As a California business and estate planning attorney with over 12 years of experience drafting vehicle-related documents, I’ve helped hundreds of clients complete the California DMV Power of Attorney (Form REG 260) correctly the first time. Whether you're selling a car while out of state, registering a vehicle for a family member, or handling title transfers for an elderly parent, the official CA DMV REG 260 is the only power of attorney form the California Department of Motor Vehicles accepts for vehicle and vessel transactions.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you a free, downloadable, fillable REG 260 template, explain every section line-by-line, highlight the most common rejection mistakes I see at DMV counters, and show you exactly how to avoid them.
Download your free 2025 California DMV Power of Attorney (REG 260) PDF here: Official CA DMV REG 260 (Fillable PDF) or use my annotated version with built-in instructions: Free Annotated REG 260 Template (2025)
The Power of Attorney California DMV Form REG 260 is a limited, vehicle-specific statutory power of attorney authorized under California Vehicle Code §§ 1808.4 and 34640. It allows you (the principal/owner) to appoint an agent (attorney-in-fact) to act on your behalf for nearly all DMV transactions involving a specific vehicle or vessel.
According to the official DMV website: “A power of attorney (POA) declaration authorizes another person to apply for and receive a certificate of title, registration card, license plates, or other DMV documents on your behalf.” (Source: DMV.ca.gov – Power of Attorney)
Common situations where my clients use the CA DMV Power of Attorney form:
| Feature | REG 260 (DMV-Specific) | General Durable POA |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted by California DMV | Always | Rarely (most locations reject) |
| Can sign for title transfer | Yes | Usually no |
| Can apply for duplicate title | Yes | No |
| Revocation process | Simple (REG 260 can be revoked by new form) | Complex |
This is the #1 reason REG 260 forms get rejected. Fill in every field that applies:
Use your name exactly as it appears on the current California title or registration. Include middle initial if shown.
You may appoint up to two agents. They can act jointly or independently – the form defaults to independently unless you check the joint box.
The pre-printed language already grants broad DMV authority. Do Do not cross out or modify this section – doing so voids the form.
Critical rules from my experience:
The California DMV updated REG 260 in January 2025 with these changes:
In my practice, I see these errors weekly:
To revoke a REG 260:
The DMV automatically revokes any prior POA when a new REG 260 is submitted for the same vehicle.
Only if you are the registered owner (lessee). Lessor POAs require different forms.
No – out-of-state agents are fine.
Yes, including those requiring weight certificates.
No – REG 260 is a statutory form and does not require notarization.
Official Version: Download REG 260 from DMV.ca.gov
My Annotated Fillable Template (Recommended): Download Free REG 260 with Instructions & Examples (PDF
The California DMV Power of Attorney Form REG 260 is a simple but powerful tool when used correctly. By downloading the official or annotated template above and following the guidance in this article, you can avoid the delays and frustration I see every week from improperly completed forms.
Disclaimer: This article and template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws and forms change. Always verify the latest version at DMV.ca.gov and consult a licensed California attorney or qualified professional for your specific situation.
Have questions about your specific vehicle transaction? Feel free to leave a comment below – I answer most within 24 hours.