Tennessee Vehicle Power of Attorney Overview
A Tennessee vehicle power of attorney authorizes an agent to handle motor vehicle transactions at the Tennessee DMV on behalf of the vehicle owner. This includes title transfers, vehicle registration, buying or selling vehicles, and obtaining duplicate titles.
Tennessee does not require a DMV-specific form. A properly notarized general vehicle POA is accepted at Tennessee DMV offices.
The Tennessee vehicle POA must be notarized and should identify the specific vehicle by VIN. It is commonly used by military members deployed from Tennessee, elderly residents who cannot visit the DMV, out-of-state vehicle owners, and family members helping with vehicle transactions.
No DMV-specific form
DMV form
Required
Notarization
Until revoked
Valid duration
Title transfer, registrat...
Transactions
Tennessee DMV Requirements
- DMV Form: No DMV-specific form
- Notarization: Required for Tennessee DMV acceptance
- Vehicle ID: VIN, year, make, model, color, and plate number
- Transactions: Title transfer, registration
- Duration: Until revoked
- Agent ID: The agent must present valid photo ID at the Tennessee DMV
How to Create a Tennessee Vehicle POA
Enter Owner and Agent Information
Full legal names and addresses of the vehicle owner and the authorized agent.
Identify the Vehicle
Enter the VIN, year, make, model, color, and current Tennessee license plate number.
Specify Authorized Transactions
List exactly which DMV transactions the agent can perform: Title transfer, registration.
Sign and Notarize
The vehicle owner must sign before a notary public. The agent takes the notarized POA, along with their photo ID and any required DMV documents, to the Tennessee DMV.
Allowed Transactions at Tennessee DMV
| Transaction | Details |
|---|---|
| Title Transfer | Sign the title and transfer vehicle ownership at the Tennessee DMV |
| Registration | Register a vehicle or renew registration in Tennessee |
| Vehicle Sale | Sell the vehicle, sign title, and complete bill of sale on behalf of owner |
| Vehicle Purchase | Buy a vehicle and register it in the owner's name |
| Duplicate Title | Apply for a replacement title if the original is lost or damaged |
| License Plates | Obtain, renew, or transfer Tennessee license plates |
Tennessee Vehicle POA FAQ
Answers to common questions about Tennessee vehicle powers of attorney and DMV transactions.
Official Tennessee Resources
Use these official resources for your Tennessee vehicle power of attorney.
Tennessee DMV
Official Tennessee motor vehicle division
USA.gov — Motor Vehicle Services
Federal motor vehicle information and resources
NHTSA — Odometer Requirements
Federal odometer disclosure requirements for vehicle sales
Military OneSource — Legal Assistance
Free legal help for military families including vehicle POA
Other Tennessee Power of Attorney Types
Need a different type of power of attorney for Tennessee?
Tennessee General POA
Broad authority for financial and legal matters
Tennessee Durable POA
Remains valid if you become incapacitated
Tennessee Medical POA
Healthcare decisions and HIPAA authorization
Tennessee Financial POA
Banking, investments, and financial management
Tennessee Limited POA
Specific transactions or time-limited authority
Tennessee Springing POA
Activates upon a specific event or condition
Tennessee Minor Child POA
Temporary guardianship for children
Tennessee Real Estate POA
Property transactions and management
Create your Tennessee Vehicle Power of Attorney in under 5 minutes.
Answer a few questions and download a Tennessee-compliant document, ready for the state agency.