Introduction

Selling a car on someone else’s behalf? You’ll need a Power of Attorney (POA) to do it legally. Whether you’re handling a sale for a family member, friend, or business, understanding how to get a power of attorney to sell a car is crucial. Many people assume that a simple verbal agreement is enough, but without the proper legal documentation, the sale may be invalid.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know from the different types of power of attorney, the steps to obtain one, and legal considerations specific to the UAE. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to handle a car sale smoothly and legally.

What is a Power of Attorney (POA)?

A Power of Attorney is a legal paper that lets someone (the owner) give permission to another person (the agent) to handle important tasks for them, like selling a car. This means the agent can sign documents and complete the sale on the owner’s behalf.

Types of POA for Selling a Car

• General Power of Attorney – Grants broad legal authority, including selling multiple assets.
• Specific Power of Attorney – Limits authority to a single transaction, such as selling a specific car.
• Durable Power of Attorney – Remains valid even if the grantor becomes incapacitated.
• Non-Durable Power of Attorney – Becomes void if the grantor is incapacitated.

For car sales, a specific POA is the most commonly used, ensuring the authority is limited only to the sale of the vehicle.

How to Get a Power of Attorney to Sell a Car

Follow these steps to legally obtain and use a POA for selling a car:

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of POA

Determine whether you need a specific or general POA depending on the nature of the sale.

Step 2: Draft the Power of Attorney Document

A POA document must include:

• The full name and ID details of both the grantor and the agent.
• The vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN number, and registration details).
• A clear statement specifying the agent’s power (e.g., “to sell the vehicle on behalf of the grantor”).

Step 3: Notarize the Document

In the UAE, a POA must be notarized at an official Notary Public Office or via online government portals like the UAE Ministry of Justice e-notary system.

Step 4: Legal Translation (If Required)

If the POA is in a language other than Arabic, it must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator before notarization.

Step 5: Submit the POA for Approval

Once notarized, the POA may need to be registered with relevant authorities, such as the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) or the Dubai Courts (if applicable).

Step 6: Use the POA to Sell the Car

• Visit the RTA or any authorized vehicle transfer center.
• Present the POA, along with the car registration, Emirates ID, and any required fees.
• Complete the ownership transfer process.

Key Considerations When Using a POA for Car Sales

1. Can a Power of Attorney Be Revoked?

Yes. The grantor can revoke the POA anytime by filing a cancellation request at the notary office.

2. Does a POA Expire?

Yes, unless stated otherwise, most POAs have an expiration date (usually 1-2 years in the UAE).

3. Can a POA Be Used for Multiple Car Sales?

Only if it’s a general POA. A specific POA applies to one car only.

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to get a power of attorney in the UAE?
A: Typically, it can be completed in 1-2 business days, depending on the notary and translation requirements.

Q2: Can I get a POA online in the UAE?
A: Yes, through government portals such as the UAE Ministry of Justice e-notary service.

Q3: How much does it cost to get a power of attorney in the UAE?
A: Costs range from AED 200 to AED 500, depending on the notary service and translation fees.

Q4: Can I sell a car with an expired POA?
A: No. A valid, notarized POA is required to legally transfer vehicle ownership.

Q5: Is a witness required when signing a POA?
A: Some notaries may require witnesses, but this varies based on jurisdiction.4