If you need to handle a vehicle transaction for someone else—like selling a car for a relative or renewing registration for a deployed spouse—you cannot just sign their name. That is fraud.
To do this legally in Florida, you need a Vehicle Power of Attorney.
However, Florida uses two different forms. Choosing the wrong one will get your paperwork rejected immediately.
- Form HSMV 82053: The standard form you can print at home.
- Form HSMV 82995: A “Secure” form you must get from the tax office.
This guide explains which form you need, the signing rules, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Which Form Do You Need? (The “Secure Form” Warning)
Before you print anything, verify your scenario. Using the wrong form is the #1 reason for rejection at the counter.
| If you are… | Use This Form | Downloadable? |
| Selling/Transferring a Car (Paper title is in hand) | HSMV 82053 | YES |
| Renewing Registration (Owner is absent) | HSMV 82053 | YES |
| Applying for Duplicate Title (Title is lost) | HSMV 82053 | YES |
| Selling a Car with LOST Title (Blind Transfer) | HSMV 82995 | NO (Office Only) |
| Title Held by Bank (Electronic Title) | HSMV 82995 | NO (Office Only) |
The “Secure Form” Warning: Form HSMV 82995 is printed on special security paper. You cannot download it. If your title is lost or held by a lienholder, you must visit a Florida DMV appointment location (Tax Collector) to obtain this form in person.
How to Fill Out & Notarize Form 82053
For 90% of standard transactions, this is the form you need.
Step 1: Download the Form Get the official Form HSMV 82053.
Step 2: Appoint Your Agent Print the full legal name of the person you trust (the “Attorney-in-fact”). They must bring their own valid photo ID when they visit the office.
Step 3: Vehicle Details Enter the Year, Make, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
- Critical: Triple-check the VIN. If you get one digit wrong, the form is void.
Step 4: The Signing (Notary Required)
- Do NOT sign at home. You must sign in front of a Notary Public.
- No Witnesses Needed: Unlike a general estate planning POA, this specific DMV form does not require witness signatures—only the Notary seal.
Co-Owner Rules: “AND” vs. “OR” Signatures
If the vehicle title has two names, the wording determines who must sign.
- Joined by “OR” (e.g., John Doe OR Jane Doe):
- Rule: Only ONE owner needs to sign the Power of Attorney.
- Joined by “AND” (e.g., John Doe AND Jane Doe):
- Rule: BOTH owners must sign the Power of Attorney. You cannot sell or transfer the vehicle without the legal permission of both parties.
Common Uses: Selling Cars & Military Deployments
- Selling a Car from Out of State: If you moved away but left a car in Florida, you can mail a notarized Form 82053 to a friend. They can then take the title and form to the Tax Collector to complete the sale for you.
- Military Deployments: Active duty members can grant POA to a spouse or parent. This allows the agent to handle tasks like requesting a copy of a Florida vehicle registration while the owner is overseas.
- Title Corrections: If there is an error on your title, an agent can use this form to file for a corrected title on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only if the document specifically grants authority for “Motor Vehicle Transactions.” However, Tax Collector clerks prefer the official HSMV 82053 because it is standardized and leaves less room for error.
Yes. Form 82053 applies to Motor Vehicles, Mobile Homes, and Vessels (Boats).
No. Power of Attorney ceases the moment the owner dies. You cannot use it to sell a deceased person’s car; you must follow the specific estate/inheritance procedures instead.
It does not have an automatic expiration date unless you write one on the form. It remains valid until the transaction is complete or you revoke it.
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