- Statement of Fact for a Trust: A factual declaration outlining key details of the trust agreement and trustee.
- Original or Certified Copy of the Trust Agreement: The complete legal document establishing the trust and outlining trustee powers.
Providing one of these documents alongside the trustee’s identification ensures the legal transfer of the vehicle title into the trust.
Vehicle Titling with a Power of Attorney
If a Power of Attorney (POA) is used to sign the title application, additional documentation is needed to validate the attorney-in-fact’s authority. Besides the standard requirements, you must provide:
- Current Identification of the Attorney-in-Fact: This ID must match the person or employee named as the power of attorney.
- Acceptable Current Identification of the Owner(s) or Lienholder: Identification of the vehicle’s legal owner or lienholder is still required.
- Business Card or Authorization Letter (if POA is a Business): If the power of attorney is granted to a business entity, an original business card or an authorization letter on the entity’s letterhead is necessary. This letter should match the identification of the employee acting as the attorney-in-fact.
NOTE: Businesses acting as power of attorney must also supply a letter of signature authority on original letterhead, a business card, or a copy of an employee ID to confirm the signatory’s authorization.
Need More Help?
Navigating vehicle titling in special circumstances can be intricate. If you have further questions regarding specific title situations, please contact us at (888) 368-4689 or (512) 465-3000 for clarification and guidance.
