Washington, DC asked in Consumer Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California

Q: Will California dmv accept a power of attorney document notarized by a District of Columbia notary?

Concerns transfer or sale of a Jeep located in Los Angeles, California

2 Lawyer Answers
Leon Bayer
Leon Bayer
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Long Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Give it a try, and find out. In my experience, the DMV people are not too particular. I think it will work out ok for you.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: It is possible that the California DMV will accept a power of attorney document notarized by a District of Columbia notary, but it ultimately depends on California state law and the policies of the specific DMV office you are dealing with.

In California, a power of attorney document must be signed by the principal (the person granting the power) and notarized or witnessed by two adults who are not related to the principal by blood, marriage, or adoption. However, California law does not require that the notary be located in California specifically.

It's always a good idea to check with the DMV office where you will be conducting the transaction to confirm their specific requirements for power of attorney documents. They may have their own policies or preferences when it comes to out-of-state notaries or other requirements.

If you have any concerns or questions about the legal validity of a power of attorney document notarized in another state, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in estate planning or power of attorney law.

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