The Illinois motor vehicle power of attorney (Form RT-5) allows a vehicle owner to designate an agent to manage vehicle-related matters such as title and registration with the Illinois Secretary of State. Certain steps must be followed during its execution to ensure the filled POA template is legally binding and recognized by state authorities.
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Before signing the document, the principal (vehicle owner) must complete all required fields on Form RT-5. These fields include:
Each section must be completed fully to avoid processing delays or legal issues. The principal can revoke the Illinois power of attorney at any time. This revocation must be documented in writing and filed with the same offices where the original Form RT-5 was submitted. Informing the agent in writing about this change is also recommended to prevent any future misunderstandings.
The Illinois Compiled Statutes provide guidelines on how an agent can handle the principal’s tangible personal assets under a power of attorney. This includes buying, selling, maintaining, and managing personal property like vehicles, furniture, and other physical items (755 ILCS 45/3-4(d)). The statute ensures that an agent acts within their given authority and in the principal’s best interests.
| Document Name | Illinois Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney Form |
| State Form Name | Form RT-5 |
| Relevant Link | Illinois Secretary of State – Vehicle Services |
| Avg. Time to Fill Out | 10 minutes |
| # of Fillable Fields | 14 |
| Available Formats | Adobe PDF |
Illinois Form RT-5 grants authority to an agent (attorney-in-fact) to sign documents and handle transactions related to vehicle title, registration, or transfer of interest on behalf of the principal (vehicle owner). Here’s how to complete this form step by step:
1. Enter Principal’s Information
Start by writing the full legal name of the principal (the vehicle owner) and their complete address in the designated spaces at the top of the form. Ensure that the address matches the official documents to avoid discrepancies.
2. Appoint Your Attorney-in-Fact
In the next section, provide the full legal name and address of the person you appoint as your attorney-in-fact. This individual will have the authority to act on your behalf regarding your vehicle.
3. Describe the Vehicle
Fill in the vehicle details, including make, model year, model, body type, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Accurate and complete information in this section is essential for properly identifying and handling vehicle-related tasks.
4. Additional Vehicle Transaction Details
If applicable, complete the sections regarding the purchaser’s name, address, and the date of sale. This information is necessary if the power of attorney is used specifically for transferring the vehicle to a new owner.
5. Sign and Date the Form
The principal must sign the form in the presence of a notary public. Ensure that the date of signing is entered correctly, as this marks the commencement of the power granted to the attorney-in-fact.
6. Submission
Once completed and notarized, submit the form to the appropriate office as the Illinois Secretary of State specified. It’s advisable to make a copy of the notarized form for your records before submission.
