If you live in Alabama and need someone else to handle Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) tasks for you – such as titling a car, registering a vehicle, transferring a title, or applying for a duplicate title – the Alabama motor vehicle power of attorney (often called the MVT 5-13 form) is the exact document the state requires. In my 12 years drafting and reviewing powers of attorney for clients across the Southeast, I have prepared hundreds of these forms for individuals who are deployed military, snowbirds, elderly parents, or simply too busy to stand in line at the county licensing office.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the Alabama DMV power of attorney in 2025, walks you through completing the official template correctly, and gives you a free, up-to-date downloadable PDF and Word version at the end.
An Alabama motor vehicle power of attorney is a limited, vehicle-specific POA authorized under Alabama Code § 32-8-1 et seq. (Uniform Certificate of Title and Antitheft Act). It allows you (the principal/owner) to appoint an agent (attorney-in-fact) to sign documents and represent you before the Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division for one specific vehicle or for all vehicles you own.
Unlike a general durable power of attorney, the MVT 5-13 only grants authority over motor vehicle transactions – nothing else (banking, real estate, medical, etc.). This narrow scope is exactly what the state wants to see when your agent shows up at the probate judge or license commissioner’s office.
In my experience, the most common situations that require this form are:
The Alabama Department of Revenue publishes the official motor vehicle power of attorney as Form MVT 5-13. You can download the current version directly from the state here: https://revenue.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/MVT5-13.pdf (Source: Alabama Department of Revenue, accessed November 2025).
Many county websites still host outdated versions, so always use the link above or the free template I provide below to ensure acceptance.
Follow these exact steps I give every client to avoid rejection at the licensing office:
There is no expiration date printed on the form. It remains valid until:
Click below for my professionally drafted, county-accepted template that mirrors the official MVT 5-13 exactly but is fillable and includes helpful instructions on page 2:
Download Alabama Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney – PDF (Free)
Download Alabama Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney – Word .docx (Free)
After reviewing thousands of rejected submissions, here are the top errors I see:
| Mistake | How to Fix It |
|---|---|
| Using an old version of the form | Always download from revenue.alabama.gov or the link above |
| Leaving the VIN blank or writing “all vehicles” | Alabama requires a specific VIN for each POA (one vehicle per form) |
| Typing the signature or using electronic signature | Wet-ink original signature required |
| Agent trying to sign the bill of sale as both buyer and seller | Not allowed – separate POAs needed or principal must sign |
| Photocopying a signed POA for multiple transactions | Many counties now require the original |
Statewide, no – but approximately 12 counties still request it. Notarize to be safe.
Yes, but each agent needs their own separate MVT 5-13 for the same vehicle.
Yes, that is the primary purpose.
No – those fall under different departments and forms.
Usually not. Each state has its own form.
The Alabama motor vehicle power of attorney is one of the simplest yet most useful documents in the state. When completed correctly, it saves hours of driving and waiting in line. Download the free 2025 template above, fill it out following my instructions, and your agent will be able to handle any DMV transaction as smoothly as if you were there yourself.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws and county requirements can change. Always consult a licensed Alabama attorney or your local probate judge/licensing office for your specific situation.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below – I personally answer every one.